Dogs often have a way of charming their way to eating their humans’ table food. While many of us find them irresistible and often give in, feeding them scraps of our own food, it’s important to know if the food you’re eating is also safe for dogs to eat.
Bay leaves are an ingredient in many recipes, and you may wonder if they are safe to feed your dog. Unfortunately, no, you cannot give dogs bay leaves. Bay leaves are toxic for dogs and cannot be ingested by them safely.
Below, we’ll discuss what makes bay leaves dangerous for dogs, and what to do if they accidentally eat them!
Bay leaf plants, scientifically known as Laurus nobilis, are a common culinary herb used around the world. However, pet owners may be concerned about the safety of having a bay leaf plant around dogs, cats, and other household pets. This comprehensive guide will provide pet owners with everything they need to know to keep their furry friends safe around bay leaf plants.
Bay leaf plants are an aromatic herb that originates from the Mediterranean region. The leaves are used dried or fresh to flavor soups, stews, meats, sauces, and other dishes in both Mediterranean and Indian cuisine. Bay leaves have a pungent, somewhat bitter taste that enhances the flavor of savory dishes.
The bay leaf plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10-20 feet tall It has elongated, elliptical green leaves and small yellow flowers which produce oval purple-black berries The leaves are harvested and dried to be used in cooking.
Are Bay Leaf Plants Toxic to Pets?
The good news is that bay leaf plants are generally not toxic to dogs and cats The ASPCA lists bay leaf plants as non-toxic to household pets
However, there are some precautions pet owners should take:
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Ingesting large quantities of the leaves may cause gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea.
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The essential oils in the leaves may irritate the skin, eyes, or mouth.
So while not toxic, bay leaf plants can cause irritation if pets ingest a lot of the leaves or rub against the plant. It’s best to take some simple precautions.
Keeping Pets Safe Around Bay Leaf Plants
While bay leaf itself is not toxic, here are some tips to keep your furry friends safe:
Keep the Plant Out of Reach
Cats and dogs are naturally curious and may try nibbling on or ingesting parts of an accessible plant. The simplest solution is to keep your bay leaf plant somewhere your pets can’t access it. Place it on a high shelf or windowsill they can’t reach. Keep it in a room pets don’t go in, like a closed pantry.
Monitor Your Pet Around the Plant
Even if you keep it out of reach, monitor your pet any time they are around the bay leaf plant. Make sure they are not jumping up trying to get at it. Watch for signs they may have ingested some leaves, like drooling or vomiting.
Redirect Interest Away from the Plant
Use treats, toys, or affection to redirect your pet’s attention away from the plant. For curious kitties, catnip is a great alternative to a potentially irritating plant. Give dogs a puzzle toy stuffed with treats to occupy them.
Use Barriers Around the Plant
Place decorative barriers around your bay leaf plant to discourage curious pets. Use citrus peels, pinecones, rocks, or flexible plastic grid fencing to create a barrier your pet will avoid.
Keep the Plant Well Groomed
Trim back and clean up fallen leaves around the base of the plant before they accumulate. Ingesting dried, fallen leaves poses a bigger risk than fresh leaves attached to the plant.
Consider Pet-Safe Alternatives
If your pet is highly fascinated with the bay leaf plant, consider using pet-safe alternative herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, thyme, rosemary, and oregano for cooking instead.
Contact the Vet Immediately if Ingested
If you see your pet ingest bay leaves or evidence they’ve vomited leaves, contact your veterinarian immediately. Treatment may involve inducing vomiting, providing IV fluids, and monitoring vital signs. Quick action is important if a large amount was consumed.
Signs of Bay Leaf Irritation in Pets
Keep an eye out for these signs your pet may have irritated its mouth or skin from the plant:
- Pawing at the mouth
- Drooling or lip licking
- Swollen tongue
- Reddened skin or rash from contact
- Vomiting/diarrhea if leaves ingested
Discontinue contact and call your vet if irritation is severe or persists longer than 24 hours. Skin irritation can be treated by bathing in a mild soap and water.
What to Do if Your Pet Ingests Bay Leaves
Should your pet manage to ingest bay leaves, here are important steps to take:
- Remain calm so as not to further stress your pet.
- Remove access to any additional leaves.
- Check their mouth for pieces of leaf stuck in cheeks, gums, or teeth and remove.
- Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian, as this can be dangerous.
- Call your vet or an emergency vet clinic immediately for advice and monitoring.
- Bring a sample of the plant if you can to help identify it.
- Follow any first aid recommended by the vet such as giving fluids or medication right away.
- Closely monitor symptoms and vital signs until the vet can see your pet.
With quick action, most pets recover fully when treatment is prompt. The outlook is good if you get veterinary care right away.
Preventative Safety Tips for Pet Owners
Here are some proactive things pet owners can do to make their homes safer when keeping plants like bay leaf:
- Research any plants you bring into your home to ensure they are pet safe.
- Keep all houseplants out of reach of pets as many common plants can be toxic. Elevate or use hangers.
- Use pet repellents like citrus smells or safe organic sprays made for deterring pets.
- Keep plants in rooms pets don’t access such as a pantry or closet.
- Use hanging planters or wall mounts for plants when possible.
- Avoid planting toxic plants like lilies in outdoor areas pets frequent.
- Keep houseplants well tended and groom away dead leaves.
- Ensure your pets are well supervised when around any plants.
- Train pets using positive reinforcement not to disturb your plants.
- Keep an eye out for signs of plant chewing like grassy vomit or evidence of dug up soil.
- Know the closest emergency vet clinic number in case of any ingestion.
- Keep the ASPCA’s pet poison control hotline handy: (888) 426-4435.
With proper supervision and common-sense precautions, pet owners can safely keep bay leaf plants in their home. Follow these tips to identify risks and protect the health of your furry friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bay leaves in cooking if I have pets?
Yes, it is safe to use bay leaves in cooking. Just be sure to store them properly out of your pet’s reach. Avoid letting pets ingest dishes with bay leaf remnants.
Are bay leaf plants toxic to pet birds?
Bay leaf is also considered non-toxic for pet birds. The essential oils may cause temporary irritation to the mouth, skin, or eyes. Avoid letting pet birds land on or chew the plant.
How much bay leaf is dangerous to dogs or cats?
Moderate ingestion may cause vomiting or diarrhea. Large ingestion of leaves or berries can potentially cause liver and kidney damage in dogs and cats. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect a large ingestion.
What are some pet-friendly herb alternatives to bay leaf?
Some great pet-friendly herb alternatives include parsley, cilantro, dill, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, and mint. Always check a reputable source before using any herb around pets.
Keeping bay leaf plants safely away from curious paws and mouths is easy with some simple precautions. By supervising your pets, restricting access, and directing attention elsewhere, pet owners can safely grow bay leaf plants whether indoors or outside. With prompt response should an accident occur, the outlook for your pet living in harmony with a bay leaf plant is excellent.
Why Are Bay Leaves Dangerous for Dogs?
The bay leaf is an aromatic leaf commonly used as a seasoning for cooking. It is used in a variety of cuisines around the world, from Indian and Filipino food in Asia to French and Greek cuisines in Europe. Bay leaves are used in soups, brines, meats, seafood, vegetable dishes, and sauces. The leaves are eventually discarded after cooking and are not consumed by humans.
Bay leaves contain various essential oils that are toxic to dogs, including eugenol.1 These essential oils are why they are not safe for dogs. Canines do not have the necessary enzymes in their digestive system that allow them to properly digest them. Ingestion of bay leaves can cause various symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy, which may require prompt medical attention.
Aside from eugenol and the other essential oils in bay leaves, the physical properties of the bay leaves can cause complications for your dog. Since they cannot properly digest the leaf, it can cause blockages in the digestive tract. The sharp edges of the leaf can also cause scratches and abrasions along the digestive tract, leading to internal damage.
What Do I Do If My Dog Ate Bay Leaves?
If you discover that your dog consumed a bay leaf (or leaves), ensure that all other bay leaves are no longer within reach of your dog. Monitor your dog for signs of diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and any other changes in behavior or visible signs of discomfort. The signs may vary depending on different factors, such as age, size, and the amount of bay leaves consumed by your dog.
If your dog consumes only a small piece of bay leaf, chances are you will see little to no signs of discomfort. But if your dog consumed several leaves, they may be at risk of digestive distress. Regardless of the amount, it is always best to consult your veterinarian for recommendations and medical care.
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