Cardamom essential oil is an aromatic oil with a spicy-sweet note. It is derived from the Elettaria cardamom plant. This plant originates from India, but it is cultivated in many countries.
It can be found in many forms, but the form of essential oil is becoming wildly popular.
Throughout the years, it has been proven effective for many medicinal purposes. But let’s take a look if cardamom essential oil is safe for dogs.
Let’s dive in!
Can Cardamom Be Used on Dogs?
Cardamom can be safely used on dogs since it is non-toxic for them. Even though it is safe, we suggest careful usage.
If you have to choose between cardamom essential oil and cardamom spice, always choose the essential oil.
Also, make sure that your dog is completely healthy before you give it some essential oil. Cardamom oil is not recommended for patients with circulatory issues. It has a blood thinning effect when taken at high doses, therefore, if your dog suffers from some circulatory disease, avoid using it.
It can also lower the effect of some antibiotics. Therefore, you must take into consideration your pet’s current health status before using it.
Is Cardamom Safe to Diffuse Around Dogs?
Cardamom is a safe essential oil that won’t do any harm if diffused around dogs. But we will share some important tips.
Dogs have a very strong sense of smell. Recent studies show that dogs can detect scents of drugs, explosives, and even changes in human emotions. Therefore, you should be extra careful when diffusing essential oils.
Make sure to keep the windows and doors open when you diffuse this oil around dogs. This will help them “escape” if they dislike the smell.
Also, make sure to use high-quality essential oil and introduce the smell gradually. This will prevent any serious side effects.
Can Dogs Ingest Cardamom Oil?
Yes, dogs can ingest cardamom oil, but remember that moderation is the key. It is non-toxic to dogs and it can alleviate gastrointestinal health issues.
When ingested it can ease:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
However, we have a very important tip for you. Only give it to your pet if it is suggested by a holistic vet and always choose the essential oil form. Cardamom as a spice can lead to some side effects because it is very concentrated.
So, if you are using the essential oil form, you just need to be careful about the dose and its dilution. The best option is to mix it with carrier oil for a safer outcome.
What Are the Benefits of Cardamom Essential Oil for Dogs?
The benefits of cardamom are due to its antioxidant effects which can fight many bacteria and viruses.
It has been proven as effective with the following:
- Digestive issues
- Weight loss
- Immune boosting
- Cancer prevention
- Blood circulation
- Asthma
- Respiratory issues
- Arthritis
- Urinary issues
If cardamom oil usage is suggested by your vet, you and your pet can feel safer. Additionally, if you use high-quality essential oil, the healing benefits will be higher.
An interesting fact is that cardamom oil can heal stomach ulcers in rats. During the study, the rats were given extracts of cardamom during their treatment with aspirin. Rats that received this extract had fewer gastric ulcers.
How Much Cardamom Essential Oil Is Safe for Dogs?
Since its smell is very strong, we don’t suggest direct usage. We at Dogaspet suggest mixing it with other tasty and healthy ingredients.
There are many safe essential oils, but the key to the benefits is in their proper usage. Small mistakes in dosage can lead to long-term or even life-threatening conditions.
For starters, cardamom oil should be dosed according to your dog’s weight and age. Also, a big factor is their current health status. For example, pregnant dogs are not great candidates for cardamom oil usage.
Let us give you a few tips on dosing!
How to Dose Cardamom Essential Oil?
Our suggestion is to mix 1 drop of the essential oil with 120ml of water. Then our best advice is to observe your pet. If your pet refuses it, then give up.
You can also crush the seeds in a form of a fine powder. Then, you can sprinkle it over your pet’s kibble. Another great idea is to prepare tea from it and mix it with dry food. However, make sure to prepare it in small concentrations.
Don’t forget to use high-quality cardamom oil. Also, use this essential oil only if it is prescribed by your vet.
Are there any side effects of cardamom essential oil in dogs?
There are some potential side effects if the essential oil is not properly used.
common symptoms are gastrointestinal issues and allergic reactions, including:
- Rashes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
Another important side effect is dermatitis. If it is not properly used, its terpenes can lead to dermatitis.
However, these side effects are rarely seen. In fact, cardamom oil can significantly improve gastrointestinal and allergic symptoms.
Tip for avoiding side effects
This is probably the best old-fashioned tip that anyone can perform it. It is called “patch test” and it is super simple. You need to apply a small diluted amount of the oil to a small area of your dog’s skin. Then you should observe your dog for at least 12 hours. If it doesn’t show any symptoms, your dog might be a good candidate for cardamom essential oil.
Which Essential Oils Are Safe for Dogs?
There are a few safe essential oils for dogs. We will name a few of them.
Chamomile
Chamomile oil has been used for otitis externa treatment and other bacterial infections. But, remember that chamomile shouldn’t be the one and only treatment for any disease. It should be combined with antibiotics and antimycotics for full recovery.
So, your vet will never suggest you only essential oil or spices as a treatment drug. It will always be combined with antimicrobial drugs.
Ginger
Ginger is another safe essential oil for dogs. It has been proven effective in Dirofilaria immitis treatment.
A study shows that after 12 subcutaneous injections of ginger extract, the dogs have an 83% reduction in microfilariae concentrations. This is due to adult worm destruction.
However, it is important to know that some dogs might show lethargy due to the mass annihilation of microfilariae in the blood.
Frankincense
Boswellic acid is a triterpenoid which is found in this plant. It can lead to reduced inflammation, and it is suggested for cancer treatment along with many other natural remedies.
Lavender
Lavender should not be applied directly to your dog, meaning that it should never be ingested. Few drops of lavender oil might calm your dog, but the answer is individual.
According to studies, lavender essential oil can reduce travel-induced stress in dogs.
So, we suggest consulting with a holistic vet for proper usage.
To Sum Up
In general, cardamom is safe for dogs, however, moderation is the key.
You should be only careful if your dog suffers from some other diseases that could affect the cardamom oil effect.
In the end, our advice is to consult with a vet before using any type of “human” food or supplements for your pet. Additionally, you will be given the proper dose plan for your pet, and this way you will avoid some serious side effects.
