Is Eucalyptus Safe For Dogs? Understanding The Risks

Did you know Koalas munch on heaps of eucalyptus leaves? Koalas can do this because their bodies flush toxins faster than those of other mammals. 

However, the same does not really apply to your four-legged fur babies. Moreover, it is a bit absurd for a dog to munch on eucalyptus leaves.  

However, new dog keepers often mistakenly give their dogs eucalyptus-based products. 

Several pet parents are not aware of the harmful effects of eucalyptus on dogs. 

Moreover, it can cause severe illness symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, drooling, respiratory distress, neurological issues, and others. Additionally, it can also cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs. 

This article seeks to further inform you about the major ill effects of eucalyptus. We should also learn what to do if your dog accidentally consumes eucalyptus. 

What Is Eucalyptus And What Are Its Medicinal Properties?

Eucalyptus comes from Australia. Moreover, it belongs to the myrtle (Myrtaceous) family of trees.  

The Indigenous peoples of Australia have used the plant for centuries for its medicinal properties. However, the rest of the world learned about the plant after the 1850s.  

Nature provides us with 700 varieties of eucalyptus plants. But people grow Eucalyptus Clobulus most commonly.  

Moreover, its rapid growth makes this variety ideal for wood supplies. Additionally, the leaves help obtain large quantities of medicinal extracts for human beings.  

Generally, the bark of the Eucalyptus tree appears greyish-blue. However, the tree appears to be yellowish underneath.  

The leaves have a deep green-blue color. Moreover, the tree produces fluffy white flowers with a hard pod. Hence, this flower releases seeds for germination.  

However, when it comes to the question “Is eucalyptus safe for dogs?” The answer remains a very big “NO.” 

What Are The Uses Of Eucalyptus? Which Are The Products In Which We Find Eucalyptus?

People generally use eucalyptus to extract eucalyptol. Moreover, people do this to extract eucalyptus essential oils. 

Eucalyptol cures fungi, bacteria, distress, and pain in human beings. Thus, you can find eucalyptus extracts in different household items. 

Moreover, these household items include oil diffusers, soap dispensers, soap bars, shampoos, toothpastes, and others. Thus, this increases the likelihood that dogs will ingest eucalyptus. 

Hence, you should prevent your pooch from ingesting eucalyptus by accident, as it can cause serious issues in your dog’s system. 

Is Eucalyptus Safe For Dogs? What Are The Ill-Effects Of Eucalyptus On Dogs?

Some pet keepers often commit the mistake of applying eucalyptus to the dog’s skin when it gets itchy. Some people also end up adding eucalyptus oil to dog food.  

Moreover, people do this with the belief that the extract will reduce inflammation in the dogs. However, is eucalyptus safe for dogs? The answer to this is a big “NO.” 

Eucalyptus is very toxic to your fur baby. Moreover, the ASPCA (American Society For The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) considers eucalyptus a very toxic plant to dogs. 

Eucalyptol, found in eucalyptus, generally acts as a major neurotoxin in dogs. Hence, this can be very fatal for your pet. 

Moreover, ingestion of eucalyptus can often cause various neurological issues in the dog’s stomach. The dog can also suffer from seizures.  

Several people apply it to the dog’s skin. But eucalyptus can cause problems, such as chemical burns on the dog’s skin. 

You should not even bring eucalyptus products into your home. Moreover, this shall prevent accidental ingestion of eucalyptus in dogs.  

1. What Are The Major Symptoms Of Eucalyptus Toxicity For Canines?

By now, you have already found the answer to the question “Is eucalyptus safe for dogs?” But now it is important to spot the signs of eucalyptus poisoning in dogs.  

Moreover, it is unlikely that your dog will ingest eucalyptus directly. However, you should keep an eye on the products in your house that contain eucalyptus.  

The symptoms of eucalyptus poisoning in dogs include  

• Drooling all the time. 

• Diarrhea  

• Lethargy  

• Restlessness  

• Difficulties in breathing  

• Seizures and tremors 

2. What Should I Do When The Dog Gets Unintentionally Exposed To Eucalyptus? 

You should immediately call the animal poison control or rush to the vet with your fur baby if it comes in contact with eucalyptus.  

Moreover, exposure to the leaf can cause severe neurological issues in pets. Moreover, this can also be fatal and have fetal consequences for dogs. 

The vets often induce vomiting in the dogs to address eucalyptus-related issues. However, you should not perform this at home without consulting your vet.  

Always seek the vet’s advice when you want to keep your dog safe.  

Can I Use Other Essential Oils Like Eucalyptus On My Dog? Is eucalyptus safe for dogs? Which Are The Other Essential Oils That Are Harmful?

So, we already have the answer to the question: Is eucalyptus safe for dogs? However, people often ask about other essential oils.  

Moreover, some essential oils are safe for use on dogs. However, many of them are not really safe for dogs. These essential oils often help in dealing with dry skin in dogs. 

Thus, you should definitely check with your vet before using any essential oil on your dog. Mostly, lavender oil, chamomile oil, and ginger oil are among the safest options for dogs. 

However, you should dilute the essential oil before applying it to your dog’s skin. Furthermore, you should use vet-approved pet products. 

The pet products are specially diluted while keeping the dog’s safety in mind.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, along with “Is eucalyptus safe for dogs?”