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.
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.
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 plants contain a substance called eucalyptol. This is a chemical in eucalyptus plants that is found in the plant or in products that contain eucalyptus oil. It has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. When eucalyptus is used carefully, it can have many health benefits for humans.
Unfortunately, eucalyptol is also found in other plants, including the following:
- Bay leaves
- Camphor laurel
- Cannabis sativa
- Cherry laurel
- Common sage
- Mugwort
- Rosemary
- Sweet basil
- Tea tree
- Wormwood
The good news is that these plants usually contain only trace amounts of eucalyptol. However, laurel plants, wormwood, and mugwort can contain the same amount of eucalyptol as eucalyptus plants.
If your dog shows any symptoms of being poisoned, it’s best to call the vet immediately, whether your fur baby has eaten some eucalyptus plant or any of the other plants listed above.
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.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Has Eaten Eucalyptus
The first thing you can do is stay calm and get your dog away from the eucalyptus or plant. Look to see if your fur baby has any plant leaves in his mouth. Is he showing any symptoms? Note down the answers to these questions and call the vet immediately.
Give the vet the information you took down. They will probably ask you to bring your dog to their office. Try to take a piece of the plant along, so the vet can identify what your dog has eaten. After the examination, the vet will tell you how they will treat your dog and what to expect for his recovery.
Avoid doing these things if your dog has eaten eucalyptus:
- Do not treat or medicate your dog at home.
- Does your dog have some eucalyptus oil on his coat? It’s best to wash it off with a mild shampoo and warm water. Be sure to rinse his fur and then dry it.
Symptoms 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.
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.
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.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
