Watercress: what is it?
A native of Europe and Asia, it was cultivated as a nutritional resource during prehistoric periods.
There are similarities between this plant and mustard, radish, and wasabi.
This is a water plant, also commonly referred to as Nasturtium officinale.
It is an excellent source of vitamin C, iron, folate, vitamins A, B6, and B12, as well as several minerals. I’ve seen dozens of options to prepare it, like raw in salads.
Can dogs eat watercress?
This question can be answered in a nutshell by saying; no.
Canines should not consume watercress, as it causes serious digestive problems.
It is pertinent to point out that watercress is not toxic or contains no poisonous properties that can be easily identified. It is simply not compatible with a dog’s digestive system.
To help you understand why watercress is not good for your dog, here is what you need to know:
Why Is Watercress Bad for Dogs?
Watercress, or Nasturtium officinale, is a native of Europe and Asia but is also found across the United States and Canada.
Watercress extract has been used as a flavor enhancer in some foods, including dog foods. The amount of contamination is very small, just a trace amount.
Moreover, it has been found that watercress, in some considerable quantity, even with a tiny cluster of its petals, produces substantial gastrointestinal problems in canines and various other species of creatures if it is consumed in any significant quantity.
Aside from its inherent danger, other factors make it hazardous for your dog, especially if it finds it in the wild.
A dog that eats this type of watercress may be infected with hepatitis bacteria, microbes, parasites, and poisonous chemicals. These can cause infections in the dog and lead to metallic exposure.
It is because watercress is an aquatic plant that this occurs.
As most of us know, water-based bacteria and toxins can be some of the most dangerous things that can happen to our dogs. There is no doubt that watercress absorbs some of these nutrients and, as a result, is unsuitable for our dogs to consume.
When my dog consumes watercress, what should I do?
Poisoning caused by Nasturtium is a serious matter that must be resolved as quickly as feasible.
You should be aware that the level of danger to your dog may vary depending on whether they ingested watercress at home or in the wild.
Regardless, either scenario poses enough danger to warrant immediate veterinary attention.
See veterinary care if you notice your canine exhibiting sickness, vomiting, or drooling while splashing in the river or consuming watercress at home. Kidney and thyroid disease are particularly prevalent in dogs with weakened immune systems.
When you live in an area surrounded by a body of water of any kind, such as a lake or a stream, you should make sure that you research the plant life that grows in those bodies of water.
Many dangers can be found in this area, such as green algae, which is toxic to dogs, and may result in their death.
Keep a close eye on your surroundings. Make sure you keep the watercress out of your pup’s reach and do not share foods containing this plant.
Treatment of Watercress (Nasturtium) Poisoning in Dogs
For dogs showing gastrointestinal distress, severe vomiting or diarrhea must be stopped for approximately half a day before food is given.
Using this technique, the dog’s stomach muscles can recover from vomiting-induced gastric spasms.
Water and shaved frozen are frequently offered throughout this procedure to prevent dryness, but only in minimal portions. Soft, tasteless meals can be provided at least a day or two following the restraining timeframe.
A recovery diet should include one carbohydrate and one mild protein.
If excessive vomiting and diarrhea become a concern, or if your pet exhibits symptoms not caused by watercress toxicity, your veterinarian will advise bringing your pet to their clinic. Thus, patients will be able to receive additional support treatments.
Dehydration will most likely be prevented via IV fluid treatment.
Also, gastroprotective drugs like Nexium or Imodium might be prescribed.
Give these drugs to your animal, following the medical professional’s instructions.
CONCLUSION
For human consumption, watercress is available in salads, smoothies, soups, sandwiches, sauces, and dips galore.
On the other hand, watercress is inappropriate for dogs because it contains poisonous chemicals.
In dogs, watercress causes significant digestive issues, so they should not be fed. The fact is that watercress is not toxic, or at least it doesn’t contain any poisonous properties that are easily identifiable. This makes it an excellent diet for those with delicate tummies.
Dogs cannot digest it, which does not work with their digestion process.
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