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Are cloves or clove oil safe for my dog who is on long-term medication for liver disease?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

No, they are not safe and should be strictly avoided. Cloves contain eugenol, which is processed by the liver. For a dog with existing liver disease, even a small amount could add stress to an already compromised organ and potentially interfere with his medication. Do not give any foods seasoned with cloves or supplements containing clove oil. Always check with your vet before offering any human food or herb, and call them if your dog accidentally consumes any.

Cloves — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Contain eugenol, which is irritating and can affect the liver in quantity.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Cloves is not poisonous to dogs, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Cloves food facts page.

Open the full food page: Cloves food facts →