Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. Available throughout the year and are commonly used as a spice.
Many dog owners ask can dogs eat cloves? Which is a very good question, because there is some serious things you should know!
Well.. Yes, dogs can eat cloves, BUT only in very small doses (especially the clove oil), cause there is a very fine line between a therapeutic dose and a toxic one which can be very harmful to your dog! Some dog breeds seem to be more sensitive than others!
If you are using cloves for bad dog breath, jump to the “Cloves uses, side effects and some tips” Section, there are some things you need to know!
e.g For people, cloves in overdoses can cause them vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and more.. Severe cases can lead to changes in liver function, hallucination, dyspnea, and even death (5–10 ml of Eugenol has been reported as being a near fatal dose for a 2 years child); Eugenol composes up to 90% of the extracted oil from cloves.
Cloves uses, side effects and some tips:
There is something of a current fad at present for giving dogs essential oils which includes clove oil. Some people also use clove oil to reduce bad breath in pets’ mouth and make it smell fresh and good, or to fight worms and intestinal parasites. And this is a bad idea as the effect on the kidneys and liver can be permanent or even fatal, and the only benefits come to those who sell cloves oil.
If you are using it for bad breath, consider giving your dog catnip (commonly known as catswort and catmint) by adding it to your dog’s food with Just a sprinkle each meal. Catnip is derived from the mint family and is safe for dogs and contains minerals such as magnesium, flavonoids and vitamins E and C. Dogs love catnip!
Also the Dental Chews are another great option to keep your dog’s mouth clean, to freshen bad breath and to reduce plaque and tartar as the toothbrush can do (they are made exactly for this). Just be careful when choosing dental chews, as many of them contain suspicious elements, or extra calories. We recommend you the Blue Buffalo Dental Chews you can check it on amazon here.
If using it for worms and intestinal parasites, it’s better to test for the specific worm and treat appropriately. The treatment is not nearly as harsh as the parasite nor the side effects of spices and oils. Working is usually a one time dose with medication versus the long term use of oils.
What about garlic?
Garlic and especially garlic oil (cause it’s concentrated) are more toxic than cloves and can be very toxic and harmful to both dogs and cats. And we do not recommend to give them to your dog, even in small doses!
Garlic are members of the allium family which include onions, leeks and chives as well, they contain thiosulfate, which is toxic to dogs but not to us humans. (also Garlic is considered 5 times more toxic than onions for cats and dogs).
Finally, anything which has a medicinal effect can have a toxic effect, so if you are going to make your dog ingest something which isn’t dog food, consider to visit or call your veterinarian first and ask their opinion on these natural remedies.
See also: Can I give my dog yogurt everyday?