Roses are a summer favorite in many yards and gardens! Don’t you just love the scent of roses floating in the air? And there’s nothing prettier than a vase full of roses in the house. They’re a beautiful addition to any room!
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But what happens if your dog eats rose petals? Are roses toxic for dogs?
What are Roses?
Roses are flowers that come on shrubs. The flowers come in a variety of colors and shapes, and the plants bloom from spring until late fall. Most roses smell like heaven on a warm day; nothing looks or smells as beautiful as a rose.
But what about roses and dogs? Are roses toxic to dogs?
Roses & Dogs
You’ll love this part—roses are not toxic to dogs! Having said that, we will also mention that if your dog happens to eat the flower or part of the plant, he could develop diarrhea and vomiting.
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While the roses themselves are not toxic, some of the chemicals used to improve roses are toxic to dogs. These include disulfoton products, which can be deadly for dogs. Cocoa mulch is another problem, as dogs seem to love chocolate. So, they eat the mulch because it smells like something yummy!
One more problem with roses is that they have very sharp thorns. It is possible for a dog to be scratched by the thorns. And if he tries to eat the plant, you may notice some irritation around his mouth and on his paws. Thorns can also scratch your dog’s eyes.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Injury from Roses in Dogs
If your dog has been injured by the thorns on a rose bush, you may notice these symptoms:
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Inappetence
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
If your dog is showing these symptoms, then it’s a good idea to call the vet. This is not an emergency, but your dog may need some treatment for wounds made by the rose thorns.
Treatment for Injuries Caused by Rose Thorns
If the vet asks you to bring your dog in, they will perform an exam of your dog and check his feet, face, and mouth for injuries. It’s possible a thorn could be stuck in your dog’s mouth or even in his feet. If so, the vet will sedate your dog and then remove the thorn. Your fur baby may need pain meds and antibiotics for his wounds.
The prognosis for dogs with this type of injury is excellent. Dogs who receive treatment will go on to make a full recovery. That’s great news!
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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