Does Rosemary Cause Seizures In Some Dogs?
Is Rosemary (the herb) safe for dogs? According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, it’s non-toxic to both dogs and cats. So why are small dogs having seizures when they’re exposed to it?
As owners are starting to be more cognizant of what goes into their dog’s bodies, many are starting to read dog food labels and noticing rosemary as a common ingredient. Going by the scientific name of Rosmarinus Officinalis, it’s also known as “anthos”. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and adverse reactions, including seizures, allergies, and brain function problems are on the rise since its inclusion in dog foods.
Can Dogs Eat Rosemary?
There are several studies that show rosemary extract is generally safe for dogs and has numerous health benefits. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) approves its use.
However, in 2012 the FEEDAP Panel (The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed) assessed data to determine the safety and efficacy of adding rosemary extract to dog food and were unable to deliver an opinion as more information was needed, says ThePetDigest.com. (If there are updates in the statement, they will be posted here - EFSA.Europa.Eu)
Many pet food manufacturers use rosemary essential oil in their formulations as natural preservatives. Unfortunately, essential oils are highly-concentrated extracts of the herb. If you have ever made an essential oil diffuser before, then you know that you only need a few drops of the essential oil mixed with a base oil to get the therapeutic effect.
Rosemary essential oil is beneficial when used in almost negligible amounts, but your dog food may contain too concentrated a dose of it, meaning your small dog may be getting more than what it needs. While there may be some positive effects of rosemary on dogs, such as calming or relaxing, a concentrated dose in dog food could lead to neurological effects including seizures, muscle tremors, loss of balance, and confusion. (SmartDogOwners.com)
Rosemary can be a powerful central nervous system stimulant. If the dog has epilepsy, then giving rosemary-containing dog food may exacerbate such conditions and trigger seizures in susceptible dogs. The key here is the amount of rosemary active ingredients that the dog receives. If it is in its highly-concentrated form, then as they say, the poison is in the dose. (Petside.com)
There is no scientific research or definitive evidence linking rosemary extract to seizures and other health problems, but according to foremost authority in the veterinary world, Dr. Jean Dodds, Rosemary is indeed a potential toxin triggering seizures in epileptic dogs.
There is also mention of its potential relationship in humans prone to epileptic seizures (J. Neurol.)
Is It Safe For Bigger Dogs?
A lot of evidence points to Rosemary having many nutritious benefits. But remember there is a difference in safety and benefit. Just because an herb is safe for dogs doesn’t mean there are any specific health benefits.
While most dogs tolerate rosemary well, some bigger dogs may have severe allergies or sensitivities to the herb. These symptoms can happen immediately or over a period of years. So even if Rosemary is actually harmless, the dog’s body may not recognize it as such and mounts a protective immune response that isn’t needed. Many food-related allergies happen after the dog suffers from an infection involving the stomach or intestines or any imbalance of the natural flora. (WagWalking.com)
Symptoms may include:
Itchy skin: as with most allergic reactions rosemary can cause severe itchy skin in dogs that are allergic
Dry, flaky skin: this is usually seen in dogs that have a rosemary sensitivity and have been eating food with the herb for an extended period of time
Hair loss
Bumps/rash: typical of most allergic reactions
Chronic ear infections: If your dog has a sensitivity to the herb they may develop recurring ear infections
Obsessive licking/chewing of feet: this is also a common sign of an allergic reaction in dogs
Inflamed, red paw pads: most likely due to the excessive chewing and licking
Gastrointestinal upset: vomiting and diarrhea
Seizures: This is seen in severe cases
If you are concerned that your dog may have an allergy to rosemary there are two things your vet can assist you with:
A blood test to determine if your dog is allergic to rosemary. A complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel will provide the veterinarian with needed information for proper assessment. The blood work results will show any elevations of white blood cells and whether it is associated with an allergic response or not.
To treat your dog for rosemary allergies/sensitivities you simply remove any trace of rosemary from his or her diet. However, this means keeping a close eye on the ingredient list of your dog’s food and treats as rosemary is often present as a preservative.
Once your dog is off of rosemary all of the symptoms that developed from him/her eating rosemary should go away and any open wounds or scratches should heal easily as your dog won’t be tempted to lick at their skin going forward. (ThePetsDigest.com)