Castor oil is prevalent in most homes because of its umpteen health benefits. It has laxative properties and is an effective remedy for constipation. The oil also is an excellent moisturizer for the skin and heals wounds. Well, that was about the benefits of castor oil for humans but not for dogs. What is beneficial and healthy for you may not be the same for your four-legged friend.
The curious tendencies of dogs to explore anything unusual aren’t unknown. So, when they find a bottle of castor oil lying open in the pantry, they won’t miss the opportunity to lick a few drops to get a hang of its taste. So, is castor oil safe for dogs? What if your dog licked castor oil? Read on to know more.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is an effective vegetable oil prepared by processing castor beans. The oil either appears pale yellow or colorless. Some say it has a bland taste, similar to petroleum jelly.
It is used in foods as an additive and even in medicines. The role of this oil in curing several ailments isn’t unknown. Because of its laxative properties, castor oil has been effective in curing constipation. It even has anti-inflammatory properties and, on topical application, may help relieve menstrual cramps and joint pain.
Castor oil is also used for other purposes like soaps, waxes, fertilizers, lubricants, greases, etc. The labor-inducing properties of castor oil since time immemorial need to be mentioned.
Is Castor Oil Good Or Toxic for Dogs?
Castor beans are dangerous to dogs, horses, cats, and livestock because they contain the toxin ricin. In fact, ricin is immensely dangerous and can be fatal for pets and humans in severe cases.
But castor oil doesn’t have the same level of toxicity for pets like castor beans. This is because castor oil doesn’t have ricin in it. The ricin is filtered and discarded as waste when the castor beans are processed.
So castor oil isn’t toxic to dogs. But that doesn’t mean it is safe for them. It is a laxative, and increased ingestion of castor oil can trigger stomach upset in dogs, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.
However, if your dog licks just a bit of castor oil, then chances are that he may not be affected at all. But at times, he could even experience minor digestive disorders, especially if he is susceptible to bloating, indigestion, and other intestinal disorders.
What Will Happen to Your Dog If He Licks Castor Oil?
The extent to which castor oil can affect dogs depends on many things. These include:
- Your dog’s size – A big dog, like a Doberman, will be less affected if he licks two or three drops of castor oil. But the same amount of castor oil could significantly impact a small dog like Chihuahua.
- The amount your dog ate – If your dog ate just a couple of drops, that is likely to hurt him much. But, if he finished half a bottle, then the impact of castor oil is bound to be tremendous.
- Your dog’s overall health – In case you have a breed with a chronic issue of stomach ailments, then even a tiny amount of the oil could affect him immensely. Contrastingly, if your canine has sound health, he will be less likely to be affected by ingesting a small amount of castor oil.
So, if your canine has consumed small quantities of castor oil, in most cases, he will show no symptoms. Yet, you shouldn’t stop monitoring him for at least a day since he has eaten castor oil. The common symptoms that dogs might show include: - Gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and vomiting, since castor oil is a laxative. They may even have abdominal pain. When your dog has discomfort in his abdomen, he will mostly appear praying, with his back in the air and head and forelegs lowered. Your canine will also be reluctant to eat and show signs of lethargy and discomfort.
- Pancreatitis, mainly due to the increased fatty acid content in castor oil. Well, this is not a common thing to happen to dogs when consuming castor oil. But, if your pup has a lot of it or is already sick from before, he could be at risk of pancreatitis.
Breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, and Miniature Schnauzers are more prone to pancreatitis. The common signs include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, lessened appetite, and nausea.
What Should You Do When Your Dog Has Licked Castor Oil?
If you have seen your dog lick castor oil or assumed he has done so because the jar containing the oil is opened and messy, that makes things easier for you. The first and foremost thing to do as an owner is to maintain calm.
You must take one thing at a time and attempt to address the issue at the earliest. Here are some things you can do from your end:
1. Remove the Source
When you see your dog licking the oil from the jar, you must immediately remove it from his sight. Lid the jar, and keep it on a high shelf away from your dog’s reach. If he is licking oil from the floor, clean it at once.
While you are busy clearing the mess, it will help if you take your dog to another room and engage him with his toys. In this way, you can do your work uninterruptedly without disturbance from your dog.
2. Watch His Symptoms
This is another essential thing to do. Whenever your dog has eaten anything that he shouldn’t, you should keep a close eye on him for at least a day since the consumption. If he doesn’t show any alarming symptoms, then that is fine.
We may conclude that your dog ate a small amount of the oil, which did not affect his digestive system. However, if your dog is vomiting, passing loose stools, showing restlessness, or is unwilling to eat, you must contact the vet as soon as possible.
3. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
If your dog is showing symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, it is essential to keep him hydrated. Ensure that clean and fresh water is available near his crate so that he can get immediate access to it.
4. Contact the Vet
Even if your dog looks fine, you could still contact the vet when your dog has had even little castor oil. The discretion is yours. But, if your canine shows signs of discomfort or doesn’t look normal, then seeking the vet’s opinion is a mandate.
When to Talk to the Vet About Your Dog’s Eating Castor Oil?
As mentioned, if your dog is in pain and discomfort after consuming castor oil, you should not delay consulting the vet. These are some of the red flags to watch out for:
Sooner you seek medical help, the quicker it will help your dog to get better. Avoid inducing vomiting or trying any other remedies at home. This could further worsen your dog’s condition.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Having Castor Oil In the Future?
If your dog has escaped from being affected by the adverse effects of consuming castor oil once, he may not be lucky the next time. As a responsible pet parent, you must take the initiative to ensure that your dog doesn’t get access to castor oil in the future. Here are some things to do from your end:
- Keep the castor oil jar where your dog cannot reach it. A cabinet, high shelf, or closet would be a few options.
- You could secure the drawer or cabinet further by using child-proof locks. In this way., you could permanently stop your dog from accessing these places where you have kept castor oil and other products that are harmful to your dog.
- Do it carefully when using castor oil, and avoid spilling it on the floor. Even if you do, then remember to wipe the floor at once. In this way, you can prevent your dog from licking the drops.
- If you have an empty bottle of castor oil, dispose of it immediately in the trash can so your dog doesn’t get the scope to lick it. You could secure the can with a lid lock to prevent your dog from digging its contents.
FAQ’s
Is castor oil good for your dog’s nose and paws?
Castor oil has antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. It also has a moisturizing effect. This makes the oil a useful remedy to add shine to a dog’s coat, paws, and nose. Many owners prefer using castor oil combined with coconut or olive oil to nourish their dog’s coat. However, consult the vet before applying it topically on your dog’s skin.
Should you induce vomiting when your dog has licked castor oil?
If your dog has ingested too much castor oil, you should never try to induce vomiting at home. You could cause more harm to your dog than giving him relief. Contact the vet immediately, and do not try any remedies at home without his consultation.
Conclusion
When you have a dog at home, you must be extra cautious about keeping the everyday household items out of his reach. It could be anything from cleaning products to the medicines you use regularly. Accidental ingestion of any of these may result in serious health hazards.
It is always advisable to give dogs proper physical and mental stimulation. This will prevent them from curiously wandering around the house and resorting to destructive activities.
Elena Gherman is a highly skilled and knowledgeable animal care expert. At the start of her career, she gained practical expertise with multiple animals. In addition to that, she works as a DVM veterinary editor for Joy Pet Products, which focuses on offering reliable information on pet health and wellbeing. She meticulously reviews each piece of writing before it is published to make sure pet owners get the most precise and updated information possible.