Do you have eucalyptus leaves in your yard or home? Then you’ll want to read this, as the entire plant or products made from the plant can be dangerous to your dog.
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Eucalyptus Leaves
Eucalyptus plants are very popular to have in the yard or inside as a house plant. The plant originates from Australia and has been used for all types of medicinal products. These products are usually used to soothe a cold, cough, and congestion. The oil from the eucalyptus can also be used as an antiseptic, perfume, in cosmetics and personal care products, as a flavoring, and more.
There are over 400 different species of eucalyptus; however, Eucalyptus glogulus is most often used to create eucalyptus oil.
Eucalyptus is used in a wide variety of personal care products, products use to ease cough and congestion (such as Vicks Vaporub), and more.
Eucalyptus & Dogs
Eucalyptus is toxic to dogs. In fact, any part of the plant is toxic, which includes the leaves. And ingestion of the oil is also toxic.
Eucalyptus causes problems with the digestive tract but can also cause neurological problems.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Eucalyptus Poisoning in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten any part of the eucalyptus plant, eucalyptus oil, or a product that contains eucalyptus:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Dilated eyes
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Low blood pressure
- Pawing at moth
- Muscle weakness
- Rapid or shallow breathing
- Rapid or weakened heart rate
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
- Slowed reflexes
If you know for sure or suspect that your dog has eaten any part of the eucalyptus plant or a product containing eucalyptus, then call the vet immediately. This could be a medical emergency.
Treatment of Eucalyptus Toxicity in Dogs
Note: do not induce vomiting unless your vet says you should do this.
When you reach the vet, they will perform a physical exam of your dog. They may also do some lab work. If your dog has oil on his skin, the vet will wash this off to keep your fur baby from developing a skin reaction.
Next, the vet may choose to treat your dog with activated charcoal, which keeps the toxin from being absorbed in your fur baby’s digestive tract. The vet may also use gastric lavage to remove the leaves or products that contain eucalyptus from your dog’s stomach. Your dog may also need a laxative or stimulants to remove the remainder of the eucalyptus from your dog’s system.
Your dog may also need an IV for fluids to treat dehydration and other symptoms if they arise. Other medications your fur baby may need include antihistamines and pain medication.
In most cases, your dog should have a full recovery, especially if he receives prompt medical treatment.
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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