Dogs can consume lemon balm, but it is recommended that you only give them a very small amount to be safe. Indigestion and an upset stomach may result from excessive amounts.
What is the best way to feed lemon balm to your dog? Herbal teas, chopped leaves, or grounded dried leaves can all be used. You can also incorporate the herb into snacks.
Freshly chopped leaves can be added to food in a teaspoon for smaller dogs, while only a pinch of dried lemon balm is enough. The amount you use for larger dogs can be doubled, depending on their size.
Many people drink lemon water first thing in the morning as part of their morning routine. Some dogs enjoy the sour flavor of lemon juice despite the fact that most dislike it.
With a cold or fever, lemon is often used as an immune booster due to its high vitamin C content. In lieu of chemical repellents that contain harmful ingredients, use this natural alternative. Protecting your dog against pesky insects has never been easier or more affordable.
Before scrolling down to an in-depth answer to this guide, “Is Lemon Balm Safe For Dogs,” check out: Is Maltodextrin Safe For Dogs? (2023) and Is Cumin Safe for Dogs? (2023).
What Are the Risks of Using Lemon Balm on Dogs?
As long as you use lemon balm in moderation, it is safe for dogs. It is most common to experience a mild upset stomach as a side effect. Lemon balm should be avoided if you notice an adverse reaction in your dog after using it. Dogs can benefit from lemon balm’s versatility in treating a variety of ailments. Discuss the benefits of lemon balm with your veterinarian if you are considering using it for your dog.
You may notice vomit or diarrhea if your dog consumes lemon balm. There is also a risk of liver damage caused by the essential oils of this plant. You should take your dog to the vet immediately if they exhibit any of these symptoms.
In large amounts, lemon can harm your dog’s digestive system due to the presence of citric acid. The stomach can be upset and vomiting or diarrhea can occur if too much lemon is consumed.
As a result of drinking lemon juice, a dog can experience stomach issues and vomiting or diarrhea. It can help to relax dogs suffering from insomnia, agitation, and anxiety by using lemon balm.
A dog’s acid-base balance can be affected by lemon juice because of its high acid content. You can be assured that your dog won’t get sick if he eats anything from the garden.
Contact the local poison control center or the nearest veterinarian for assistance if your pet becomes ill.
What Are the Benefits of Lemon Balm for Dogs?
In addition to humans, dogs and cats can benefit from lemon balm, which is scientifically referred to as Melissa officinalis. Several conditions may be helped when it is used as a supplement for your dog. Whenever possible, consult your veterinarian before substituting your pet’s medication with an herb.
Anxiety
As a calming agent or as a treatment for anxiety, lemon balm is used most commonly on dogs. There is often a close connection between anxiety and stomach sensitivities. Your dog’s digestive system will also benefit from lemon balm.
It is not uncommon for dogs to experience stomach issues due to their anxiety, such as diarrhea or stomach pain. Lemon balm can treat sensitive stomachs and is a natural sedative, regardless of what is causing your dog’s nervousness.
In addition to its sedative properties, lemon balm also improves a pet’s awareness, making it more focused, despite the sedative qualities. Dog owners who have older dogs suffering from dementia or confusion often use lemon balm as a supplement to treat them.
Respiratory Health
Chronic bronchitis is one of the most common respiratory conditions that dogs face. Typically, Lasix (also known as Salix or Furosemide) is the most popular medicine for respiratory issues. The risks associated with long-term Lasix use are unknown to many pet owners. As a diuretic, it causes the body to urinate more often to rid itself of fluids. This device drains fluids from all parts of the body, including the lungs.
How to Use Lemon Balm on Dogs
Depending on your dog’s needs, you can apply the herb topically or orally. Here are some of those ways.
For Oral Use
In order to make a strong enough lemon balm tea, mix two tablespoons of chopped fresh leaves with one cup of boiling water — or two tablespoons of dried herb per cup of water.
You don’t have to worry about exact measurements or dosages since this herb is non-toxic.
Allow the brewed tea to cool to room temperature by covering it. Adding tea to your dog’s food or water is the best way to give it to them.
Approximately one tablespoon of tea per 20 pounds of body weight can be consumed twice or three times per day. Double that amount if you’re treating a specific health problem, such as gas or anxiety.
For Topical Use
Lemon balm can be used topically to soothe skin and help heal lesions or rashes. Some options for applying it topically include:
Disinfecting Rinse
Tea made from fresh lemon balm can also be applied topically to minor cuts and wounds as a disinfectant rinse. Make the rinse even more potent by adding two teaspoons of unrefined sea salt to each cup of tea. Stir well after adding salt. Make sure the tea is not too hot (just pour it over the wound).
Cold Compress
Using a clean washcloth soaked in lemon balm tea, apply it to your injured area, and hold it there for several minutes. The area should remain cold for as long as possible by soaking the compress again and applying it.
Hot Compress
Lemon balm has antispasmodic and muscle-relaxing properties, as mentioned above. In addition to helping with aches and pains in dogs due to chronic conditions, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, it can also relieve some of the pain due to old sports injuries.
Making a hot compress with lemon balm tea can help — just be sure to serve the tea at a reasonable temperature.
The affected area should be covered in the tea, wrung out to stop the drips, then applied for several minutes. To keep the area warm for up to 15 minutes, soak the compress again and reapply as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lemon balm is non-toxic for dogs.
Lemon balm can impact sedatives and thyroid medications.
It is possible for lemon balm to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Conclusion for “Is Lemon Balm Safe for Dogs”
In small amounts found in foods, lemon balm is safe. Supplements containing lemon balm may be safe when taken up to 500 mg daily for a period of six months. Wheezing, nausea, dizziness, and increased appetite are some of the mild side effects. If your dog has side effects, it’s best to discontinue use.
Every dog has a different level of tolerance and some dogs may not be able to take very much at all. If your dog has other health problems or is taking certain medications, it may be a good idea to talk with your vet to make sure your dog can handle it.
Among many other aromatic herbs, lemon balm shares the mint family with sage, rosemary, peppermint, and basil, which are also perennial herbs. A Greek temple dedicated to the earth’s mother Rhea used lemon balm for religious purposes in 300 BCE, and ancient Roman treatises mention its medicinal uses.
This herb is not only beneficial to humans, but it is also beneficial to dogs when given in moderation and monitored closely to avoid any allergic reactions or adverse effects. If you are considering giving lemon balm to your dog, make sure you know the risks and benefits and be sure to consult with a veterinarian.
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Learn more by watching “Pucker Up: The Sweet Benefits of Lemon Balm for Your Dog | Wag!” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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