Mary Allen
One loves them, the other hates them: licorice. Not even our dogs agree on what to think of the black licorice mass. Some dogs love the distinctive flavor and others just wrinkle their noses.
In any case, it would be healthier for your dog not to eat licorice. Small amounts are non-toxic. In larger quantities, however, a component of licorice root is harmful to dogs.
Licorice is a medicinal herb
The licorice plant is a medicinal plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and has therefore even been used in medicine for centuries. It is well known that licorice extracts have antibacterial and expectorant properties. They are mainly used to treat coughs and respiratory problems.
Even in ancient times, people trusted in the healing properties of licorice and used the juice of the plant in a variety of ways to treat illnesses. In addition, licorice is often still contained in cough syrups.
Is licorice toxic to dogs?
Licorice contains the substance glycyrrhizin, which is part of the licorice root. Glycyrrhizin can be harmful to humans in large amounts. Eating too much licorice can trigger high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, and water retention.
Your dog may also experience these effects after eating licorice. Glycyrrhizin is dangerous for dogs. However, the exact effects on the dog’s body have not yet been sufficiently researched.
Licorice affects the water and electrolyte balance
What is certain, however, is that licorice impairs the water balance and promotes potassium excretion. Potassium is one of the electrolytes. As ions, these are important for many of the functions in your dog’s body.
If there is increased excretion of potassium, this has hurt water balance and the nervous system of your pet. The consequences are high blood pressure and water retention.
In the worst-case scenario, too much glycyrrhizin can even cause kidney failure in your dog. You should therefore never give your four-legged friend licorice.
My dog ate licorice, what to do?
The quantity makes the poison. If your fur nose only got two or three licorice coins, you don’t have much to worry about. Your dog usually recovers quickly from digestive problems and mild stomach pains.
However, if your four-legged friend has eaten a large amount of licorice in an unobserved moment, a visit to the veterinary practice is advisable. In this way, you avoid serious consequences for your dog and your veterinarian can prevent worse.
What is licorice made of?
Licorice comes in all shapes and sizes. While it is primarily known to us as a snack, in other corners of the world people like to drink licorice as a drink. In Egypt and Syria in particular, people like to consume licorice as a refreshing drink and traditionally drink it with the last meal before the fasting month of Ramadan.
We Europeans love licorice, especially in the form of sweet confectionery, sticks, or coins. Licorice is obtained from the roots of real licorice. The licorice plant is mainly found in the Mediterranean and Asian regions.
A thick juice is obtained from the extract of the root. With the additions of sugar, gelatine, and flour, the producers use it to create a chewy mass that is a must-have in many sweets cupboards. Anise, pectin, and fennel oil ensure the unmistakable, tart taste. Manufacturers further enhance the black color by adding dyes.
Licorice for dogs?
Licorice has no place in the dog bowl. The healthy properties are quite beneficial for us humans in moderation.
However, an adult should not consume more than a handful of licorice per day. The Food Committee of the European Commission recommends consuming a maximum of 100 mg of glycyrrhizic acid per day. Therefore, since 2004, foodstuffs have had to contain the following information:
“Contains licorice – if you have high blood pressure, avoid excessive consumption of this product”
But also make sure that licorice remains a small treat that you only treat yourself to now and then. Gummy bears are far safer.
Frequently Asked Question
What happens when dogs eat licorice?
Licorice contains a lot of salt, which is harmful to dogs. In the worst case, your dog can get salt poisoning. Puppies are more vulnerable than large dogs because of their size. With salt poisoning, your dog will lose their appetite, vomit, and develop diarrhea.
Which sugar substitute is dangerous for dogs?
Not every sugar substitute is harmful to your dog. However, xylitol, often also referred to as xylitol or E 967, is considered to be particularly dangerous.
Is Haribo toxic to dogs?
In addition to harmful sugar, sweet fruit gum also contains dextrose, glucose syrup, and various flavorings that are not good for your dog. Consuming Haribo can have stomach problems, nausea, diarrhea, tooth decay, diabetes, and other health consequences for your dog.
Can I give my dog yogurt?
Yes, dogs can eat yogurt! However, so that the yogurt is easily digestible for dogs, you should make sure that the yogurt is free of sugar and artificial additives.
What happens when dogs eat candy?
The systematic consumption of glucose can cause serious illness and even death in your dog. Dogs don’t assimilate sugar the same way we do. This is why candy is so dangerous for dogs.
Is egg good for the dog?
If the egg is fresh, you can also feed the nutrient-rich egg yolk raw. Boiled eggs, on the other hand, are healthy for your four-legged friend because the harmful substances are broken down when heated. A good source of minerals is the shells of eggs.
How often can a dog eat scrambled eggs?
Can dogs eat boiled eggs? In principle, you are welcome to let your dog eat boiled eggs from time to time. However, you should not overdo it in terms of quantity. Depending on the size of your four-legged friend, one or two eggs a week are fine.
Can I give my dog cucumber?
Cucumber for dogs brings variety to everyday food and provides important nutrients. In addition, the cucumber consists of around 95% water and is therefore ideal for those who drink little and as a small refreshment for the dog on hot summer days. However, cucumbers are also often fed as light food for the intestines.
Is cheese healthy for dogs?
Low-fat, low-lactose, and lactose-free cheeses can be fed to dogs as treats. Hard cheese and semi-hard cheese are particularly easy to digest and suitable due to their easy portioning.