No, sage plants are non-toxic to dogs.
A popular herb, sage plants are perennial, evergreen subshrubs from the Lamiaceae family. They belong to the Salvia genus, which has close to 1,000 species. Two widely used sage plants include common or garden sage (Salvia officinalis) and rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus). Besides cooking, these plants are grown for ornamental and aromatic purposes.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that the flowers, leaves, and stems of sage plants do not contain natural toxins. Therefore, it is a plant that dog owners can confidently add to their herb garden.
What to do if your dog accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats sage plants: Since sage plants have no toxic principles, they shouldn’t harm your pooch in any way. However, do not allow your pet to eat too much sage. Overeating of plants in general can cause indigestion.
Plus, be careful not to expose your pet to toxic chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides. If you suspect that the sage plant has these poisonous substances, contact your veterinarian immediately. Observe your dog over the next 24 hours for signs of poisoning. These may include agitation, tremors, convulsions, drooling, pale gums, and nausea. Also, watch for diarrhea, vomiting, unsteadiness on feet, abnormal heart rate, and difficulty in breathing. If his condition worsens, take him to the emergency clinic.
In summary: When given correctly, sage plants contain vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your dog. Speak with your veterinarian beforehand to make sure it is harmless for your particular pet.
Before buying a new plant to add to your collection, check out these lists by Pet Poison Helpline, PetMD, and ASPCA. They’ll help you determine which ones are toxic and safe for dogs.
References:
Salvia officinalis – Wikipedia
Dog poisoning: Signs of poisoning in dogs and what you need to do
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