17 Herbs & Spices That Are Dangerous for Dogs

We all heard about spices and herbs that are great when added into a dog`s diet. But are there out there any herbs & spices that are dangerous for dogs?

It`s no secret that dogs don`t really need 5-star meals, although lots of owner enjoy catering for their furry friends.

And lots of them have switched to preparing their very own dog food in order to offer a healthier diet from better sources. So, adding a bit of flavor didn`t hurt anyone, right?

But do dogs need spices or herbs to stay healthy? Actually, some of these herbs or spices aren`t safe for our canine friends!

Gradual chances are mandatory when it comes to a dog`s diet. Also, checking with the veterinarian about such changes is also important.

Some dog owners do the mistake of believing that if a herb is “natural,” this will automatically mean it`s safe for their dog.

Just like with any therapeutical substances, specific herbs might lead to various side effects. Other ones might be lethal or toxic to some dogs when not used properly.

The herbs below are considered to be dangerous for dogs, so you should be very careful when using them around your canine friend.

Garlic

Onion plants can harm your little pal more than a simple bad breath. Also known as Allium sativum, garlic is a member from the onion family that is harmful to pets.

Garlic is 5 times more potent than leeks or onions. Some dog breeds, like Japanese breeds, are somehow more sensitive.

High garlic doses might make the red blood cells more likely to break, therefore causing anemia. Other symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or drooling can occur if dogs are exposed to toxic doses.

Symptoms of poisoning with garlic can be non- apparent or delayed for a few days.

In conclusion, although small amounts of this plant might be safe for dogs, high doses can be quite toxic.

READ MORE: What Is the Best Dog Food for Less Poop?

Black Pepper

Small doses of black pepper are completely fine if your dog happens to ingest or smell it. However, you should take into consideration that there`s a very thin line between an amount that is “ok” and too much, especially when talking about our canine friends.

Too much amount of this ingredient can put your little pal`s health in jeopardy, reason for which you should exercise caution when dealing with black pepper in your dog`s diet. That will even mean to wash your hands after interacting with this.

Common signs of too much black pepper may lead to respiratory issues, burning reactions or haemorrhoids.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal, also known as Mentha pulegium, is a specific herb (as well as its essential oil) that considered a very efficient insecticide, which in high doses makes it toxic to pets.

Particularly, it shouldn`t be used in dogs who experience kidney illnesses.

Pennyroyal`s essential oil is very concentrated and shouldn`t be used on pets if dog owners want to keep their pooches`s safe, especially if they`re pregnant.

Onion Powder

Any part of onions is harmful for our pooches in the sense that they are toxic, which include processed powders, juice, flesh or leaves. Even cooked, raw or fried onions are dangerous for our canine friends.

Onion plants contain N-propyl disulfide, an organosulfur compound that is toxic to dogs. This specific compound may lead to red blood cells` rupture, which in turn leads to anemia.

The toxin attaches the oxygen molecules to the red blood cells of your dog, causing oxidative damage to the same red blood cells. This will decrease their ability to transport oxygen and will also trick your canine`s body into considering red blood cells as invaders.

The process of red blood cell destruction is called hemolysis, which then leads to anemia.

Chamomile

Chamaemelum nobile, or chamomile, is perennial plant native of Argentina, Northern U.S. and Europe.

This great herb is frequently used in aromatherapy or teas to calm and sooth nerves. However, this herb is toxic when it comes to dogs.

And although the “ground apple” is considered safe in dog related products, you`ll have to protect your dog from getting in any contact with the plant itself.

Contact your vet if your little pal experiences any of the following symptoms: bleeding tendencies, dermatitis, allergies, anorexia, vomiting or diarrhea.

Yucca

This herb, known as Yucca schidigera, Spanish dagger or Mojave yucca, is a plant that if used over and extended time period or in high doses, it might irritate the intestinal mucosa or stomach lining, leading to bloating or vomiting.

On the other hand, if this herb is used in small doses, it`s considered completely safe. Still, don`t add it to your dog`s diet if she`s pregnant, more than 4 or 5 times a week, or more 1 or 2 months at a time.

Chives

Allium schoenoprasum, or chives as it`s also known, along with garlic, leeks, onions and other plants from the Allium family, can be quite dangerous for dog if they are ingested.

While our canine friends are able to tolerate them in low doses, it would be best if you can keep your dog away from these plants.

Ingesting high doses of chives may lead to abdominal pain, increased respiratory and heart rate, nausea, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, weakness, oral irritation or collapse.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, known as Melaleuca alternifolia as well, is a tree of not more than 7 m long. The undiluted version of this essential oil is quite toxic to dogs or cats.

If your dog has a larger size, you could use this oil, but with care. Diluting it first in almond or olive oil will help. Also, test it on a patch of your dog`s skin first before using it as some dogs might be sensitive to this oil.

Wormwood

Wormwood is a herb native from Northern Africa and Eurasia, but now largely naturalized in the northern U.S. and Canada.

Also known as Artemisia absinthium, herbalists consider it too strong to be added in dogs` diet. Why? Because this plant contains tannins, volatile oils as well as bitter essentials.

If it`s used in high doses, it might irritate the dog`s kidneys and liver, and in extreme situations it might even put the nervous system in jeopardy.

The dilemma comes when this herb is used in small doses as it`s quite efficient when treating dogs to free them of worms.

Since there`s lots of other natural ways of treating pets when it comes to deworming, dog owners should take into consideration using other techniques to free their pets of worms.

Note: Wormwood should only be used under strict vet advice and with proper caution.

READ MORE: 6 Brief Causes Why Your Dog Is Pooping Less or Not at All

Hops

Humulus lupulus as it`s also known, you might have to be careful for hops growing in your backyard with all the home-brewing appearing all the time. This type of plant is a huge climbing vine, so it isn`t really hard to notice.

The effects might be really serious, especially when it comes to dried hops, which is the most toxic version.

You can avoid any problems involving your little friend by keeping any leftovers or home-brewing stuff away from your dog and safely contained.

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale, or common comfrey as it`s widely known, is a flowering herb from the Boraginaceae family. This plant has small amounts of alkaloids in its structure that if taken for longer periods of time or high doses, it may lead to cancer or liver damage.

Since the concentration of alkaloids is 10 times higher in its roots than its leaves, dog owners should avoid using this plant`s roots internally.

On the other hand, the dried leaves of common comfrey have very small amounts of alkaloids, so pet owners can use them instead.

If planning to use this plant`s leaves internally, it should be used in moderation and for short time periods. In addition, common comfrey should be avoided in lactating or pregnant dogs, as well as those who experience liver diseases.

Tarragon

Tarragon, known as Artemisia dracunculus as well, is a plant used with culinary purposes. It aids with digestion, relieves anxiety or stress, has antioxidant benefits and stimulated appetite.

It`s only safe for dogs to consume in very small doses.

Still, you should avoid using tarragon medicinally (e.g. high doses) when it comes to your dear little friend as it might slow blood absorption. Particularly, it shouldn`t be added to dogs` diet if they are pregnant or scheduled for surgery. – Click here!

Neither this herb`s essential oil should be used on your canine friends since it contains one “special” chemical, estragole, a natural organic compound that might lead to liver damage if used on a regular basis. The same essential oil of this plant might obstruct blood coagulation.

Tomatoes

Also known as Solanum lycopersicum, tomato plants are one of the most favourite vegetables of humans. However, be aware! These flowering plants from the nightshade family can lead to some concerning issues in dogs.

If you notice worrying signs in your dog, such as confusion, weakness, inappetence, diarrhea, CNS depression, hypersalivation, slow heart rate, drowsiness or dilate pupils, you should get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.

White Willow

Salix alba, or white willow, is a plant indigenous to central and western Asia as well as Europe. Its name comes from the undersides of its leaves, which have a white tone.

Like aspirin, it contains salicylates, so it might not be a good idea to added to a dog`s diet, especially if he`s following a treatment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder might lead to severe issues for our canine friends, just like chocolate. This ingredient contains a compound very much like caffeine, which is dangerous for the nervous system of your little pal. It might contribute to heart and kidney problems, so you should always avoid it. – Check this out!

Ma Huang

Ma huang is a herb native to northeastern China, Mongolia and Russia. Also known as Ephedra sinica, this Chinese plant is usually prescribed to dogs with respiratory issues or asthma.

However, caution is advised! The usage of this plant might lead to increased blood pressure or irregular heartbeat, also known as heart arrhythmias, in dogs. Some research has also shown that it might lead to idiosyncratic reactions, so use this herb with a lot of care.

Marjoram

Origanum majorana, or more popularly known as marjoram is a herb of the Lamiaceae family that is somewhat sensitive to the cold, and which in some countries from the Middle East is synonymous with oregano.

Marjoram has been a culinary plant, a fabric dye and medicine herb since almost the entire human history. For example, the Greeks used this great flowering vegetable as a topical and ingested drug.

Unfortunately, the level of toxicity for dogs is pretty high, so it might be best to avoid using it around your canine friend. One of the medical issues that your dog may experience from ingesting this plant is gastrointestinal irritants. Signs of toxicity with marjoram include diarrhea or vomiting.

Note: If you think your pooch has ingested such a toxic plant, get in touch with your veterinarian or with the APCC using this phone number: (888) 426-4435.

Overall

Most of the time it`s all about the holistic properties that come from spices and herbs for our canine friends. There are a lot of positives to benefit from when including a herb or a spice into our furry friends` diet.

However, there are also herbs & spices that are dangerous for dogs to say the least. Those are the ones that we as dog owners need to be careful about.