Lavender Poisoning in Dogs

Although Lavandula Angustifolia does contain the noxious compound linalool, it is in low enough concentrations to consider the plant itself as non-toxic. For this reason, lavender is often listed a safe plant to grow in gardens where dogs are allowed to roam free. Diluted lavender oil is sometimes used to combat allergic symptoms in dogs due to its anti-inflammatory and calming effects. Dogs can develop allergies to the oil or pollen of the lavender plant, and dogs' digestive systems are not designed to process large quantities of plant material. Eating excessive amounts of vegetation can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages in canines, and should be discouraged.

Lavandula angustifolia, more commonly known as Lavender, is an aromatic shrub that produces distinctive purple flowers on tall, leafless stems. Lavender is sometimes listed as an addition to dog-friendly gardens.

Lavender plants are generally non-toxic in nature, however, if sufficient quantities of the vegetation are consumed, it can result in dangerous intestinal blockages. Symptoms of intestinal obstruction usually occur around 24 hours after the consumption of something indigestible. Symptoms of severe intestinal blockage could include:

• Abdominal pain
• Distended abdomen
• Fever
• Inability to pass stool
• Loss of appetite
• Shock
• Straining on defecation
• Vomiting

Extremely high doses of the noxious compound linalool can also result in minor gastrointestinal upset, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. 

Types 

Lavender is a multipurpose plant and may be introduced to your pet in a number of ways that have very little to do with a garden. 

Essential oil - Lavender essential oil has been used as a healing agent for centuries; to soothe and repair skin irritation or abrasions on human skin and to calm anxiety, as well as repelling many pest insects. Lavender essential oil can be somewhat irritating to your dog’s skin if it is applied at full strength so should be diluted before use. 

Fragrance - Lavender is commonly used in soaps, lotions, and shampoos due to the pleasant scent. The scent of lavender is known to ease stress and calm the mind. 

Food - Lavender flowers make a great addition to your kitchen, either dried or fresh, and can be used in baking, syrups, and even as an ingredient in a rub for pork or lamb. Lavender is also a component in the prevalent french herbal mix known as Herbs de Provence.

Even dog-friendly additions to gardens can be a source of hazards. Although the risk is small, keen observation of your pet's behavior is the best way to ensure prompt medical treatment for unanticipated incidents. 

Bee stings - Although lavender plants are repellent to most insects, bees are very attracted to the nectar. Bee and wasp stings are usually a minor annoyance and can easily be handled at home. Signs such as hives, swelling and trouble breathing will become apparent if your dog develops an allergy to bee or wasp venom, and the animal should be rushed to the nearest veterinarian. 

Intestinal blockages - The digestive system of dogs is not designed to handle large quantities of vegetation. In general, dogs do not tend to eat substantial amounts of garden plants. In some cases, dogs may develop pica or an overwhelming craving for non-food items. This can cause the animal to consume unusually large amounts of inappropriate materials, including vegetation, which can lead to intestinal blockages.

Pesticides - Even non-toxic plants may be treated with decidedly toxic pesticides. If symptoms of pesticide poisoning occur after your pet has sampled any plant, you should contact your veterinarian without delay. Canines that have ingested pesticides will exhibit signs such as tremors, vomiting, seizures, and breathing difficulties.

As the lavender plant is generally non-toxic, if your pet develops symptoms beyond minor episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, it is usually due to a secondary disorder or misidentification of the plant, therefore the symptoms that your pet is exhibiting will direct the diagnostic testing. A urinalysis is likely to be requested at this time as well as a complete blood count and biochemistry profile. These tests will help to detect if there are any imbalances or toxins in your canine’s system. The veterinarian will also complete a physical examination at this time, most likely concentrating on the abdominal area. If the distress is due to an intestinal blockage, the examiner may discover that the abdomen is extremely sensitive to touch and might even find a mass where the foliage has clumped together. This finding will prompt a recommendation for further imaging. X-ray or ultrasound technology may be selected to visualize any obstructions, and a barium study may be included in these tests. 

If the symptoms are indicative of a poisoning, you will be asked for further information about your pet’s recent health history and any opportunities for inappropriate eating. Any material that is vomited up or found in the stool will be evaluated to determine its origin and toxicity. Tests to check for other possible pesticides or other plant-based toxins will also be completed at this time in an attempt to uncover the underlying cause.

Treatment will be guided by the symptoms and by the final diagnosis. If the dog is exhibiting signs of distress, supportive treatment such as the administration of IV fluids or supplemental oxygen may be begun before a diagnosis is determined. In the event that the symptoms are being caused by an intestinal blockage, therapies such as fluid therapy are frequently utilized to speed the mass through the system. Until the mass has exited the gastrointestinal system, imaging will be repeated periodically in order to track its movement. In severe blockages, surgery will be required, not only to remove the mass, but also to correct any damage the blockage caused. 

In the event of an allergic reaction, anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed as well as antihistamines to reduce the itching and swelling associated with the disorder. If the symptoms are pointing to ingestion of an actual toxin, such as an alternate plant or pesticides applied to the lavender, then appropriate steps will need to be taken to remove the particular toxin that was ingested. These measures could include inducing vomiting, gastric irrigation, the use of activated charcoal, and poison specific antidotes.

Although the lavender plant by itself is only mildly noxious, it is important to be alert to other possible risks associated with this plant. Even safe plants can be attractive to unsafe insects or be sprayed with toxic pesticides, and consuming too much vegetation can cause your dog gastrointestinal distress or blockage. A pet who suddenly develops the urge to eat large amounts of vegetation or other inappropriate items may be responding to vitamin deficiencies, brain lesions, or circulatory abnormalities and should be checked by a veterinarian. The best way to keep your pet safe is by careful observation of their behavior and environment.