Epazote or paico is a medicinal herb whose scientific name is Chenopodium ambrosioides. It comes from the Nahuatl "epaztl", which translates as "skunk", which is why it is also known as skunk epazote or dog epazote. Due to its medicinal properties, it is a widely used herb throughout the state of Mexico. Now, do its uses also extend to veterinary medicine? Is epazote bad for dogs? What happens if they eat it?
In this article on our site we talk about epazote for dogs, its uses in these animals, contraindications, side effects and much more.
Is epazote bad for dogs?
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)[1], epazoteconsidered toxic to dogs, cats and horses if ingested The book Veterinary Herbal Medicine [2], edited by Susan G. Wynn and Barbara J. Fougère, also ranks epazote oil as one of the most toxic to animals. Likewise, in a video published on his YouTube channel, veterinarian Edgard Gomes reinforces that the toxicity of ingested epazote is due to ascaridol, a compound present in grass that is very dangerous for animals[3]
However, used topically, there are people who argue that epazote may have benefits for dogs, although they have not yet been scientifically proven. For example, a study prepared and published in 2018 by the Federal University of Piauí[4] looked for the medicinal plants most used in animals in Brazil, a country where it is also epazote was very popular, and showed that the use of this plant was widespread in cases of skin infections, parasites, dislocations and fractures. This same study indicates that the effectiveness has little scientific evidence.
For all of the above, we can conclude that, despite popular belief due to its results in humans, epazote in dogs should be used with great care and always following the instructions of the veterinarian, respecting in all moment the quantities and forms of use.
Check the list of toxic plants for dogs to prevent your dog from having access to them.
Symptoms of epazote poisoning in dogs
Since we have already seen that epazote is harmful to dogs if they ingest it, if this happens, the animal will most likely present the following symptoms:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- weakness
- tremors
All of these are symptoms of poisoning in dogs and can be more or less serious depending on the amount of epazote ingested. It is even possible that the animal presents bloody diarrhea, as well as anaphylactic shock if, in addition, it suffers an allergic reaction to the plant.
Can epazote be used to deworm dogs?
The use of homemade recipes with epazote is a common practice in Brazil and Mexico that has been developing for a long time. However, there are few studies that demonstrate its beneficial effects, as we have pointed out in the previous section. The use of epazote to deworm dogs is one of the best known, but little is known about its effectiveness.
So, is it good to use epazote to deworm dogs? It is preferable to avoid it and opt for veterinary prescription dewormers or home remedies that do They have scientific evidence. In our articles you will find several effective recipes:
- Home remedies for intestinal parasites in dogs
- Home remedies for worms in dogs
- Home remedies for ticks in dogs
Other popular uses of epazote
Epazote is also believed to be very effective in strengthening the immune system, fighting respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and tuberculosis, and relieving inflammation, especially when suffering from joint problems such as osteoarthritis. Many people empirically also use the herb by placing its leaves on wounds to speed healing. Based on this, several studies, such as the one prepared by the State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN)[5] or the one published in the Latin American bulletin and of the Caribbean of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants by the University of Chile[6], decided to verify the effects of epazote against cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans. The result found and published in 2018 by the university was that yes, epazote helps fight inflammation by promoting healing, so it can help reduce the symptoms of this disease.
In addition, the herb is used to improve digestion, lower blood pressure, fight bacterial infections, and even prevent osteoporosis. Now, all these uses are common in people, where their effects have been tested and demonstrated. For this reason, many people venture to use epazote for dogs with similar problems, however, we insist, there is no scientific evidence to support that in these animals the benefits are the same. In fact, we must remember that, when ingested, it is a toxic plant.
If your dog suffers from any of the aforementioned problems and you don't have the resources to visit a veterinary clinic immediately, you can consult this article: "Medicinal plants for dogs". However, it is always recommended that a professional examine the animal to diagnose the cause of the symptoms, since, on many occasions, administering a remedy or drug without knowing what is happening can worsen the situation.
