Thyme is a popular spice that many people keep in their homes. You can even grow it in the garden or indoors to have a fresh herb to use in your dishes. Many people wonder if this herb is safe to give your dog, and the short answer is yes. Your dog can eat small portions of thyme and will receive several health benefits from it. Keep reading while we look at these benefits, as well as any possible dangers that might result from feeding your dog too much.
Benefits and Uses of Thyme for Dogs
Vitamins
Thyme will provide your dog with a wide assortment of vitamins, like A, C, and K, that will help your pet develop into a healthy adult. They will help boost the immune system so your pet can fight off disease and heal faster after an injury.
Minerals
Thyme also provides your cat with several important nutrients that are essential for healthy bones and the proper development of every part of the body.
Thymol
Thymol is a unique compound found in thyme that is a powerful oral antiseptic that can help fight gingivitis and ba breath in your pet. It’s a common ingredient in several brands of pet-safe toothpaste, and you can have it readily available if you grow it in your home.
Antimicrobial
Thyme has antimicrobial properties which will help your pet fight fungus, bacterial, and viral pathogens. It can also help fight off a cough and other illnesses.
Eliminate Parasites
Many people successfully use thyme to remove parasites like hookworm, making it a suitable alternative to chemical-based solutions. Still, you should consult with your vet to make sure it’s the best course of action for your pet.
Antispasmodic
Thyme has antispasmodic properties, which allow it to help with digestion and help relieve irritable bowel syndrome and indigestion symptoms. As with any serious medical condition, we recommend consulting with your vet to make sure thyme is the best option for your dog and what other options are available.
Asthma Relief
There is some evidence that providing your pet thyme can help increase the airflow in bronchial passages, easing asthma symptoms. It can also help ease other respiratory disorders. Of course, there are other treatments you can employ as well, and you should talk with your vet before administering any treatment.
Mild Astringent
Thyme is a mild astringent, so it can help reduce the frequency of urinary tract infections. It will also help them clear up faster so your pet can get back on track.
Side Effects of Thyme on Dogs
High Fiber
Thyme is quite high in fiber which can cause indigestion in some dogs that may even result in diarrhea and vomiting. However, this is only likely to occur if your dog eats excessive amounts at a single sitting.
Spanish Thyme
Spanish Thyme is a different variety of thyme that is quite toxic to your pet and can lead to Spanish thyme poisoning. If your dog eats too much of this plant, it can become depressing, have difficulty breathing, and have bloody diarrhea. You will need to take your dog to the vet immediately if you think it has eaten Spanish thyme.
How Do I Feed My Dog Thyme?
Most dogs will not eat thyme or any other plants when there is meat available, so it will usually hold out for dinner and leave the plants alone. However, you can get your dog to eat this beneficial food by finely chopping it and spreading a teaspoonful over its food every few days. Homegrown thyme will be healthier and contain more nutrients than spices you will buy in the store, and it will likely taste better. You can also make sure the plant uses high-quality fertilizer and is pesticide-free.
Conclusion
We recommend adding thyme to your dog’s diet because it will help fight mouth bacteria and improve breath. Making it a regular part of your pet’s diet will also help get it used to eat it if it needs it for one of the more serious conditions. It’s inexpensive to purchase and easy to grow, so there’s no good reason not to add it to your pet’s diet unless it won’t eat it or has a reaction.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide and found the answers you needed. If we have convinced you to add this helpful herb to your pet’s dinner, please share this guide to the benefits, uses, and side effects of feeding your dog thyme on Facebook and Twitter.
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Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
