Has your dog eaten some castor oil? Are you worried the castor oil will make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
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In this article, we’ll take a look at what castor oil is and whether or not it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a vegetable oil that’s made from pressed castor beans. Castor oil may be colorless or slightly yellow, and it has a very distinct taste and smell. Castor oil is used in the manufacturing of lubricants, hydraulic and brake fluids, paints, dyes, soaps, inks, coatings, waxes, and more. It’s also used in some pharmaceuticals and perfumes.
The oil is also commonly used as food additives, flavorings, candy, mold inhibitors, and packaging. Castor oil is used in traditional medicine as a laxative. This is probably the use most of us know about!
The FDA has determined that castor oil is safe when used correctly for humans. But is castor oil safe for dogs?
Castor Oil & Dogs
Castor oil contains high levels of ricinoleic acid, which has a laxative effect when absorbed by the small intestine. Too much castor oil can result in vomiting and diarrhea.
So, it’s safe to say that if your dog has only a lick of castor oil, he should be OK. In some dogs with sensitive digestive tracts, it’s possible even a lick of the oil could have a laxative effect. However, most dogs should be OK.
On the other hand, if your dog has a larger amount of castor oil, then you may want to call the vet. The problem is your dog could develop diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration.
So, if your dog has had enough castor oil to cause diarrhea, it’s a good idea to call the vet. They will have the best advice on what needs to be done for your dog. Some vets may take a wait-and-see attitude if the dog’s symptoms are not severe. However, if your dog has been vomiting and having diarrhea for over 24 hours, then the vet will probably ask to see your dog. The problem here is that prolonged digestive issues could lead to dehydration.
The good news is that dogs who receive prompt treatment for diarrhea and vomiting will make a full recovery. Just be sure to get your dog to the vet if these symptoms last longer than 24 hours.
In the future, to prevent this type of problem, it’s best to keep castor oil where your dog can’t reach it. We’re pretty sure you’ll both be much happier not to deal with yucky digestive issues!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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