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Some plants and trees drop their leaves all over the ground, especially in the fall. This is a time of year that’s popular for taking your dog out on long walks. The weather is usually beautiful, with fall colors all around. As you walk along, all of a sudden, your dog eats a leaf! Now what? Will the leaf make your dog sick?
Has your dog eaten a leaf? Are you worried the leaf will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about leaves and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
Can Dogs Eat Leaves?
The good news is that if your dog only eats a leaf or two, he should be OK. Most leaves will not harm your fur baby if eaten in small amounts. However, it’s always a good idea to pay attention to what your dog eats, including the kind of leaf he’s ingested. Certain leaves from trees or plants could make a dog sick.
Why Do Dogs Eat Leaves?
Dogs sometimes eat grass or leaves as a way to treat their nausea. The grass or leaves seem to make the dog vomit, helping to rid his body of whatever made him sick.
In other cases, dogs that eat leaves may not be receiving enough nutrients from their food. They may also not be getting enough dog food to keep them full.
Another common problem that may cause a dog to eat leaves is pica. Pica is a behavioral condition that causes dogs (and other mammals) to eat non-food items. Non-food items may include leaves, socks, rocks, dirt, branches, keys, and so much more.
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Ask a Vet Live NowDangers of a Dog Eating Leaves
The main danger of eating leaves is that some plants are toxic to dogs. For instance, leaves from chrysanthemums are toxic to dogs and may cause stomach upset, excessive drooling, and more. Autumn crocuses (different from the spring variety) may cause gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as kidney and liver failure. Japanese Yews can cause tremors and seizures and can even cause death.
So, it is a good idea to pay attention to the plants and trees in your neighborhood and around your home. What’s more, keep your dog away from leaves in areas where pesticides or other chemicals have been used. These can make a dog very sick if ingested.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Leaves & Gets Sick
If your dog has eaten leaves and gets sick, it’s a good idea to call the vet. See if you can determine what kind of leaf your dog has eaten. If that’s possible, the information could help the vet.
When you go out for a walk, make sure to keep your dog on a leash and try to keep him from eating anything. We always say prevention is always the best medicine!
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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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