Can Dogs Eat Cloves? What Experts Say
Last updated on April 2nd, 2023 at 12:34 am
Reading Time: 6 minutes
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Can Dogs Eat Cloves?
Let’s jump 500 years back, cloves were used to preserve meats and were used as a natural toothbrush. Today, they continue to be used in foods like mustard, pickles, sauerkraut, cookies, cakes, and jams. The list can go on and on. Not all foods that we eat are safe for dogs, as we are built differently than them. But what about cloves? Are they safe for dogs to eat? In this article, we’ll explore more about if dogs can eat cloves and what risks they pose.
Quick Answer:
Cloves are safe for dogs. However, It’s not recommended to give your dogs any type of Cloves whether oil or raw. Cloves contain ingredients that aren’t particularly safe for dogs if he eats too many. If he eats a couple and in moderation, it won’t harm him, but experts suggest avoiding feeding it entirely. To avoid any harm that it might cause if given too much.
That answer might not have been fully clear so continue reading to understand more.
Let’s Dive In!
What Are Cloves?
Cloves are obtained from the dried flower buds of an evergreen tree native to Indonesia and other tropical areas such as Vietnam and Zanzibar. The buds are picked, dried, and then ground into a powder known as Cloves.
Cloves boast a long list of health benefits and are commonly used in both cooking and medicinal treatments. They are pungent in flavor and are often used as a substitute for pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Cloves are also used as a natural remedy to relieve toothaches, coughs, and other respiratory issues and are great for us humans!
What’s So Special About Cloves?
Cloves boast an impressive list of health benefits and are commonly used in cooking and as a medicinal remedy. Cloves can be used as a natural pain killer and are known to reduce inflammation. They can even be used to fight toothaches, coughs, and other respiratory issues. Cloves contain eugenol, which is a natural oil found in many plants that are also used in many herbal remedies. Eugenol has been known to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It also acts as an antiseptic and can help fight infections.
Cloves is a special spice!
Are Cloves Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Yes, but if given in correct dosages. Cloves are safe for dogs to eat however in super small moderation. Your dog can eat a couple of cloves but more than that, it can harm him especially if he isn’t fully healthy. When it comes to cloves dogs should not have the same that we as humans have. Cloves are toxic when eaten too much to dogs. The fatal dose of cloves is unknown in dogs, so it is best to avoid them fully by not giving your dog any amount of cloves.
Cloves contain eugenol, which is rather safe for dogs. However, if not given the right amount and carefully checked it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain even lethargy.
Vets Opinion: Avoid Cloves unless you speak and get permission from a vet beforehand.
Why Are Cloves Not Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Clove foods are not safe for dogs to eat as they contain an oil called eugenol that is toxic to dogs when eaten too much and not fed in correct dosages. While it’s not known how much eugenol it takes to cause toxicity, it’s best to avoid it on the side of caution. It has been reported that as little as 9 cloves in a small dog’s diet can be fatal. While many plants and herbs are safe for dogs to eat, you should always check with your vet to see if there are any potential risks involved in feeding the food to your dog. If there are no risks, they can recommend what type of dosage would be best for your dog.
Speak with your vet before going forward with any type of clove
Other Types Of Cloves:
So, in general, cloves are safe for dogs but they should be avoided entirely since if not given the right dosage they can be fatal. What about other types of Cloves?
Can Dogs Eat Cloves Raw?
Cloves can be eaten either raw or cooked. However, dogs should not have any amount of cloves, raw or cooked. Clove foods are not safe for dogs to eat as they contain an oil called eugenol that is toxic to dogs when given too much as mentioned above. While it’s not known how much eugenol it takes to cause toxicity, it’s best to avoid this spice altogether. If your dog happens to eat a small number of cloves, there are no immediate symptoms that will show up.
Long-term consumption of cloves by dogs can lead to serious health issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, increased heart rate, and drooling.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Cloves?
As mentioned for raw and non-raw Cloves. If your dog happens to accidentally eat dried cloves, there are no immediate symptoms that will show up. However, long-term consumption of cloves by dogs can lead to serious health issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, increased heart rate, and drooling.
If your dog does happen to eat dried cloves, you should call your veterinarian and seek their assistance. While there are no quick actionable steps you can take at home, these specialists have the knowledge and resources to help your dog on the phone.
Can Dogs Eat Ground Cloves?
As mentioned for raw, non-raw, and dried cloves. Avoid cloves altogether. It is safe for your dog to eat. However, that doesn’t mean you should be feeding your dog this spice. If given too much no matter what type it can be fatal and cause serious long-term conditions. If you still have doubts consult your vet, there’s no harm in doing so. They’ll provide you with their take on your particular situation.
What About Clove Oil?
Clove oil is a fantastic treatment and remedy for us humans. However, just like all human things that doesn’t mean it’s particularly safe for dogs to use.
Just like regular cloves, it should be avoided. Not many studies have been done regarding clove oil and dogs. But, there are better treatments out there for your dog. As mentioned above cloves should be avoided entirely no matter the form, to be safe.
Bottom Line – Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Cloves?
Avoid cloves altogether no matter what type. While it’s not known how many cloves it takes to cause toxicity, it’s best to avoid this food altogether. To avoid possible harm. While many plants and herbs are safe for dogs to eat, you should always check with your vet to see if there are any potential risks involved in feeding the food to your dog.
If your dog happens to eat a small amount of cloves, there are no immediate symptoms that will show up. However, long-term consumption of cloves by dogs can lead to serious health issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, increased heart rate, and drooling
About The Author
I'm a content writer and researcher. But bottom line, I loveee animals. I had my first animal which was a guinea pig at age 8. Later had a bunny, dog and a lot, a lot of fish. Writing about what I know about pets will allow me to share my knowledge and love for them with everyone else. Dealing with dogs my entire life, I know a lot.
