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Who doesn’t love a sweet treat every now and again? Us humans certainly do, but we understand that too much of a good thing isn’t healthy.
While we may feel a sense of bonding and inclusion when offering our dogs a bite of something we find delicious, it is very possible that we are actually doing them more harm than good.
But what about when it comes to our dogs? What happens if a dog eats sugar? Can dogs eat candy? What are the dangers of sugar for dogs? Concerned pet parents, prick up your ears as we delve deeper into these questions and take a look at how sugary foods can affect your fur baby.
The short answer: sometimes. Is it good for them? Absolutely not. While sugar is not toxic to your dog, excessive consumption of sugary foods can lead to significant health issues.
Many dog owners will give their dogs the occasional piece of fruit to add variety to their diet or to be offered as a reward, however this should be done in moderation. Excessive sugar consumption can cause dogs not only to get an upset tummy, it can lead to more significant health issues such as obesity, diabetes, changes in metabolism, or in severe cases even cause pancreatitis.
Most sugary sweets and treats that are meant for humans are not safe for canine consumption due to additional chemicals and sweeteners that can be toxic for dogs, such as xylitol. Chocolate is renowned for being especially poisonous to dogs and should not be given to them under any circumstances.
Long story short, sugar does not offer any massive health benefits to your dog and tends to cause more trouble than it’s worth. The occasional piece of dog-safe fruit can be a fun treat for your dog, and there are definitely pet-friendly treat foods available out there. But offering your dog human sweets or candy will always be met with a resounding “no!” from health professionals.
Knowing which sugary foods are dog-safe and which ones aren’t is vital to help keep your dog safe and out of the vet’s office. Here are some of common sugary foods and ingredients that your dog may encounter and how they may affect their health if consumed:
A big no no when it comes to canine consumption, chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs - especially dark chocolate. The chemical in chocolate which causes this toxicity is called Theobromine, and can evoke symptoms from an upset stomach, to seizures and muscle tremors, to heart arrhythmias and even death.
Grapes and their dried raisin form have shown time and again to cause acute kidney failure in dogs, and while the cause of this is still not completely known, these snacks are extremely toxic for pups. Medical assistance should be sought immediately if you think your dog may have consumed any.
A key component not just in our morning coffee, but also present in chocolate and some types of candy, caffeine can cause a dog’s heart rate and blood pressure to increase, leading to possible arrhythmias, as well as weakness, tremors, and even seizures.
It has been found that peppermint is pretty poisonous for your pup and can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
X truly marks the spot with this one, as the artificial sweetener xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, even in the smallest of doses.
Often found in candies and chewing gum and even peanut butter (often a firm favorite amongst pups; always be sure to find a dog-safe peanut butter option without additives and sweeteners), the chemical causes a sudden drop in blood sugar, which can lead to hypoglycemia, liver failure, and can be fatal.
We would go as far as to say that dogs can’t have candy or sweets, as the risks are great and the health benefits are zero.
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While most sugary treats should be kept far away from our furry friends, there are a few foods containing sugar that can be safe for dogs if given in moderation:
There are a number of dog-safe fruits that, if given in moderation as a treat, can boost your dog’s diet with some additional vitamins and minerals, as well as stimulate their taste buds. Fruits such as watermelon, blueberries and apple offer a healthy dose of crunchy goodness, whilst also being quite hydrating for your dog.
Dogs require a balanced diet in order to maintain optimum health, so ensure that fruit takes up no more than 10% of their overall diet.
Why risk giving your dog chemically enhanced human treats when you can make them their very own pup safe cake! There are dozens of recipes online that will help you create a delicious and nutritious baked good for your good pup.
Many pet shops now stock gourmet pet treats that can be a nice reward for your dog every now and again. Always double check the ingredients to make sure there aren’t any hidden nasties that may cause an allergy flare in your dog.
Dogs are known to have a bit of a built-in sweet tooth, and so may naturally gravitate towards foods that have a sweetness to them. Once they have a taste for it, this might lead to begging behaviors, which can be tricky to get them out of if not handled correctly.
The best thing to do in this instance is to ignore them - if they know they do not gain any attention from this behavior, the hope is that they will eventually lose interest. You may also want to consider a command such as ‘leave’ or ‘away’ to move them out of the food vicinity.
Your dog may also try to be sneaky and pinch treats when you’re not looking, so be sure that all foods that are not dog-safe are kept far out of their reach. They may also turn to rummaging through the trash if they suspect a half eaten cookie or two, and so always check that your bins are secure and can’t be opened by curious paws.
If you think your dog may have ingested dangerous sugary treats, it is vital to get them to a vet as soon as possible. Whether they have started displaying symptoms or you catch them in the act, the faster you get them seen, the less likely the risk of further internal damage.
If you want instant assistance, call your veterinary surgery or animal poison control, as they may be able to offer you immediate guidance down the phone. Some of their advice may include inducing vomiting in your dog, encouraging them to drink more water, keeping them off food for 24 hours, or they may tell you to seek emergency treatment.
Some believe that sugar water can be used to treat canine hypoglycemia, however this is not a vet-recommended treatment - if you suspect your dog may be suffering from hypoglycemia, seek medical advice immediately and your vet will guide you on the best course of action.
Luckily, corn syrup does not pose a toxic threat to dogs. It is, however, extremely high in sugar, and if consumed regularly can lead to significant health issues such as doggie diabetes and obesity.
Dogs should not eat cotton candy due to its exceptionally high sugar content, which can lead to all sorts of health problems. Not only that, sugar free options will likely contain sweeteners such as xylitol, which as we know is super toxic to dogs.
Remember, always consult your vet before giving your dog any new foods to try, all dogs have specific needs and intolerances, so always check first.
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