It’s common for pet owners like you to want to spoil their pets, which is why you’re likely thinking of foods to add to their diets. Aside from giving them the best dog food available in the market today, you’re probably looking for human foods to feed your furry friends.
Bay leaves are widely used in many households because they can bring more flavor and fragrance to any meal. But should you give some to your dogs? Are bay leaves safe and healthy for your furry friends?
Unfortunately, bay leaves are toxic for dogs because they contain the following:
Essential Oil
Bay leaves contain essential oils that can poison your dogs. When eaten in large quantities, the essential oils found in bay leaves can cause several symptoms to dogs, namely vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal upset. In some cases, these essential oils can also trigger neurotic symptoms, such as disorientation, coma, seizures, and death.
Because of its form, your dogs’ bodies can quickly absorb essential oils, which is why it’s crucial to contact the vet if they do consume too much bay leaves. The sooner you get treatment, the better chances your dogs have in surviving.
Sesquiterpenes
Sesquiterpenes are a chemical found in bay leaves and aren’t safe for your pooches. This chemical can cause extreme vomiting and lack of coordination in your dogs.
Methyleugenol
The methyleugenol chemical found in bay leaves contains an ingredient toxic to dogs: eugenol. Eugenol is often used as an insecticide and an ingredient to add fragrance to detergents, perfumes, and toiletries.
When your dogs eat too much eugenol, they experience symptoms, such as decreased body temperature, hind legs being unable to move properly, and motor dysfunction. In extreme cases, eating large quantities of eugenol can cause death.
Can Dogs Have Parsley?
Similar to bay leaves, parsley can also bring unique flavors to any dish. Fortunately, this herb is safe for dogs as long as you feed them the curly variety. You should also pay attention to the serving sizes as parsley contains furanocoumarin, a compound that can be toxic when eaten in excessive amounts. In smaller servings, parsley is safe for your furry friends.
How About Mint Leaves?
Yes, your dogs can eat fresh mint leaves. Mint leaves are actually healthy for dogs and can refresh your dogs’ breath and treat motion sickness.
Can Dogs Eat Lemongrass?
Unfortunately, no. Lemongrass can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues in dogs. If your dogs accidentally ate lemongrass, it’s best if you take them to the nearest vet ASAP.
Can Dogs Eat Garlic Or Onion Powder?
No, you should never feed your dogs garlic or onion powder. These are toxic to dogs and can cause them to become very ill.
Can Dogs Eat Anise?
Yes, as long as given in moderation and controlled frequencies. The strong scent of the anise can make your dogs more playful and energetic.
Can Dogs Eat Cumin?
No, because cumin is harmful to dogs. When taken in large doses, cumin can cause digestive upset and gas to your dogs.
When Should You Take Your Dogs To The Vet?
If your dogs ate one single bay leaf, there’s no need to take them to the vet. This amount isn’t a cause for concern and will likely not trigger any symptoms or health problems in your four-legged friends. However, if your dogs consumed more than one leaf, that’s another story.
Consuming large quantities of bay leaves can cause vomiting and diarrhea. When left untreated, these can cause dehydration, resulting in reduced energy levels, loss of appetite, and a dry nose. When you notice any of these symptoms, reach out to a vet immediately.
How Can You Use Bay Leaves At Home Without Harming Your Dogs?
Aside from adding flavor and fragrance to your recipes, you can also use bay leaves to deter insects. However, you should be careful about where and how you place the leaves to ensure that your dogs aren’t harmed in any way.
When using bay leaves to deter insects at home, it’s best if you place them inside a thick fabric and then put it in a hard-to-reach area. This will prevent your dogs from shredding and eating the leaves.
How Can You Prevent Your Dogs From Eating Bay Leaves?
Bay leaves are toxic to dogs, which is why you should store these in a place where they can’t reach. For one, you should store bay leaves in an air-tight container and then put them in an overhead cabinet in your kitchen. Some dogs can climb up the counter, so you should look for a higher area to store your bay leaves.
Work With Your Vet
Before giving any herb to your dogs, it’s best to consult a vet first. Making hasty decisions concerning your dogs’ diets can become the reason why they’ll get ill or even die.
Talk to your vet before altering your dogs’ diet to ensure that you’re only giving them foods that are healthy and safe. With your vet’s help, you can have peace of mind knowing that the foods you feed to your dogs contribute to a longer life span!