If you’re a dog parent, you will know how often your pooch’s nose reaches where it least belongs. And there are not many things that smell stronger than spices. Being sniffers by birth, dogs just cannot resist fragrance of spices and cinnamon is one of them. But, is cinnamon good enough for your dog to consume? In this article, we will explore whether cinnamon is safe for your dog and what happens if they consume this spice.

What is Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a spice made from the bark of evergreen trees belonging to the laurel family. It is a sweet-smelling spice and comes majorly in two varieties – Cassia and Ceylon.

Cassia Cinnamon:

Originally from Indonesia, this type of cinnamon stick has a rougher texture, dark color and is smoky in taste. It is reasonably priced and easily available. Cassia is a rich source of coumarin and is not recommended for dogs.

Ceylon Cinnamon:

This is an expensive type of cinnamon and is not easily available. A product of Sri Lanka, it is light brown in color and has a sweet flavor. It has comparatively lower levels of coumarin and thus is safe for dogs.

Is Cinnamon Bad for Dogs?

Cinnamon comes in the form of sticks, powder and essential oils. Though it has a wide range of health benefits, it can lead to stomach aches and irritation in your dog’s mouth. Eating an excessive quantity of cinnamon can dry up your dog’s throat. If they inhale the powdered form of cinnamon, they can experience coughing, choking and difficulty breathing.

Overdose of cinnamon can lead to the following health conditions:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Low blood sugar levels
• Liver problems
• Changes in heart rate

If your dog experiences any of the above-mentioned health issues, get in touch with your vet at the earliest and seek medical advice.

Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon features cinnamaldehyde, a compound that has a wide range of health benefits for dogs that include the following:

1] Antioxidants:

A rich source of antioxidants, cinnamon controls cell damage from environmental factors. It also helps in slowing down  cognitive aging, improves focus and memory and supports brain function. This can be beneficial for senior dogs that suffer from dementia.

2] Aids in fungal infections:

Dogs that suffer from allergies or yeast infections can benefit from consuming cinnamon in low quantities.  It helps in reducing the growth of bacteria like listeria and salmonella, or yeast like candida albicans.

3] Reduce inflammation:

Cinnamon reduces swelling and inflammation in dogs, thus helping them with arthritis, joint pain, and sore      muscles.

4]Regulate blood sugar:

When offered in lower volumes, cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.

5]Improves heart function:

According to a study, a controlled dose of cinnamon is beneficial for dogs with heart problems. It lowers  heart rate and reduces systolic blood pressure.

What is the ideal cinnamon quantity you can offer your dog?

A teaspoon of cinnamon should be safe for your dog. As dogs come in different sizes ranging from toy-sized poodles to large mastiffs, safe doses of the spice will depend on your pooch’s height, weight and health condition.

You can offer ground cinnamon to your dog daily in the following quantities:

Concluding Note

Always remember that foods that are safe for humans can sometimes be unsafe and toxic for pets. Therefore, you should always check with your veterinarian if you’re unsure. They will be able to guide you and help you with up-to-date and accurate information. Please keep in mind that this blog is for educational purposes only and cannot be replaced with professional medical advice.