There is nothing that smells like the festive season quite like cinnamon! This popular spice is used for a myriad of purposes and is a store-cupboard staple in many households. But what about our favorite furry friends? Can dogs eat cinnamon, or is cinnamon toxic to dogs?
Can dogs eat cinnamon?
While cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, it can cause some unpleasant side effects if ingested in large amounts. There are certain situations where cinnamon can be given to dogs, but overall the risks of cinnamon to dogs outweigh the benefits.
If a dog eats too much cinnamon, skin and digestive sensitivity and irritation can occur. All types of cinnamon can cause irritation in your dog’s mouth, and ground cinnamon can be easily inhaled and cause respiratory problems.
One form of cinnamon to be particularly careful of is cinnamon essential oil, which is highly toxic to dogs.
What are the signs of toxicity?
Although cinnamon spice is not toxic to dogs, if ingested in large quantities it can cause some unpleasant side effects. Common symptoms can include:
- Coughing, choking, or breathing difficulties
- Sore or inflamed areas around the mouth
- Digestive problems such as vomiting or diarrhea
What to do if my dog ate cinnamon?
Unfortunately, our dogs don’t always know what is good or bad for them, and they may be tempted to take a nibble of a cinnamon roll or chew on a cinnamon stick!
The correct course of action to take will depend on how much cinnamon your dog has eaten. A small bite of a cinnamon roll is unlikely to cause any problems, but a larger quantity of ground cinnamon is more of a concern.
In a small dog, just one teaspoon of cinnamon power may be enough to bring about some unpleasant side effects. Dogs that chew on a cinnamon stick are likely to suffer from localized irritation around the mouth.
Even if your dog has eaten cinnamon before without any noticeable problems, it is a good idea to ring your veterinary clinic if this happens again. It’s not always easy to tell when a dog is feeling unwell… And minor symptoms can quickly turn into more serious problems.
Your veterinarian will most likely advise that you monitor your dog for any signs of an adverse reaction, such as breathing difficulties, inappetence, or bloating. If this occurs your dog may need to be hospitalized for supportive medical care.
Another spice commonly used alongside cinnamon is nutmeg, which is highly toxic to dogs. So, if your dog has consumed some mixed spice that contains both nutmeg and cinnamon, contact your veterinarian straight away.
Maven is all about proactive pet care. Be your best friend’s best friend by giving them 24/7, high-quality, industry-leading vet care to improve their mental health, physical health and more. No more frantic googling or unneeded stressful visits to the vet – Maven helps you save hundreds while also ensuring your pet lives the best life possible. Get your kit now!
