If you’re a dog owner, you may be wondering if salvia is safe for your furry friend. Salvia, also known as sage, is a herb that has long been used for its medicinal properties. However, some types of salvia contain thujone, a potentially toxic compound.
So should you keep your pup away from this aromatic plant?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, salvia can be poisonous to dogs if they ingest certain types and parts of the plant, especially in large quantities. The toxic compound thujone is present in many sages, and can cause adverse health effects in dogs.
Understanding the Different Types of Salvia
Salvia officinalis (Common Sage)
Salvia officinalis, commonly known as common sage or garden sage, is a perennial, evergreen subshrub in the mint family Lamiaceae. It has a long history of being used medicinally and culinary. The most active ingredient in common sage is thujone, which can be toxic to dogs if consumed in excess.
Small amounts typically used for cooking are generally safe, but dogs should not ingest high concentrations found in essential oils or extracts.
Salvia divinorum (Diviner’s Sage)
Salvia divinorum, also called diviner’s sage, is a psychoactive plant in the mint family native to certain areas of Mexico. The main psychoactive compound is salvinorin A. This sage has potent hallucinogenic effects and has long been used in spiritual rituals by Mazatec shamans.
However, Salvia divinorum can be very dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause frightening hallucinations, loss of coordination, vomiting, and dizziness. Keep plants and dried leaves well out of reach of pets.
Salvia sclarea (Clary Sage)
Salvia sclarea, or clary sage, is a biennial or short-lived herb grown for its essential oil and use in aromatherapy. For dogs, clary sage oil can be toxic if ingested. It contains high levels of sclareol and linalyl acetate which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, and depressed heart rate and respiration.
Topical use may also cause skin irritation. While the plant itself is less dangerous, it’s best to keep pets away from any concentrated clary sage preparations.
Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage)
Salvia elegans, also known as pineapple sage or honeydew sage, is a flowering perennial plant prized for its bold foliage and bright red flowers. It has a sweet fruity scent reminiscent of pineapple. While not highly toxic to dogs, some mild stomach upset could occur if leaves or flowers are ingested.
Monitor your pet’s consumption if accessible pineapple sage plants. Essential oils could also irritate skin or gastrointestinal tract. Overall, pineapple sage is less dangerous than other salvia species but should still be used with caution around pets.
Parts of the Salvia Plant that Are Toxic
Leaves
The leaves of the salvia plant contain thujone, a toxic terpenoid compound that can cause neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular issues if ingested by dogs (ASPCA). Thujone interferes with GABA activity in the brain, leading to over-excitation of neurons.
Initial signs of salvia leaf poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, rapid breathing and heart rate, tremors, and seizures.
Flowers
Like the leaves, the bright flowers of salvia contain thujone and other terpenoids that have neurotoxic effects in dogs if eaten. The content of toxins is often highest in the flowers. Warning signs of toxicosis after flower ingestion are similar to those from eating the leaves – gastrointestinal signs like vomiting/diarrhea followed by neurologic excitation, tremors, and seizures.
Without treatment, salvia flower poisoning can lead to dangerous elevations in body temperature and even death.
Seeds
Salvia seeds contain less thujone than the leaves and flowers but are still toxic if consumed by dogs. The hard outer coat of the tiny black seeds makes them less likely to release toxins during digestion but dogs that chew the seeds thoroughly before swallowing may experience toxic effects like vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures.
Oil
Essential oils made from the salvia plant are highly concentrated and contain even more thujone than the leaves and flowers. Dog owners should never use salvia oil around pets due to the risk of toxicity from grooming.
Ingestion of just a few drops of the essential oil could cause life-threatening excitation, seizures, coma, respiratory failure, and death in dogs (VCA Hospitals). Keep any products containing salvia oil tightly sealed and well out of a dog’s reach.
Amounts of Salvia That Are Dangerous
Toxicity Depends on the Type and Part of the Plant
Salvia plants contain a number of potent compounds that can have varying effects depending on the specific type and part of the plant. The most well-known psychoactive chemical in salvia is salvinorin A, found in highest concentrations in the leaves of S. divinorum.
This chemical targets kappa opioid receptors and can cause hallucinations and other effects when smoked or chewed in high enough doses. Other salvia species contain different active chemicals that may or may not be as potent.
In general, the leaves and flowers tend to contain higher levels of active compounds than the stems or roots. But even then, toxicity depends on the specific salvinorin content, which can vary widely depending on factors like the plant’s maturity and growing conditions.
It’s difficult to make generalizations about how much is dangerous, since salvia species can differ so much in chemical makeup.
Small Amounts May Cause Minor Effects
Salvia plants contain a diverse array of compounds beyond just salvinorin A. Tannins, flavonoids, terpenes, and other plant chemicals may exert mild effects even in small doses. These can include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Mild hallucinations
- Gastrointestinal upset
The effects experienced will depend on the specific type and amount ingested, as well as the size and health status of the dog. But generally, ingesting small pieces of leaf or flower, or chewing briefly on a stem, would likely only cause temporary, mild symptoms in an otherwise healthy dog.
Large Amounts Can Be Highly Toxic
Ingesting substantial quantities of potent salvia leaves can potentially be very dangerous and cause severe neurotoxic effects. The higher the dose of active chemicals like salvinorin A, the greater the risk of frightening hallucinations, erratic behavior, tremors, and seizures.
At very high doses, salvia intoxication could potentially lead to respiratory depression, coma, or even death in extreme cases.
As a general guideline, ingesting more than 2-3 fresh leaves of a potent variety like S. divinorum would be cause for concern. The ASPCA notes that 0.2-0.5g of dried leaf per kg of body weight can be toxic. Consuming significant portions of the plant, especially the most potent leaves, flowers, and stems, should be treated as an emergency requiring rapid veterinary treatment.
Signs of Salvia Poisoning in Dogs
Vomiting
One of the most common signs of salvia poisoning in dogs is vomiting. The leaves and stems of salvia plants contain thujone, a neurotoxic compound that is irritating to dogs’ stomachs. Within 30 minutes to several hours of ingesting salvia, dogs may begin retching and throwing up the plant parts.
Vomiting may be accompanied by drooling as the dog tries to rid itself of the bad taste in its mouth. In some cases, vomiting may persist for several hours as the body tries to eliminate all traces of the toxin.
Pay close attention if your dog suddenly starts vomiting, as this could indicate accidental salvia ingestion.
Diarrhea
In addition to vomiting, dogs poisoned by salvia often develop diarrhea as well. The irritating thujone has a laxative effect, stimulating intestinal cramping and watery bowel movements. Dogs may have loose stools or full-blown diarrhea that can last for up to 24 hours after ingestion.
Like vomiting, diarrhea helps the body quickly expel the toxins before they are absorbed. Check your dog’s stool for evidence of salvia leaves or stems. Diarrhea in combination with vomiting is a red flag for possible salvia poisoning.
Drooling
Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth is another potential sign of salvia poisoning in dogs. The irritating oils in salvia cause inflammation in the mouth and throat, which stimulates the salivary glands.
You may notice strands of thick, ropey saliva dripping from your dog’s mouth as it tries to rid itself of the bad taste. Drooling is often accompanied by lip smacking and repeated swallowing. Pay attention if your dog suddenly starts drooling without an apparent reason, as it could be a clue that they nibbled on toxic salvia plants.
Tremors
Ingesting moderate to large amounts of salvia can cause neurological symptoms like muscle tremors and shaking. The thujone and other compounds interfere with neurotransmitter activity in the brain, resulting in abnormal muscle contractions and tremors.
You may notice fine tremors in the face, legs and torso. In severe cases, muscle twitching and seizures may occur. If you suspect salvia poisoning, look for localized tremors that come and go, or shaking that seems to move across muscle groups.
Contact your vet immediately if your dog displays any unexplained trembling or twitching.
Seizures
One of the scariest signs of salvia toxicity is seizures. The neurotoxic compounds essentially overstimulate the nervous system, which can trigger full-blown seizures in some cases. Seizures from salvia poisoning often begin within an hour of ingestion and may recur for up to 48 hours if a large amount was consumed.
You may notice unusual restlessness, staring, Chewing motions with the mouth, paddling of the legs, or loss of bladder control as a seizure approaches. Contact your vet or animal ER right away if your dog has a seizure, as this is a medical emergency.
Quick treatment greatly improves the chances of a full recovery without permanent neurological damage.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Salvia
Induce Vomiting If Ingested Recently
If you notice your furry friend has eaten salvia within the last couple hours, the first step is to induce vomiting. The sooner you can get the plant out of their system, the better. Contact your veterinarian for advice on the safest way to make your dog vomit according to their size.
Common suggestions include giving 3 percent hydrogen peroxide orally or using syrup of ipecac. However, only induce vomiting if your vet advises it, as it can be dangerous in some situations.
Once you’ve induced vomiting, collect a sample of the vomit to bring with you for testing if possible. Then, head to the emergency vet right away even if your dog seems fine. Salvia can cause delayed reactions, so it’s crucial to get them checked out.
Visit the Vet Immediately
After inducing vomiting if advised, rush your dog to the vet ASAP. Some effects of salvia poisoning don’t appear for several hours, and waiting can allow toxicity to build up. Bring a sample of the vomit and the salvia plant itself if available.
The vet will likely induce further vomiting and give medication to control nausea. They’ll also provide aggressive hydration and supportive care to maintain normal bodily functions. For the next 12-24 hours, the vet will monitor your dog closely for signs of liver damage and other potentially fatal reactions.
With prompt veterinary treatment, most dogs make a full recovery.
Provide Supportive Care as Advised
Once your dog is back home, continue supportive care as prescribed by your vet. Typical recommendations include:
- Giving anti-nausea medication
- Ensuring access to fresh water at all times
- Feeding a bland, easily digestible diet
- Monitoring body temperature and heartbeat
Your dog may act lethargic, vomit, or have diarrhea after salvia poisoning. Contact your vet if these signs persist beyond 24 hours or at any point you have concerns. Avoid giving home remedies without checking with your veterinarian first.
With early treatment, most dogs recover fully within 48 hours if no organ damage occurred. However, liver and kidney problems can show up later, so follow up testing is essential. Continue to watch for symptoms like yellowing eyes or gums, appetite loss, or abdominal pain.
Conclusion
While salvia has many beneficial uses, certain types and parts of the plant can be poisonous to dogs. To keep your pup safe, know which sages are more toxic, look out for signs of salvia poisoning, and get veterinary care immediately if you believe your dog has eaten any part of the plant.
With caution and awareness, you can help prevent any accidental salvia toxicity in your precious pooch.