Clover herb has a tangy and spicy flavor. It has many medicinal values but can also be used to flavor food. You can add them to your salads and garnish your soup. These leaves contain calcium and vitamins, essential for healthy bones and teeth.
This herb also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat digestive health issues like ulcers. Clover has many benefits for humans, but our genuine concern is whether it is okay for your dog to eat clover. Let’s discuss this below!
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Can Dogs Eat Clover?
Dogs like to spend time in the grass – whether it’s a garden, park, or field. Unfortunately, one more thing grows along with the grass, and that is clover. Dogs aren’t hard to please, and when they start nibbling grass, they might ingest some clover. So, if you’re worried that your dog has eaten clover and would it be okay, then the answer is YES.
Your dogs can eat clover. However, if they ingest clover in a large amount, it can lead to various health issues – kidney damage and diarrhea. Clover contains oxalate crystals, fungus, and toxin slaframine that can be poisonous to your dogs, leading to oxalate poisoning. However, it’s very unlike for your dog to consume it in a large amount as clover has a peculiar taste.
Why do dogs eat clover?
Even though clover tastes bitter, there are a few reasons your dog eats it. Let’s discuss all the bases in detail:
Diet: Your dog can eat clover if it’s not getting sufficient nutrients from its food. As dogs need vitamins and minerals in their body, they tend to eat grass.
Upset Stomach: If your dog has an upset stomach, it eats grass as your furry friend thinks it might help with digestion.
Boredom: Yes, your dog can eat clover when it feels boring. You take your canine out for a walk and don’t pay attention. Your dog might feel bored and starts eating clover along with grass.
What Happens If Your Dog Eats Clover?
Your dog may experience mild to serious health issues due to excessive clover consumption. It depends on the amount of clover your dog has ingested. Also, there are chances that your dog might not get affected at all.
Symptoms of clover poisoning
Your dog can experience mild to severe clover poisoning symptoms depending on the amount it has ingested the clover.
Mild symptoms of clover poisoning
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
- Frequent urination
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Minimal clover consumption is highly unlikely to result in any of these happening, but it is still not impossible.
Severe symptoms of clover poisoning
- Blood in urine
- Trouble breathing
- Diarrhea
- Kidney failure
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, consult your vet immediately for the proper treatment.
How to stop your dog from eating clover?
You can keep your dog from eating clover by following these methods:
Give them a proper diet: Feed them a proper diet full of fibers, minerals, and vitamins will prevent your dogs from eating clover.
Pay proper attention to their gut health: Dogs are likely to eat clover because of an upset stomach. So, if your dog is having stomach issues, consult with a vet. It’s one of the best ways to stop your dogs from eating clover.
Train your dog: You can train your dogs to avoid plats like clover. Forbid your dog from eating clover, and when they listen to you, encourage your furry friend with a treat. Be strict and consistent if you want to teach your dog not to eat clover.
Can Your Dog Vomit After Eating Clover?
Yes, dogs can vomit after eating clover as they won’t be able to digest the excessive amount of this herb. The oxalate crystals in the clover plant can cause oxalate poisoning, resulting in diarrhea and vomiting.
There is a possibility that your dog won’t show any symptoms if it has an upset stomach. Your dog will experience vomiting if it digests clover in an excessive amount.
Is a Clover Lawn Safe For Your Dogs?
If you follow proper precautions, your dog will be safe in a clover lawn. Pay appropriate attention to your dog; don’t let them eat too much clover to avoid oxalate poisoning. Also, train them properly so your furry friends don’t overeat clover. You can give your dog treats to encourage it not to eat clover herb.
Conclusion:
In simple words, dogs can consume clover in a modest amount. It might not cause any health issues for your dog. However, we recommend paying proper attention to your dog’s health if they eat this herb. Eating clover in an excessive amount can have a negative impact on your dog’s health, i.e., clover poisoning or oxalate poisoning. So, make sure that your dog doesn’t consume too much clover grass from the garden. And, if they eat grass in excessive amounts, pay a visit to your vet immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is clover chips safe for your dogs?
The answer is a simple NO! Too many clover chips can cause clover poisoning in your dogs. So, make sure that you don’t feed clover chips to your dog in an excessive amount.
Are dogs allergic to clover?
There are chances that your dog might be allergic to these plants Dock, Ragweed, Clover, Wandering Jew, Sorrel, Kikuyu, Pine Oak, Paspalum, Fescue, Privet, Couch grass, and Birch. The only way to tell which of these your dog is allergic to is to perform allergy testing at the vet.
Is clover better than grass for dogs?
Clover is immune to “dog patches.” Dog urine discolors lawn grasses, but clover stays as green and lush as ever. However, if your dog eats clover in an excessive amount, your canine can experience oxalate poisoning.
Why is my dog eating clover?
Your dog might be eating clover because of the following reasons, insufficient diet, upset stomach or out of boredom.
What type of grass is best for dogs?
Bermuda grass is the best for dogs as compared to other varieties. This grass is tough against wear and tear and provides an excellent playing field for your canine.
