We are always looking at explaining more and more foods and beverages people would like to share with their pets. Can dogs eat licorice? This is one of those questions that you will probably want to get an answer to as soon as possible. Below we will try to explain all the main and less-known facts about licorice and dogs. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Can Dogs Eat Licorice? The Short Answer
The shortest answer is no, dogs must not eat licorice. There are a lot of different types and all of them contain a lot of sugar. Sugar is not something dogs need, especially in large amounts. It can cause diabetes, other health conditions, obesity and so much more. One of the most common issues here is tooth damage which can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Can dogs eat licorice? No, they should not eat it, period.
Dogs Must Not Eat Licorice Root
Now you are wondering if you can feed your dog licorice root. It sounds like a completely different thing hence it may be safe for a dog. The truth is not. This is an extract that is made from glycyrrhiza glabra. It is a type of plant. The extract has a positive effect on inflammation and people have been using it for treating joint pain for a long period of time.
The biggest issue here is the fact licorice root can be toxic to dogs when a pet consumes it in large amounts. It is best not to risk it and avoid feeding your pet with licorice root in general. Look for a healthier and actually safe alternative.
We must add that if your pet consumes a lot of licorice root, take him to a vet as soon as you can. The Sooner you get there, the better odds and an easier treatment your dog will get.
Can Dogs Eat Black Licorice?
As you can assume, the answer is still no. Dogs must not eat black licorice. It contains licorice root hence it is toxic to dogs and can cause a lot of problems. The situation is the same when it comes to candies of this kind. They are still toxic and can be problematic to a dog. Once again we can see a lot of sugar and even some ingredients that are bad for dogs. In general, dogs must not eat black licorice and there are no exceptions. Small amounts won’t be deadly or dangerous but if your pet eats too much of it, all sorts of problems can arise.
What About Red Licorice?
This is actually a safer alternative. It doesn’t contain licorice root hence it is not toxic. But it has a lot of sugar which can cause obesity, tooth decay and so much more. Dogs don’t need a lot of sugar and red licorice has too much of it. What this means is that in small amounts, red licorice is safe and a dog can theoretically eat it without any health issues.
In large amounts, this treat can be dangerous and we don’t recommend you feed the dog with it. It is best to look for a healthier option that is not loaded with sugar.
One risk here is when a dog eats wrappings. These can cause an obstruction which can be dangerous. They can cause bowel obstruction and a trip to the vet is mandatory. If your dog eats red licorice with wrappings, he may develop:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Issues with passing the stool
- Pain in the abdomen
These are all problems that you can’t treat at home so help is mandatory. If you notice red licorice with all the wrappings missing, you know what to do. There is no need to add that this refers to all other treats, candies, and foods that come in wrappings. Dogs cannot digest wrappings and they can end up under a lot of pressure which can cause obstruction.
What Happens If A Dog Eats Licorice?
As you can assume, the issues will differ. In the case your pet eats black licorice, the risk is much higher so you need to react faster. This can cause glycyrrhizin toxicity and professional help is something your pet needs as soon as possible. Dogs will typically show symptoms such as:
- Vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Increased blood pressure
All of these can be very dangerous and they won’t go away without help. Keep in mind that how fast these will appear and how severe they will depend on the amount of black licorice your dog has access to. More of it will increase the number of toxins and as such can be more severe. You need to take him to a vet. Small amounts are not that dangerous and most dogs can recover without a trip to a vet.
When a dog eats a lot of red licorice, you don’t need to worry too much. Just make sure you have the time to monitor his behavior and condition. In many cases, a dog will be just fine. He will need some time to get back to normal but this is not too long.
It is a good idea to decrease or completely eliminate other foods rich in sugar and provide your pet with plenty of water. If there are more severe symptoms such as vomiting that lasts for days, severe lethargy, or bloody diarrhea, you need to take him to a vet. The odds of this happening are low and usually, you don’t need to worry about it. Most dogs can recover without any consequence and rather quickly.
The Final Word
Can dogs eat licorice? As you were able to see the only answer here is no. While red licorice is less bad, it is still something dogs must not consume. These are not treats dogs need and don’t really offer any benefits. As such, you should look for an alternative treat and food that is safe, beneficial, and doesn’t come with all of these issues and downsides. Licorice doesn’t have any health benefits on dogs but can cause a lot of severe problems that can be hard to treat and also expensive.