Tag: dogs

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat garlic?” Read on!

Garlic is a common kitchen staple found in many households, adding savory flavor to meals, sauces and seasonings. But this pungent vegetable, just like other members of the Allium genus, is toxic to dogs. Use caution if you’re cooking with garlic or eating anything containing garlic, so your dog doesn’t accidentally ingest it.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic?

No, dogs should not eat garlic. While dog garlic supplements and homemade diets containing garlic are sometimes promoted as natural remedies for flea and tick control, the risk is not worth it; pet owners should only use FDA-approved flea and tick preventives that are scientifically proven to be safe for dogs.

Is Garlic Bad for Dogs?

Yes! Garlic is bad for dogs, and it should never be part of their diet. Garlic is one of the most potent members of the Allium genus and is significantly more toxic to dogs than onions or leeks because it contains a higher concentration of sulfur-containing compounds. These compounds can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia, a life-threatening condition. There is no safe amount of garlic that offers nutritional benefits to dogs, so there’s no reason to include it in their food. 

Can Dogs Have Garlic Powder?

No, just like fresh garlic, dogs should never eat garlic powder or any form of garlic, including raw garlic, cooked or dried garlic. Powdered and dried forms of garlic are often more concentrated, making them more dangerous. Even small amounts can contribute to red blood cell damage, especially if given repeatedly. To keep your pet safe, always check ingredient labels and avoid feeding your dog food that contains garlic or onion powder. 

Can My Dog Eat Garlic Bread?

Those puppy-dog eyes may look at you and beg for a bite of your garlic bread, but you must resist. Like the name implies, garlic bread is loaded with garlic, butter and often other seasonings that can be harmful to dogs. Although not all garlic bread contains enough garlic to cause anemia in a single bite, the butter and oils can cause gastrointestinal upset. Some garlic breads and spicy foods also contain added salt or herbs that could irritate your dog’s digestive system. So while it might be hard to say no, garlic bread is a human-only treat.

How Much Garlic Is Toxic to Dogs?

Even small doses of garlic consumed over time can upset your dog’s stomach. However, it is hard to say how much garlic is toxic to your dog because not all dogs react the same way. For example, a dog’s size plays a role in the toxic effects of garlic — an amount of garlic that is toxic for small dogs may be tolerated more in larger dogs (though it’s still unsafe). Sensitivity also varies widely from dog to dog, and small doses of garlic consumed repeatedly can cause harm. It is not known why, but some breeds of Japanese descent, such as akitas and shiba inus, may have a genetic predisposition that increases sensitivity to garlic poisoning. 

What Are the Symptoms of Garlic Poisoning in Dogs?

If your dog consumes garlic, symptoms may occur within a few hours or take several days to appear, and the severity of these symptoms can vary. Common signs of garlic poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, weakness, pale gums, lack of coordination and drooling. There may also be signs of decreased appetite, dark urine or discolored urine. In severe cases, a dog may experience an increased heart rate or rapid breathing. Additionally, some pets might show signs of anemia if oxidative damage begins to break down red blood cells. 

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Garlic?

If you think your dog has eaten fresh garlic, cooked garlic or any form of garlic, call your veterinarian immediately or one of the two animal poison control centers in North America — the Pet Poison Helpline or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The veterinarian may induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal (do not do either of these at home unless directed to by a veterinarian). They may also perform blood and urine tests to check for toxicity and ensure there are no changes to red blood cells. Depending on the results of the blood work, the veterinarian may recommend intravenous fluids to help support hydration, blood transfusions and/or medication. 

In severe cases of garlic poisoning, hospitalization and blood transfusions may be needed to combat the serious effects of garlic toxicity. If caught early, treatment of garlic poisoning is usually successful. However, in rare cases or if large doses were eaten, it can be fatal. Therefore, always consult a veterinarian if you know your dog has ingested garlic or if you suspect garlic toxicity. 

Garlic toxicity in dogs is a serious but completely preventable condition. Since symptoms can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to appear, early recognition and contacting your veterinarian immediately are crucial steps for your dog’s recovery. By staying informed and taking precautions, you can ensure your furry friend stays safe, healthy and free from the dangers of garlic toxicity.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat stevia and other artificial sweeteners?” Read on!

Many grocery stores are full of products that are labeled “sugar-free” or “no added sugar.” These products often contain artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes that give people the sweet taste they’re craving without the calories. While consumption of some artificial sweeteners generally won’t harm your dog if they steal a bite of your food, xylitol is an important exception — your dog should never have it. Let’s learn more about sugar substitutes and the effects they can have on your dog.

Can Dogs Have Stevia?

Stevia is produced from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana, which grows naturally in South America. Stevia is commonly used in diet drinks and as a sweetener. Small amounts shouldn’t cause issues for most dogs; however, large amounts can cause an upset gastrointestinal tract. 

Can Dogs Have Sucralose?

Similar to other common artificial sweeteners, like aspartame and saccharin, sucralose is generally safe for dogs to eat. However, sucralose can cause diarrhea and other digestive tract symptoms if dogs eat too much.  

Is Erythritol Bad for Dogs?

Often used in combination with stevia, this sugar alcohol is used in many low-calorie foods and drinks. Food containing erythritol is generally safe for dogs to eat. However, if they eat large quantities, erythritol can cause digestive system issues. 

Why Is Xylitol and Dogs a Bad Combination?

The natural sweetener xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs; even a small amount is potentially fatal. It is a sugar substitute often used in sugar-free foods like chewing gum and candy as well as foods labeled with “no added sugar” (e.g., peanut butter). Non-food items like toothpaste and mouthwash can also contain xylitol. It’s important to note that xylitol is also known by other names: birch sugar, wood sugar and birch bark extract. Pet owners should use caution and always check the label for xylitol and its other names before giving their dog any human food — it’s not worth the risk. 

If toxic amounts of xylitol are ingested, it causes large amounts of insulin to be released into the blood, which results in the dog’s blood sugar levels dropping to dangerous levels. Ingesting higher amounts of xylitol can also cause liver failure. Signs of xylitol toxicity due to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include no energy, weakness, difficulty walking, vomiting, confusion, shaking and seizures. Xylitol poisoning is a life-threatening veterinary emergency, so if you think your dog consumed something that contains xylitol, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Immediately contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center for advice.

Can Dogs Have Xanthan Gum?

Yes! Xanthan gum is safe for dogs to eat. It sometimes gets confused with xylitol, but they are two very different food additives. Xanthan gum is not an artificial sweetener; it’s a very common food additive used to stabilize, thicken and bind ingredients in foods like gravy, condiments, baked goods, gluten-free products and salad dressings. It’s also added to wet dog food to enhance the texture of the product. 

Can Dogs Eat Sugar?

Sugar isn’t toxic to dogs, but it also shouldn’t be part of a dog’s diet, as it offers no health benefits for dogs. If dogs eat a large amount of sugar, it can upset their digestive system, causing vomiting, appetite loss and diarrhea. Too much natural sugar, like the sugar found in fruit, can also be unhealthy. So limit any type of treat or snacks to only 10 percent of your pet’s daily calorie intake.

Are Stevia and Other Artificial Sweeteners Safe for Dogs? 

While some artificial sweeteners are generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts — with the important exception of xylitol — food containing sugar and sugar substitutes should not be a main part of a dog’s diet. If you want to give your dog a human food treat, stick with a healthier alternative like blueberries or carrots.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat mushrooms?” Read on!

One of the best things about hiking with your dog is that they’re not just exercising their body: all the new sights and smells mean they get to exercise their brain, too. However, sometimes that curious nose can get dogs into trouble — like when they come across mushrooms growing in the wild. Let’s go over why mushroom poisoning is a serious risk when dogs eat wild mushrooms, and whether store-bought mushrooms are safe for dogs to eat.

Are Mushrooms Bad for Dogs?

Whether you can feed mushrooms to your dog depends on the mushroom. Store-bought mushrooms are generally safe for dogs. Wild mushrooms are the ones your dog should always avoid due to the risk of mushroom poisoning, which can be fatal. Not all of them are dangerous, but because toxic wild mushrooms can be hard to identify, it’s best not to let your dog eat any mushrooms that grow in your backyard or anywhere else.

Are Wild Mushrooms Poisonous to Dogs?

Although many wild mushrooms aren’t toxic, some common species can be incredibly poisonous and even deadly if eaten by dogs. For example, as little as half of a fresh “death cap” mushroom (Amanita phalloides) can be fatal to an adult dog. To be safe, you should never feed wild mushrooms to your dog or let them eat them. Some of the toxic mushrooms include:

• Death cap (Amanita phalloides)
• Death angel or destroying angel (Amanita bisporigera)
• Jeweled death cap (Amanita gemmata)
• Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria)
• False morel (Gyromitra esculenta)
• False parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites)
• Funeral bell, deadly galerina, deadly skullcap or autumn skullcap (Galerina marginata)
• Ivory funnel or sweating mushroom (Clitocybe dealbata)
• White fibercap or lilac fibercap (Inocybe species)

What to Do if Dogs Eat Wild Mushrooms

Mushroom poisoning is a veterinary emergency. If you suspect or know that your dog has eaten a wild mushroom, you should call your veterinarian, animal poison control or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a poisonous mushroom and a safe mushroom. Don’t waste time trying to determine if it’s toxic or not — take a sample of the mushroom (if possible) and bring it with you in a paper bag for the veterinarian to examine.

Signs of Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs

The symptoms of mushroom poisoning depend on the species of mushroom, as different species contain different toxins. Some of the signs to look for in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Trouble walking
• Seizures
• Increased drooling
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Liver failure
• Jaundice

Treatment depends on the mushroom species, how long ago it was eaten, the symptoms the dog is experiencing and whether the dog has any underlying medical conditions. Unfortunately, ingesting a toxic mushroom can be fatal for dogs, which is why it’s important to act quickly, even if you’re not sure your dog ate the mushroom or if it was toxic.

Can Dogs Eat Portobello Mushrooms and Other Store-Bought Mushrooms?

Yes, the mushrooms that are sold in stores can be eaten by most dogs. Always check with your veterinarian before feeding new foods, but in general, dogs can safely eat mushrooms grown for human consumption. This includes:

• White button
• Cremini (chestnut mushrooms)
• Portobello
• Baby bella
• Oyster
• Shiitake
• Enoki
• King trumpet
• Lion’s mane
• Maitake
• Dried porcini

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Mushrooms?

Dogs can eat mushrooms bought from the store and cooked, but cooking most poisonous mushrooms won’t make them less toxic. If you’re making cooked mushrooms for yourself and are considering sharing them with your dog, make sure you only feed them plain mushrooms without any seasonings (e.g., butter, oil, salt) or toppings that are toxic to dogs (e.g., onions and garlic). Be sure to wash edible mushrooms first, and cut them up into bite-sized pieces.

Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

Dogs can eat the mushrooms grown for people to eat, but only if they’re served plain. Because many mushrooms (toxic and nontoxic) can look alike, if you spot wild mushrooms growing in your yard, it’s important to remove them immediately. Pet owners can also help prevent mushroom poisoning by keeping their dog on a leash when hiking, especially in areas where mushrooms may grow.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat onions?” Read on!

For a vegetable that makes you cry, onions sure are used a lot in our food. Raw, cooked or powdered, this versatile ingredient adds flavor to many a dish — much like mushrooms! But in the canine world, onions are a big no-no. Find out why you shouldn’t let dogs eat onions. 

Can Dogs Eat Onions? 

No! All parts of the onion plant are harmful, including the bulb, leaves and juices. It’s important to keep your dog away from any onions growing in your garden as well as wild onions you may come across while hiking. Onion powder is also toxic. It doesn’t matter if dogs eat cooked onions or raw onions, because cooking doesn’t reduce their toxicity. 

Which Onions Are Toxic to Dogs? 

If you’re wondering “Can dogs eat green onions but not yellow onions,” the answer is no. Onions are part of the Allium family, which includes shallots, green onions (also called scallions or spring onions), leeks, chives and garlic, and all of them are off limits. All plants in the Allium family contain disulfides and thiosulphates, which are toxic when ingested by dogs (and cats). So, as well as avoiding the Alliums listed above, it’s important that dogs don’t eat any other kind of onion, including sweet onions, red onions, yellow onions and green onions.

Why Are Onions Bad for Dogs?

If dogs eat a small amount of onion, they can experience vomiting and diarrhea soon after. When most dogs eat toxic amounts of onion, their red blood cells can become fragile and break down, causing anemia — a decrease in the number of circulating red blood cells. Because red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues all over the body, the most common signs of anemia are: 

• Lethargy (decreased activity)
• Exercise intolerance (they can’t exercise as long as usual)
• Decreased appetite
• Pale gums and mucous membranes
• Reddish-brown-colored urine

Anemia symptoms can take a few days to appear. In later stages of anemia, dogs may experience weakness and labored breathing. Severe cases of onion toxicity can be fatal. 

Help! My Dog Has Eaten Onions 

If you know or even suspect that your dog has eaten onions, onion powder or any other member of the Allium family, immediately call your veterinarian or an after-hours emergency clinic, or one of the two animal poison control centers in North America:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
• Pet Poison Helpline

It’s important that you don’t wait for symptoms to appear before seeking veterinary care. Try to estimate how much onion your dog ate so your vet can assess the risk of onion toxicity. If you’re able to get your dog to a veterinarian quickly, they may be able to induce vomiting to stop the onion from being digested. Do not induce vomiting at home unless your veterinarian has told you to do so. 

Treatment of Onion Toxicity in Dogs

Treatment of onion toxicity usually requires supportive treatment and hospitalization. Anemia can be quickly diagnosed by checking the dog’s packed cell volume, which indicates the percentage of red blood cells compared to fluid in whole blood. If a dog’s packed cell volume is lower than the normal range, anemia is diagnosed. In severe cases of anemia, the dog may require a blood transfusion and long-term treatment.

Will a Small Amount of Onions Hurt My Dog?

The severity of onion poisoning in dogs depends on their body weight and how much onion they ate. The toxic amount of onion is generally recognized as approximately 0.5% of the dog’s body weight. So a 10-pound dog would potentially only need to eat 0.8 oz of onion to cause toxic effects on their red blood cells. At the other end of the scale, a 100-pound dog could potentially eat up to 8 ounces (or half a pound) of onions before their red blood cells are affected. To put that into perspective, a medium onion is around 8 ounces. 

However, there are many contributing factors that can make dogs more susceptible to onion toxicity, including their breed and any preexisting health conditions. Japanese breeds like akitas, shiba inus and Japanese chins are known to be more susceptible to onion toxicity. 

How Much Onion Can Dogs Eat? None!

Cooked onion, onion powder, onion casserole, a pizza slice with onions and every other type of onion are toxic to dogs. Just how much onion needs to be consumed to affect a dog’s red blood cells depends on the dog’s weight, breed and health. So, just like garlic, spicy food and grapes, it’s best to avoid giving dogs onions at all — stick to dog food or a healthy treat instead. 

You can help prevent onion poisoning by making sure that onions are stored in a safe place your dog can’t get into. If you’re cooking with onion, make sure you throw away the outer layers and scraps immediately. And, of course, don’t feed your dog any food that contains onions or onion powder. Watch out for sneaky dogs swiping onion-containing food off the counter, too.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat strawberries?” Read on!

If those puppy-dog eyes are begging for a bite of fruit, don’t fret. Fresh or frozen strawberries make a great snack for your dog. Just make sure they’re cut up into bite-sized pieces, and thaw the frozen ones a bit to protect your dog’s teeth. Also, too much of a good thing can give your dog an upset stomach, so only feed them small portions of strawberries at a time.

Are Strawberries Good for Dogs?

Yes! Strawberries are a safe and healthy treat for dogs when fed in moderation. They have some nutritional benefits. These berry-healthy dog treats are packed with essential nutrients like potassium and vitamins C, B6 and K. They’re also full of fiber, which helps support digestive health and firm stools, regulates colon pH and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon.

Strawberries also contain antioxidants, like vitamin C, that may help protect your dog from the damaging effects of free radicals. If left unchecked, free radicals can contribute to health issues like cancer. The antioxidants in strawberries (and other foods) work with the antioxidants naturally produced by your dog’s body to control these free radicals. Antioxidants also provide other benefits to your dog’s health by supporting their immune system and skin and coat health.

Can Puppies Eat Strawberries?

Puppies and adult dogs can eat ripe strawberries as long as you cut them into bite-sized pieces appropriate for the size of your dog to avoid a choking hazard. You can also make a purée or mash the strawberries, which may be a better snack for a pup or small dog. Blending strawberries with other fruits and fresh produce that are dog-safe, like blueberries and bananas, is another way to feed your dog a healthy and sweet treat.

For adult dogs, you could try sliced frozen strawberries as a refreshing treat on a hot day. To keep your dog safe, make sure they’re bite-sized pieces. It’s a good idea to let frozen strawberries thaw a little first so they’re not hard on your dog’s teeth.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Tops?

Before you feed your dog sliced strawberries, you should wash them and remove the stems and leaves. If you’re wondering “Are strawberry leaves edible?,” the answer is no. While strawberry leaves and stems aren’t toxic to dogs, they can be tough to digest and may cause mild stomach upset, especially if eaten in larger quantities. It’s best to remove them before feeding. Too many strawberries may also upset your dog’s digestive system. How many strawberries your dog can eat depends on their size, so only give your dog a small portion of strawberries at a time.

Can Dogs Have Strawberry Yogurt?

It’s best to only feed frozen or fresh strawberries to your dog. Why can’t dogs eat strawberry yogurt? Because it often contains added sugar, and too much sugar in your dog’s diet isn’t healthy for them. Over time, excess sugar in a dog’s diet can contribute to health conditions like diabetes and obesity. Yogurt can also contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. For the same reasons, you should avoid feeding your dog canned strawberries, strawberry ice cream or other forms of strawberries that have syrup or sweeteners added.

Are Strawberries Toxic to Dogs?

No, strawberries are not toxic to dogs. They are healthy treats for most dogs, as long as they are washed, sliced and fed in moderation, without the leaves or stems. Strawberries get their sweetness from their natural sugar content, which in large amounts is not healthy for dogs, but strawberries are great as an occasional treat. Start by offering your dog a small strawberry purée or a frozen strawberry slice and see whether your dog thinks they are berry-licious.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

Always check with your veterinarian before feeding your pet new foods, but yes, you can safely feed strawberries to your dog as long as they’re only an occasional treat and sliced into bite-sized pieces. Remember that strawberries, like all dog treats and dog-safe human foods, should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie amount.

Although strawberries are a great source of vitamin C and contain other nutrients that have health benefits, if dogs eat a complete and balanced commercial dog food, they get all the nutrients they need from that food. So strawberries are just a sweet treat for dog owners to give to their sweet dog.