Dog owners issued warning over ‘toxic’ herb pets should never eat

We’re all tempted to feed our loving dogs leftovers, but did you know there is one common herb you should never offer your pet?

Certified canine nutritionist Cam Wimble, known for sharing dog health tips on social media, recently posted a TikTok video offering a crucial piece of food advice.

Standing next to a supermarket’s fresh herb section, he said: “Herbs for dogs – which ones of these are healthy and which should we avoid?”

He continued: “Pretty much all of them you can give to your dog – apart from one. Herbs are like superfoods, they’re nature’s medicine. And feeding your dog small amounts of rosemary, thyme and sage can work as natural anti-inflammatories and natural de-wormers as well, so you can minimise the use of the chemical option.”

However, he warned: “They’re super healthy, all of them will do – but not chives. Avoid.” The reason? “It contains a sulphur-based compound that dogs can’t digest,” Cam explained. “And it can give them anaemia.”

Wag Walking supports Cam’s advice, stating: “Chives are toxic whether or not they have been cooked, are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, and are broken down into extremely reactive oxidants.

“Chives poisoning in dogs occurs when dogs ingest chives, either raw or cooked. Chives contain organosulfides which are natural poisons to protect the plant from herbivorous insects and pests.”

When dogs consume chives, they will show signs of poisoning with the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Irritation of the mouth
• Vomiting
• Excessive drooling
• Pain in the abdomen
• Lethargy
• Diarrhoea
• Inability to exercise
• Weakness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Abnormally high respiratory rate
• White or very light gums
• Collapse

Wag Walking goes on to recommend: “If your dog is suffering from any of the above symptoms and you suspect that he has eaten chives, it is important to contact your veterinarian and immediately seek treatment.

“Once you meet your veterinarian, they will ask questions pertaining to the food ingested, the quantity consumed, the symptoms in which you observed, and the history of the time-frame.”