Can Dogs Eat Licorice? Hazards of Canine Licorice Consumption

Canines should not consume black or red licorice or licorice root, which can be harmful to your dog’s health and may be poisonous. Licorice extract and licorice root contain natural anti-inflammatory properties for humans, aiding the immune system and treating health problems like eczema, liver disease, and sore throat. However, it also contains glycyrrhizin, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities.

Black licorice candy may not contain elements of the licorice plant, but the anise that producers use to flavor it can upset your dog’s delicate digestive system. Furthermore, licorice candy contains large amounts of wheat gluten, sugar, and high-fructose corn syrup, which can cause gastrointestinal issues, weight gain, water retention, and high blood pressure in dogs. To be safe, refrain from feeding this human food to your dog.

Instead of giving your dog this confection, consider incorporating fruits or veggies into their diet as healthy dog treats. (For instance, dogs can safely eat blueberries.) Keep in mind that a balanced diet for dogs includes ninety percent of their calories from dedicated dog food, with ten percent from human foods.

Licorice candy can be unpleasant or dangerous for your dog to consume depending on the ingredients, their size, and the amount they consume. Here are some of the risks:

1. 1. High blood pressure: Eating glycyrrhizin, a key ingredient in licorice root, can result in high blood pressure for your pooch, so dog owners should refrain from feeding licorice-based or -flavored products to their furry friends.
2. 2. High sugar content: Sugars or sweeteners in licorice candy can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay in dogs. Moreover, sugar-free licorice may contain toxic ingredients like xylitol, which could constitute a medical emergency for your dog.
3. 3. Wrappers can cause harm: If your dog gets into a package of licorice and consumes the wrapper, it can cause a bowel obstruction requiring attention from a vet.

Depending on the dog breed and size, it’s likely fine if your pup accidentally ate one piece of full-sugar licorice candy. However, if they consumed an entire bag of licorice, they may require medical attention. Follow these steps if your dog has ingested licorice:

1. 1. Call your vet. If you catch your dog eating licorice—or suspect that they did—call your veterinarian immediately to get advice. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Helpline is another helpful resource to help you determine if your pet is having a toxic reaction.
2. 2. Read the ingredients list. Check the package of licorice to see if it contains any xylitol. In the case of small licorice candies and larger dog breeds, there may be a lower risk if your dog managed to sneak one from a bag of regular candies. However, sugar-free varieties likely contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and pet owners should immediately seek medical attention.
3. 3. Monitor your dog for side effects. If your dog ate regular licorice and the vet has advised you to stay home, watch your pooch for the next few hours to safeguard against any adverse reactions. Side effects like vomiting, lethargy, muscle weakness, excessive drooling, or stomach discomfort are all potential signs of licorice poisoning.
   
4. 4. Seek medical attention if necessary. Seek veterinary care immediately if your dog is experiencing any adverse reactions. Take them to a veterinary emergency room if necessary. If your pet consumed a whole bag of licorice candies, the vet might induce vomiting.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your dog’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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