When dogs see their pet parents using different products, such as arnica cream, they may think we’re eating it! Yuck! But your fur baby doesn’t know for sure whether you’re eating it or not. He may become curious and think he’s missing out on yummy snack and eat some of the cream. But can arnica cream make a dog sick?
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Has your dog eaten arnica cream? Are you worried the arnica cream 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 arnica cream and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Arnica Cream?
Arnica cream is a cream made from the arnica montana plant. The plant is an herb sometimes used in cooking; however, arnica also has medicinal properties. Arnica montana is a flowering plant that is tall and has flowers that are yellow—they look similar to daisies or sunflowers. The plants are native to parts of Europe and can grow in elevations as high as 9,800 ft!
Arnica flowers are sometimes grown commercially to produce different products, including tablets, gel, and cream. Arnica cream may be used to reduce inflammation, swelling, bruising, bleeding, arthritis, and other health issues.
If ingested in large amounts, arnica cream can be toxic.
While arnica cream is safe for humans (when used as directed), what about dogs? Can arnica cream make a dog sick?
Arnica Cream & Dogs
Unfortunately, arnica cream can be toxic to dogs. The cream contains a more concentrated amount of arnica than some other arnica products.

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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Arnica Cream Toxicity in Dogs
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Stomach pain
- Collapse
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Arnica Cream Ingestion in Dogs
The vet may induce vomiting and use activated charcoal to remove the toxins from your dog’s system. They may also give your fur baby an IV with fluids and to administer medications. The vet will also treat other symptoms as they arise.
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt medical treatment after eating arnica cream. In the future, it’s best to keep arnica cream and other medications out of your dog’s reach. And keep your fur baby from eating arnica that may be in the yard or that you may find on walks. You’ll both be happier for it!
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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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