Lavender, a shrubby perennial plant with lovely purple blossoms, has made its way into our life through herbal cures, oils, skin care products, and health treatments.
Lavender essential oil is one of the most often utilized essential oils in most homes.
But, while lavender offers numerous health benefits for humans, can rats eat it? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not as easy as yes or no.
Lavender plants have a little amount of lanolin in them, which is harmful to rats.
Lanolin, on the other hand, is found in such little quantities that it is rarely a concern. Only when a rat consumes a considerable amount of lavender does a problem occur.
Almost everything attracts rodents, including rats, especially when they are hungry. They are unaware of the benefits and drawbacks of the food/plant they are consuming.
If you have a garden and a pet rat, you may be concerned that your rat will consume dangerous plants. In most situations, rats are not poisoned by lavender.
Is it okay for rats to eat lavender?
Lavender is a lovely flower with a wonderful scent. Many individuals maintain lavender flowers or lavender oil in their homes and utilize lavender-based products. Rats are attracted to fragrant plants that are tasty, and they can be drawn to fragrant herbs such as lavender.
The ASPCA and Animal Planet have not included lavender to their list of potentially hazardous plants and herbs for rats, indicating that the lavender plant in your garden or home poses no threat.
When it comes to rats consuming lavender, though, moderation is crucial. “Nibbles” are alright, according to the ASPCA, but don’t let your rat eat too much lavender or any plants.
Overuse can lead to gastrointestinal issues as well as other concerns. Before adding any new plants, herbs, or food to your rat’s diet, it’s a good idea to visit a veterinarian or a reputable animal organization.
What is the flavor of lavender?
Rats have a keen sense of smell, therefore the fragrant lavender in the yard will be noticed. The lavender plant’s unique texture, on the other hand, may deter most rats from eating much of it. Lavender-eating rats will have a lemon flavor, which some rats will enjoy.
Is there lavender in rat food?
Lavender-flower-infused rat snacks and treats are often available in pet stores. Lavender provides a unique flavor to these tasty snacks for your rat. Lavender flowers and oils can also be used topically on rats and other pets to help them relax.
If your rat likes the scent of lavender, rub the oil from the plant blooms on his or her little clothing. This can be beneficial prior to a stressful event, such as a lengthy drive or a move.
Lavender oil:
Lavender oil, which can be found in some rat toys, is generally safe to use in your rat’s products as well. However, if you plan to use concentrated lavender oil for aromatherapy or any other purpose, you should always consult a veterinarian first. However, because the usage of concentrated lavender oil might be dangerous, always consult a qualified specialist first.
Is lavender poisonous to rats?
Although lavender is not poisonous to rats, there are some circumstances in which your pet may be at risk if they eat it. Lavender can cause rats to have an allergic reaction or cause them to consume too much of the plant.
Your rat may vomit, itch himself, and have diarrhea in any instance. Any lavender that has been pesticide-treated should be deemed rat-hazardous. If your rat consumes pesticide-laced lavender, health issues may occur.
What can lavender oil be used for therapeutic purposes?
Lavender essential oil, when inhaled rather than swallowed by your rat is said to help with anxiety, despair, and stress, according to a few products and websites. Some recommend putting a few drops of oil in your rat’s bed or simply diffusing the aroma throughout your home.
Light lavender aromatherapy exposure, on the other hand, will not harm your rat and may even be beneficial. However, if your rat is continually anxious or restless, other therapies may be more effective, so talk to your veterinarian about what options are available to you. Furthermore, your rat should not have direct access to the oil and should not consume it.
Is it possible for rats to become poisoned by lavender?
She most likely does when it comes to lavender poisoning. The sickness is not life-threatening and can be treated right away. Difficulty to defecate, enlarged and sensitive stomach, loss of appetite, and fever are all symptoms of lavender poisoning. If you feel your rat has been poisoned by lavender, contact your veterinarian right once to start treatment.
What is the best way to cure lavender poisoning in rats?
Symptoms and a final diagnosis will dictate treatment. Supportive treatment, such as IV fluids or additional oxygen, may be started before the diagnosis is determined if the rat shows signs of pain.
Anti-inflammatory medications, as well as antihistamines, may be used to relieve itching and swelling caused by an allergic reaction.
If the symptoms indicate that a toxin was consumed, such as a pesticide applied to a different plant or lavender, proper procedures must be taken to remove the specific toxin. Vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort, and particular antidotes to poisoning are examples of these measures.
Summary:
Our kitchens including food additives and medicines are all filled with lavender. This lovely, aromatic plant appears to be in short supply among humans. Rats are attracted to the scent of this herb. If you have a pet rat, you’ll see him scouring the area for this herb.
You can feed a few nibbles of this plant to your rat. Some rats, however, dislike the scent of lavender, which is why people use lavender oil to keep wild rats away from their homes and kitchens.
Any herb, including lavender, is not harmful to rats; nevertheless, if your rat consumes too much of it, it will develop major health and digestive issues.