Is Borage toxic to dogs? Is Borage poisonous to dogs? In this article, we’ll teach you all you need to know about if Borage is safe for dogs, including what to do if your dog ate Borage (Starflower) already. We’ll then go over the two commands that will ensure your dog behaves around Borage and other plants that might be toxic.

Next, we’ll explain more you should know about the Borage and dogs, such as how to keep dogs away using barriers. Finally, we’ll instruct you on the proper care of Borage plants (uses, benefits, invasiveness, care, non-companion plants, seeds, fertilizer, growing in pots, hardiness zone) and more to know when you have dogs. Keep reading!

Is Borage Toxic to Dogs?

Borage is toxic to dogs due to its alkaloids and pyrrolizidine, which can lead to liver damage or other severe health issues. If your dog eats Borage, immediate veterinary attention is essential. Training commands like “Leave It” and “Drop It” can prevent your dog from ingesting this toxic plant.

Is Borage Poisonous to Dogs?

Borage is poisonous to dogs. While it’s often used in herbal medicine for humans, its alkaloids and pyrrolizidine can be harmful to dogs. If ingested, the plant can lead to liver damage or other severe health issues.

Borage Poisoning Symptoms in Dogs

Symptoms of Borage poisoning in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has ingested Borage, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Blood tests and other diagnostic procedures may be necessary to determine the level of toxicity and the best course of treatment.

Train the “Leave It” Command

Training your dog to respond to the “Leave It” command can prevent them from ingesting toxic substances like Borage.

1. Hold a treat in your closed hand and present it to your dog without letting them take it.
2. When your dog tries to take the treat, say “Leave It” and wait for them to pull away.
3. Once they pull away, reward them with a different treat.
4. Repeat these steps until your dog understands the command.

The “Leave It” command is especially helpful when you’re walking your dog and encounter a Borage plant or other harmful substances.

Train the “Drop It” Command

The “Drop It” command can be a lifesaver if your dog picks up something harmful like Borage.

1. Play a game of fetch with a toy your dog likes.
2. Once your dog has the toy in their mouth, offer them a high-value treat.
3. As your dog drops the toy to take the treat, say “Drop It.”
4. Reward them with the treat.
5. Repeat until the command is ingrained.

The “Drop It” command allows you to quickly get your dog to release any harmful object they’ve picked up, reducing the risk of poisoning.

Borage is toxic to dogs and should be kept out of their reach. These commands will also help keep your dog safe, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (curiosity, anxiety, boredom, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present.

And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog getting too close to Borage plants and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog eating Borage flowers ever again!

Is Borage Safe for Dogs?

Borage is not safe for dogs. The plant contains alkaloids and pyrrolizidine, which are toxic substances that can lead to liver damage and other severe health issues in dogs. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if your dog has ingested any part of the Borage plant.

Dog Ate Borage (Starflower), What Do I Do?

If your dog ate Borage, the first step is to contact your veterinarian immediately for advice tailored to your dog’s condition. Depending on the amount ingested and the symptoms displayed, your vet may recommend immediate treatment, which could include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or supportive care like intravenous fluids.

What Part of Borage Is Poisonous to Dogs?

All parts of the Borage plant are poisonous to dogs, including leaves, flowers, and seeds. They contain toxic alkaloids and pyrrolizidine, which can be harmful even in small amounts. These substances can lead to severe liver damage or other health issues if eaten by dogs.

Dog Eating Borage: How to Prevent

To prevent your dog from eating Borage, ensure the plant is out of reach. You can install barriers around your garden or use pet-safe repellents. Another preventive measure is training your dog to obey commands like “Leave It,” which can help deter them from eating harmful plants. Learn it now in the first section.

It’s best to get this problem handled right away, as doing so will also keep your dog safe around all other plants. You then won’t have to worry about things like is Bird of Paradise poisonous to dogs, are Amaryllis toxic to dogs, is Boxwood toxic to dogs, or are Arborvitae toxic to dogs.

Why Are Dogs Attracted to Borage?

Dogs might be attracted to Borage due to its strong, herbal scent or out of curiosity. Some dogs are prone to eating plants, while others may be attracted by the movement of the plant in the wind. Regardless of the attraction, it’s important to take preventative measures to keep your dog away from Borage.

In summary, Borage is poisonous to dogs and should be avoided at all costs. If your dog has eaten Borage, immediate veterinary attention is essential. Preventive measures like barriers and training commands can also be effective in keeping your dog safe.

Borage (Starflower) and Dogs

Borage is toxic to dogs due to its alkaloids and pyrrolizidine content. Immediate veterinary care is necessary if a dog ingests Borage. Below, we discuss how to keep dogs away from Borage, some dog-safe alternatives, and why it’s important for dogs not to eat random plants.

How to Keep Dogs Away From Borage

Keeping dogs away from Borage is crucial for their safety. One effective method is to install physical barriers such as fences or netting around the plant. If this isn’t feasible, consider using pet-safe plant repellents that can be sprayed on the plant.

You could also make a homemade mixture of lemon or orange peels and water to discourage your pet from approaching. Training your dog to obey commands like “Leave It” is also very beneficial. You can learn it now in the first section.

Dog-Safe Alternatives to Borage

If you want to keep plants in your garden or home that are safe for dogs, consider alternatives like Aster, Marigold, or Snapdragon. These plants are non-toxic to dogs and also offer some aromatic properties. Always consult your veterinarian before adding new plants to areas your dog can access to ensure they’re completely safe.

Why Should Dogs Not Eat Random Plants?

Even if a plant is not toxic, ingesting random plants is not advisable for dogs. Plants can carry parasites or be treated with pesticides and herbicides that are harmful to pets. Consuming unknown plants can also cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea. Teaching your dog not to eat random plants is another layer of precaution in safeguarding their health.

In summary, Borage is toxic to dogs and poses significant risks if eaten. Barriers, pet-safe repellents, and appropriate training can keep your dog safe from Borage and other harmful plants. Opt for dog-safe plant alternatives and take measures to prevent your dog from eating random plants.

Borage Plant Care

Borage, also known as Starflower, is an herbaceous plant that requires well-drained soil and full sun. It’s beneficial for attracting pollinators but is toxic to dogs. Below, we delve into various aspects of caring for Borage, from its uses and benefits to its hardiness zones.

Borage Uses

Borage is widely renowned for its culinary and medicinal applications. The leaves and beautiful blue flowers of the plant are commonly utilized in salads, teas, and even soups, providing a cucumber-like taste.

In addition, the plant has become a popular choice for pollinator gardens due to its allure for bees and butterflies, contributing positively to local ecosystems.

Borage Benefits

Borage offers a multitude of benefits, encompassing both its ability to attract pollinators and its medicinal qualities. It is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid, which is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. These attributes make it a valuable addition to gardens, but be cautious as the plant is toxic to dogs.

Is Borage Invasive?

Generally speaking, Borage is not considered an invasive species. Although it self-seeds rather easily, it is typically not aggressive enough to present a problem in most gardens. That being said, if you prefer to control the plant’s spreading, deadheading the spent blooms after they’ve flowered is a recommended practice.

Borage Care

Caring for Borage involves the use of well-drained soil and a sunny location. The plant is relatively easy to grow and exhibits a good tolerance for drought conditions. Regular pruning can help maintain its desired shape and size, and it’s also a good idea to abstain from using any chemicals or fertilizers that could pose a risk to pet dogs who might be attracted to the plant.

What Not to Plant With Borage

It is worth noting that Borage can inhibit the growth of certain plants, so you should steer clear of planting it in close proximity to fennel, basil, or lavender. Each of these plants has specific growing needs that may not be compatible with the requirements of Borage, potentially leading to suboptimal growth for both.

Borage Seeds

When it comes to Borage seeds, they are best sown in the early springtime. These seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately a quarter of an inch. Typically, germination takes place within a 5- to 15-day time frame, making seed propagation an effective and cost-efficient method of growing new Borage plants.

Borage Fertilizer

While Borage does not have high fertilization needs, if you do decide to provide extra nutrients, a general-purpose fertilizer applied in moderation during the growing season should suffice. This can help optimize the plant’s growth without the risk of over-fertilization.

Borage in Pots

If you’re considering growing Borage in pots, it’s entirely feasible and particularly convenient for those who may have limited garden space. Make sure the pot has ample drainage holes and use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix to encourage optimal growth conditions for the plant.

Borage Hardiness Zone

Borage is quite versatile in terms of its adaptability to various climates. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones ranging from 3 to 10. This makes it a highly adaptable plant that can flourish in a wide variety of environmental conditions.

In summary, Borage is a versatile and beneficial plant that requires minimal care but should be grown cautiously if you have pets, especially dogs, due to its toxicity. From culinary uses to pollinator attraction, Borage offers numerous advantages, but proper care is essential for optimizing its growth and mitigating risks.

Learn two commands that will help keep your dog safe around plants of all types by going back to the first section now.

I’m sure you’re ready to get started now that you have all of your questions about Borage and dogs answered, so I’ll let you begin. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “Is Borage Toxic to Dogs? Is Borage Poisonous to Dogs?”