Is Rosemary Safe for Dogs?
Rosemary is a commonly used herb usually found in many household gardens and pantries around the world. Rosemary can be non-toxic for dogs, it’s very high in iron, vitamin B6, and calcium which are essential for your pooch. If you have rosemary growing in your garden, your pooch might stay clear of it.
This is due to the deterrent nature of the plant, it is used to keep the wildlife like deer and rabbits away with its pungent scent. It’s usually fine to keep in your garden, just keep a close eye on your dog and your rosemary plants.
Is Rosemary bad for dogs?
If your dog is chewing on the plant, you don’t need to be concerned about toxicity, but it can cause stomach upset. If your dog starts to experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or in-appetence after eating rosemary, it’s best to remove the plant or block them from having access to it.
Rosemary for dogs – The benefits
Rosemary’s antioxidant effects can be of some positive benefit when administered in measured amounts. Presumed (but not proven) benefits include:
- Improved digestion
- Immune support
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving skin and hair-coat health
A good diet will certainly provide all of the necessary nutrients your dog requires, but adding small amounts of freshly chopped rosemary to their meals won’t cause any harm. You’ll know you’re giving too much if your dog starts to have any gastrointestinal symptoms.
Is Rosemary Oil Safe for Dogs?
Rosemary essential oil is a super-concentrated version of rosemary, and it’s up in the air whether it’s safe for dogs or not. Anything substance for dogs has the potential to have adverse effects when it’s given in too large of quantities. Rosemary essential oils have been shown to cause seizures in dogs when used in large amounts.
Essential oils should never be administered orally in dogs, and applying them topically on dogs is contraindicated by the majority of the veterinary medicine field. Dogs are far more sensitive to concentrated levels of any herb or medication than people are, and essential oils are human-grade, meaning they’re made for humans, not animals.
While there may be some small (but unsubstantiated) positive effect of rosemary on dogs, administering the essential oil form to your dog could lead to neurological effects including seizures but also muscle tremors, loss of balance, and confusion. Essential oils applied without a carrier oil can also cause severe skin irritation or even burns.
Which Herbs are Good for Dogs to Ingest?
Remember there is a difference in safety and benefit. Just because an herb is safe for dogs doesn’t mean there are any specific health benefits. A shortlist of herbs that are non-toxic to your dog includes:
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Basil
- Parsley
If you’re going to include herbs in your dog’s diet, it’s always best to use fresh herbs first, dried second, and to avoid essential oils and extracts altogether.
