Many dog owners ask this question, but not all get the right or fully informed answer. Well, the simple answer is no, but that shouldn’t be enough for you to completely neglect a herb that has so many benefits for humans. There is more to the story which I am about to share with you! Can Dogs Eat Tarragon?
Can Dogs Eat Tarragon? Tarragon Explained
Tarragon is also known by its scientific plant name “Artemisia dracunculus.” It is a never-ending family member of the sunflower species. You can find Tarragon plants around different parts of North America, Eurasia, and other locations. This plant is quite popularly used by the French in various dishes.
While you do taste citrus undertones, the herb is dominated by licorice taste. As a result, it tastes pretty good, especially when used in shellfish, fish, chicken, cream, and butter. You can even have the herb with lemon or literally anything that you may like.
The herb also has certain health benefits for humans. For instance, people who add tarragon to their regular diet can control their blood sugar levels, pain, and inflammation and have a better sleep at night. You might also experience an increase in appetite since tarragon tends to reduce leptin levels.
Therefore, tarragon is beneficial, especially for those who are going through depression or chemo sessions. You can add this herb to your diet to improve your sleep cycle in both cases.
However, while this herb is safe for humans to eat, Can Dogs Eat Tarragon? Let’s see!
Can My Dog Eat Tarragon?
The simple answer to this is no, dogs cannot eat tarragon. This herb is actually toxic for dogs because it contains estragole oil which is not good for them. The oil tends to make dogs sick. Therefore, if you feed your dog tarragon herbs, chances are they will end up suffering from liver damage or even have blood clots.
Tarragon Benefits: For Humans
While tarragon is harmful to dogs, there are certain health benefits for human beings. People who eat tarragon significantly benefit from it since it helps reduce blood sugar levels, pain, and inflammation. More importantly, it positively impacts your heart health, sleep cycle, and appetite.
Moreover, it’s pretty easy to add tarragon to your daily diet since it can be added to various foods. It is equally versatile in both forms, whether you use dried varieties of tarragon or fresh varieties.
The Harm It Brings
Despite having certain benefits for human health, tarragon has its drawbacks and side effects, especially when it comes to dogs. First and foremost, tarragon tends to cause a bleeding disorder where it speeds up blood clotting.
Moreover, tarragon also makes one more prone to bleeding when taken as a medication. Moreover, it tends to harm the liver and can even cause allergic reactions in people and dogs sensitive to the Compositae and Asteraceae family.
How To Handle A Dog Ate Tarragon Situation?
Well, if your dog has eaten tarragon, your first reaction should be to call the vet. While you talk with the vet, make sure to inform them of the amount of tarragon your dog has ingested. Also, tell the vet how much time it has been since the dog has eaten the herb.
Usually, the vet will ask you to bring the dog to the clinic for a quick checkup. They figure out the intensity of the symptoms and offer treatment accordingly.
How To Save Your Dog If It Ate Too Much Of The Herb?
If your dog has eaten too much tarragon, the vet will ask you to leave the dog in the hospital. They will analyze and look after your dog for a day or two to ensure it’s out of danger.
However, there is good news for you. Even if your dog has eaten too much tarragon, it still has a solid chance of making a full recovery. This is highly likely as long as you get the dog treated by the vet soon after they have eaten tarragon. Any delays could pose a serious threat to their lives.
Symptoms To Look For In Dogs Who Ate Tarragon
Well, one way to know whether your dog has eaten tarragon is to see it eat tarragon. In case you have a sly dog who did it behind your back, you can look for the following symptoms to make sure if it has actually eaten tarragon:
If you are able to notice any of the symptoms as mentioned above in your dog, the dog needs help. It is an emergency, and your first instinct should be to call the vet and share all relevant details with them. The vet will guide you further as to what to do.
Should I Be Worried About Losing My Four-legged Buddy To Tarragon?
Well, it is not usual for tarragon to kill your dog. Dogs that eat tarragon do suffer from serious health concerns, especially if they have eaten a great amount. However, proper medical care at the right time can easily put them out of harm’s way.
If you fail to recognize the issue at hand and take it lightly, the tarragon can be fatal for your fluffy friend. As a result, always make sure to keep your dog away from poisonous herbs and take them to the vet for treatment immediately if they eat anything that can harm them.
To Conclude – Can Dogs Eat Tarragon?
Can Dogs Eat Tarragon? While tarragon has benefits for you, you shouldn’t make it a part of your four-legged buddy’s diet. It does more harm to a dog’s health than it does good to a human’s health.
There is no reason for you to even try feeding your dog tarragon because it is simply not it for them. Avoid it at all costs and seek immediate professional help if the dog has eaten it, no matter what amount.
