Cinnamon and Dogs - Is it Safe?
by Friends of the Dog
by Friends of the Dog
There are some dogs that absolutely seem to love the smell/taste of cinnamon, and in general it is not toxic to them, and can actually assist with conditions such as joint pain and swelling, arthritis etc, as it is known anti-inflammatory.
If you are considering using it as an anti-inflammatory, do speak to a dog nutritionist, or your vet and get solid advice – there are other substances that can be used which will not cause any adverse effects.
Although not directly toxic, If your dog inhales the powder, it can cause them to cough, choke and bring about breathing difficulties. . If you are using it as a treat that has been baked, do make sure that there is no added sugar, and especially no xylitol which is very toxic. Another thing to look out for where baked good are concerned, is is they contain Nutmeg - the two are often used together. Nutmeg is toxic to dogs if too much is given, as it contains myristicin, and this can affect heart rate, affect blood pressure and even cause seizures.
Never give more than the maximum dose, which is 1 teaspoon of the powder (and this would depend on the size of the dog), but a lot less when it comes to cinnamon oil, which is much more potent.
We would also suggest not allowing them to chew on an actual cinnamon stick, as this can cause irritation in the mouth. According to the Pet Poison line, the most common negative effects is irritation a sensitization and a large overdose can result in diarrhoea, vomiting, low blood sugar and also liver disease. Here is a link to their article on Cinnamon and also Nutmeg.
If you suspect that your dog has eaten a large quantity of cinnamon, your best bet it to phone your vet immediately or if they are not available. get in touch with a Pet Poison Advisor immediately, and they will be able to guide you in the right direction.
If you are considering using it as an anti-inflammatory, do speak to a dog nutritionist, or your vet and get solid advice – there are other substances that can be used which will not cause any adverse effects.
Although not directly toxic, If your dog inhales the powder, it can cause them to cough, choke and bring about breathing difficulties. . If you are using it as a treat that has been baked, do make sure that there is no added sugar, and especially no xylitol which is very toxic. Another thing to look out for where baked good are concerned, is is they contain Nutmeg - the two are often used together. Nutmeg is toxic to dogs if too much is given, as it contains myristicin, and this can affect heart rate, affect blood pressure and even cause seizures.
Never give more than the maximum dose, which is 1 teaspoon of the powder (and this would depend on the size of the dog), but a lot less when it comes to cinnamon oil, which is much more potent.
We would also suggest not allowing them to chew on an actual cinnamon stick, as this can cause irritation in the mouth. According to the Pet Poison line, the most common negative effects is irritation a sensitization and a large overdose can result in diarrhoea, vomiting, low blood sugar and also liver disease. Here is a link to their article on Cinnamon and also Nutmeg.
If you suspect that your dog has eaten a large quantity of cinnamon, your best bet it to phone your vet immediately or if they are not available. get in touch with a Pet Poison Advisor immediately, and they will be able to guide you in the right direction.
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