Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree that is known to serve as a genius for over seven hundred species of flowering trees, shrubs, and other related plants. Eucalyptus first originated in Australia before the good miners decided to bring it along with them to the United States on their way back. They come from the Myrtaceae family, and they are known for their various beneficial nutrients. The common part of these plants is their leaves and oil because they offer different nutritional benefits.
Eucalyptus leaves are a great source of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which protect your body from oxidative stress and free radical damage. The main flavonoids in eucalyptus include catechins, isorhamnetin, luteolin, kaempferol, phloretin, and quercetin. However, these leaves are known to be poisonous to humans because of the toxic substance present in them. But, what about guinea pigs, can they eat eucalyptus leaves? Do these leaves offer beneficial nutrients for your cavies? The answer to these questions will be fully explained in this article.
Can guinea pigs eat eucalyptus leaves?
No, guinea pigs can not eat eucalyptus leaves. Eucalyptus contains eucalyptol, also called cineole, an organic compound that is toxic in high doses. Eucalyptus leaves are not safe for your guinea pigs to eat because of these substances therefore your pets should stay away from them. The result of feeding eucalyptus leaves to your pets may range from its being mild or highly detrimental and this can be determined by the amount of the leaves that were eaten by them. Some of the common symptoms you will see when your pets mistakenly feed on them are vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, body weakness, and all other types of diseases.
What are the nutritional facts of eucalyptus leaves?
Eucalyptus is a green tree that is mostly known me used for medicinal purposes. In the leaves, you will find a toxic substance called eucalyptol, and this is poisonous because they are hard to digest when eating whole. However, if you find a means to break down the leaves into tiny particles like tea, your guinea pigs will be able to nibble on them. The bullet point below highlight the nutrient that can be benefited from eucalyptus leaves
High in antioxidants
Eucalyptus are essentially high in antioxidants, especially flavonoids which are known for Preventing anti-aging which is formed as a result of free radicals. This nutrient is also responsible for protecting the immune system from serious health issues like cancer, heart heart, and oxidative stress. Fortunately, eucalyptus tea has a decent amount of this nutrient, and it may be given to your pets in a small proportion
Healthy teeth
The toxic substances known for causing serious health risks because of the inability to digest them (eucalyptol) can help decrease the plaque buildup on their teeth, and prevent any signs of gum diseases and the like. This is because that substance contains a decent amount of ethanol and macrocarpa.
Possible health risks of serving eucalyptus leaves to guinea pigs
Few of the nutritional benefits that eucalyptus leaves are known to offer guinea pigs if pet owners have their way in maneuvering this tree have been listed above. However, what has not been listed is far greater than the benefit it offers to your guinea pigs. This is because their eucalyptus leaves are so potent, and feeding them even in little amounts can be dangerous and may result in you taking your pets to the doctor's office. Anyway, these are the various health risks that can arise if your feed a fresh and raw eucalyptus to your guinea pigs
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a general name that is used in describing a skin irritation. This disease can come as a result of different problems and forms, and one of the causes is rubbing a high amount of eucalyptus leaves into your body. Normally, eucalyptus leaves can act as an insect repellant, but for guinea pigs with sensitive skin, you will see them suffering from itchiness or rashes. It may also lead to dry skin and scalp in some situations
Highly toxic
It has been mentioned throughout this article that eucalyptus leaves contain a toxic substance which is known as eucalyptol. This substance is poisonous because the digestive system of your guinea pigs can not digest their hard texture thereby, leading to potential negative side effects for your guinea pigs. Examples of such effects can be heart palpitation, kidney or liver failure, seizure, and other serious health risks
Digestive issues
Eucalyptus leaves are known to be a major cause of digestive issues. This is an inability to digest important chemical substances needed for their formation. If your guinea pugs mistakenly eat them, then you should not tarry in taking them to a tertiary doctor. However, the symptoms you will notice in their body may be diarrhea, general weakness, pain all over their body, itchiness, vomiting, etc
Allergy reaction
Eucalyptus leaves can not be eaten by guinea pigs because of the presence of eucalyptol. However, it can be converted into different forms for safe digestion and usefulness for your guinea pigs' health. An allergic reaction may arise if your guinea pigs have a sensitive body and skin system. The symptoms may be one of those listed in this article
Death
Death may occur if a pet owner failed to pay attention to the symptoms that have already been listed above by taking your pet to a veterinarian doctor. This is why they should understand their cavy's body system, and also remove all traces of eucalyptus plants from their garden.
Conclusion
Guinea pigs can not eat eucalyptus leaves because the leaves are enriched with a chemical substance that can not be digested by their body system. Although these trees have decent beneficial nutrients they provide for guinea pigs, their negative effect outweighs this effect. Hence, your cavies should stay away from them rather than make a trip to a veterinarian doctor. The utmost negative effect it can cause is death, and before it gets to that point, you would have noticed numerous symptoms of being sick in your body. Some of those symptoms have been explained in this article.
