Hard candy can also cause harm to dogs. If your dog gets ahold of a tiny bit of a sugary snack or you give them the occasional dog-safe fruit, it shouldnt hurt them. What is the life expectancy of a dog with EPI? As mammals, dogs process foods in a way that is somewhat similar to the way we do. Thank you Pet Vet. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If your dog has eaten a lot of sugar or candy, or anything containing xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately. Sugar-substitute xylitol and chocolate are very dangerous for dogs. Your vet will likely perform some tests and recommend a special diet. If detected early enoughwithin two hoursaffected dogs can be made to vomit. Lets take a look at the ways sugar can affect dogs and when you should be concerned. Semi-regular sugar consumption can cause weight gain and impact various organs and metabolic processes. Dog biscuits came on top as far as the added sugar content is concerned, with dental chews slightly better. Cavities can cause your dog a lot of pain and you will hurt a lot, too, if youll have to take your pet to a dentist. This is what happens to us, too and you brush your teeth regularly. The fermentation process can lead them to have alcohol poisoning. Dr. Butler and Dr. Alexander have been the best for our family and have gone waaaaaay above and beyond to take care of our cats when they needed it. Of course, one helping of sugar cookies wont make your dog obese. It seems like it shouldn't be a big deal if your dog happens to eat chewing gum, after all, people swallow gum all the time and it rarely becomes a problem. The sooner your dog receives medical care, the higher his chances of surviving pancreatitis. A teaspoon of white sugar has 16.3 calories, while the same amount of brown sugar has 15 calories. Pancreatitis can be triggered by too much sugar, fat, or both. It can lead to shock, depression, and death. Over half of the dogs in America are overweight or obese. She'salways been passionate Sign up for weekly pet health tips and insights from our veterinarians. It seems like it shouldn't be a big deal if your dog happens to eat chewing gum, after all, people swallow gum all the time and it rarely becomes a problem. In addition to the risk of candy itself, the wrappers can also be an issue. On the other hand, high blood sugar damages the dogs internal organs, especially the liver and the kidneys. Your email address will not be published. If your pooch develops pancreatitis, youll need to get them to the vet. While this blog is discussing gum, it's important for you to note that xylitol is used in a variety of other foods and products that your dog could randomly decide to eat such as sugar-free candy, peanut butter, toothpaste, chewable vitamins, nasal sprays, sunscreen, deodorant, baby wipes, hair products, and a number of medications for human use. So sugary sweets as well as processed foods wont provide your dog with any nutritional valueeven though it may taste good. The main difference between brown and white sugar is that the first has a higher molasses content, which gives it its distinctive color. Xylitol ingestion in dogs typically leads to extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) caused by a massive release of insulin into the body. Apples can make a healthy and delicious snack for dogs. " [Xylitol] can cause a life-threatening blood sugar drop or hypoglycemia in dogs. Stay away from all forms of sugar and artificial sweeteners. If your dog eats a yeast dough, like bread, it can lead to serious illness or death. Xylitol reduces blood sugar levels, which can lead to liver failure, so quick action is essential. Technically, dogs can eat sugar cookies. Producers always mention healthy stuff first and hide the unsafe ones among fancy-sounding ingredients. Even after moving to Bellevue, it's worth the drive. Feeding your puppy sugar water or a sugar syrup such as honey can be an effective treatment. We love to share our favorite treats with our furry friends, but this isnt always a good idea. It only takes 30-60 minutes for the effects of xylitol poisoning to begin to become apparent. If your dog is not eatinghigh-quality foodwith the right ingredients, your pet could experience a regular daily cycle of extreme highs and lows. Cucumbers can also be hydrating, since they are mostly made of water. @media(min-width:300px){#div-gpt-ad-qualitydogresources_com-large-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:336px!important;max-height:280px!important}}@media(min-width:0px)and(max-width:299px){#div-gpt-ad-qualitydogresources_com-large-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'qualitydogresources_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',160,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-qualitydogresources_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');If your pet is the persistent beggar kind, as many of them are, its best to trick him with alternative treats. For one thing, dogs can develop problems with their weight. Processed granulated sugar is not a healthy option to feed to dogs and should not be part of your dog's diet. Eggs and baking powder arent harmful to your pooch. Dogs can safely eat numerous fruits that contain naturally occurring sugar. Table sugar and modern sweeteners, on the other hand, are not natural to dogs. In general, dogs should not eat sugar. Just like humans, sugar isn't the healthiest for dogs. If they havent vomited within 45 minutes, you can repeat the dosage once. This artificial sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels, triggering liver and kidney failure. Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers, which are low in calories, fat and sodium. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. The trouble is that when it comes to our canine companions xylitol, a common sweetener in sugar-free gum is highly poisonous for dogs. It also may be why theyll come sniffing around if youre eating cookies or candy. 1 tablespoon olive oil It damages the dogs liver, and clinical signs of intoxication (poisoning) can develop in as little as 30 minutes to an hour. However, if your dog has eaten plain sugar, a sugary treat, or candy, they could experience an upset stomach, gas, bloating, vomiting, or diarrheasometimes explosive or bloody diarrheadepending on the amount consumed. Sugar found naturally in fruit and vegetables is safe in moderation. They have 1,700 and we have about 9,000. believes that dogs may get a sugar high that can cause a dog to be hyper and unfocused. She thinks that, in many cases in which dogs appear to be ill-mannered and uncooperative, their behavior could have been influenced by diet. Contact details | Email: james@qualitydogresources.com | Phone: (44) 7919 184 562 | Address: 18 Orchard Hill, Exeter, EX2 9NH. If your dog gets ahold of a tiny bit of a sugary snack or you give them the occasional dog-safe fruit, it shouldnt hurt them. Be aware that glucose can be found in packaged dog foods. The first thing to do is to figure out what type and quantity of candy your dog ate. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What are Dog Olympics and Does Your Dog Have What it Takes? In general, dogs should not eat sugar. Dogs dont care about recipes and theyll start salivating any time they see cookies, no matter what they are made with. What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Chocolate? Open Menu Corn syrup isnt toxic to dogs, but it does have a high sugar content and is very unhealthy for them, especially when eaten repeatedly over time. He does not need refined sugar which is basically empty calories, that offer no real benefits, except the momentary taste buds feast. You dont either, but thats a completely different story. Diabetes in Pets. Sugar substitutes such as sorbitol, aspartame, and mannitol are not considered to be poisonous for dogs. This means if you click on the link and purchase this item or service, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Theres enough sugar in the system only its not used to give him energy. This can cause obesity and diabetes. Diabetes is a serious concern for dogs. The fat content of sugar cookies can also contribute to these stomach issues. What happens if a dog eats gum? This is only a concern if it was sugar-free gum containing Xylitol as the sweetener. seizures. The pancreas makes insulin to get those levels back to normal. Carbohydrates consist of long chains of glucose (which breaks down quickly in the body), raising blood sugar levels. Diarrhea When your dog eats sugar, one of the most common problems is diarrhea. Manage Settings If the cucumber has been pickled, do not feed it to . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. You can repeat the dosage in 12 hours. So can dogs eat sugar? Give your dog 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. @media(min-width:300px){#div-gpt-ad-qualitydogresources_com-leader-2-0-asloaded{max-width:336px!important;max-height:280px!important}}@media(min-width:0px)and(max-width:299px){#div-gpt-ad-qualitydogresources_com-leader-2-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'qualitydogresources_com-leader-2','ezslot_12',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-qualitydogresources_com-leader-2-0');On the other hand, the brown sugar you buy at the store is produced by adding molasses back into the white sugar crystals. Another concern if your dog eats sugar cookies is weight gain. Victoria isa freelance copywriter for the dogand petindustry, and has two big furbabies of her own. It damages the dogs liver, and clinical signs of intoxication (poisoning) can develop in as little as 30 minutes to an hour. Bringing the wrapper or packaging to your vet visit can help. The biggest concern with candy (that isnt chocolate) is the risk of the ingredient xylitol. If your pooch has a serving of sugar cookies, the biggest concerns are pancreatitis and stomach upset. However, your pet gets the glucose he needs from the carbohydrates in his food. Dogs actually have far fewer taste buds than we do. These include how much they ate and any symptoms they are experiencing. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. It can be difficult to distinguish it from simple stomach upset due to the sugar and fat content of cookies, but the symptoms of pancreatitis can be more serious than those of stomach upset. Not all brands of sugar free gum contain xylitol. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Stevia (green packet) This is a naturally produced sweetener. Put it away: Make sure all chocolate items, including cocoa powder and hot chocolate mix, are stored where the dog cannot reach them, such as on a high shelf in a closed-door pantry. people food poison candy So, your dog ate candy? The faster treatment is received, the greater the chances of a full recovery. Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. While we can safely enjoy sugar in small amounts, what about our dogs? Vomiting, dry heaving, or gagging Abdominal pain Loss of interest in food and appetite Lethargy or sluggishness Changes in the usual behavior you see in your dog Changes in bowel movements to either constipation or diarrhea Drooling Trouble breathing If your dog eats even a little bit of xylitol, or some candy or gum with xylitol in it, contact your veterinarian right away. The most common effect is diarrhea, which can even be bloody. Required fields are marked *. In 2019, it was 23.6 percent almost a quarter. This is why it is essential to get your dog to the vet immediately if they have eaten gum (or anything else) containing xylitol. How much force does it take to keep an alligator mouth shut. A dog with bloat cant pee, poop, or vomit. However, this isnt a treatment recommended by veterinarians; instead, they might recommend a high-protein meal. What happens if a dog eats sugar? Some human foods are safe or even healthy for dogs, but others can be harmful. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-qualitydogresources_com-box-4-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'qualitydogresources_com-box-4','ezslot_6',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-qualitydogresources_com-box-4-0'); Regular sugar consumption can lead to metabolic changes and diabetes. Sugar isn't toxic, though too much can make him feel ill. Keep an eye on him for signs of a bloated stomach, and take him to the vet right away if you think he is bloated. Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Fever Lethargy Abdominal pain Diarrhea Decreased appetite Dog may take up "praying position" (rear end up in the air, front legs and head lowered to the floor) Jennifer Lesser is a pet health and wellness expert and writer with over a decade of experience covering pet behavior, health, and news. Sugar also causes tooth decay, can lead to diabetes, and more. Ingestion causes a massive insulin release. This makes sugar cookies a prime candidate for causing the condition. Even though it is thought that dogs use smell rather than taste buds to choose their food, they invariably seem to have a sweet tooth. Keep in mind that some breeds like labrador retrievers, basset hounds and terriers are prone to obesity anyway, so giving them sugary treats can only make a bad situation worse. Paws Off Xylitol; It's Dangerous for Dogs. If your dog ate candy or another sweet, especially something you know to be toxic, call your vet right away. Severe pancreatitis must be treated immediately. Pancreatitis can range from mild to severe. The dog won't learn his lesson from this messy episode, so it is your job to be firm and refuse to give him other sweets. While not all sugar-free gum is sweetened with Xylitol, if your dog ate a piece of gum off the street there is just no way to know whether it contained this toxic ingredient. She'salways been passionate Sign up for weekly pet health tips and insights from our veterinarians. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Bacteria use sugar to produce the acids that damage the teeth, which leads to cavities. have owned four Golden Retrievers in the past 15 years. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet. 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup. Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Baked Goods? If your dog gets ahold of a tiny bit of a sugary snack or you give them the occasional dog-safe fruit, it shouldn't hurt them. The process is the same as it is for humans. If you give them one cup of food, youll give them 2/3 cup of rice and 1/3 cup chicken. Sugar-substitute xylitol and chocolate are very dangerous for dogs. Just because your pooch shouldnt have sugar doesnt mean youll want to run out and find sugar-free replacements for him, like peanut butter. Thats not just because of the sugar; there could be toxic ingredients in the candy such as xylitol, chocolate, raisins, or nutmeg. Try . What Should I Avoid If My Dog Eats Gum? Managed withTymbrel, 615-794-3838 Your dog may not be ingesting sweets directly, but glucose can come from carbohydrates in their food. Since dogs can't process theobromine, excessive amounts of it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, excessive urination, a racing heart rate, muscle spasms and occasionally seizures, according to Shelby Neely, VMD. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can be found in diet foods, chewing gum, candies, etc. However, just like us, too much sugar isnt good for them. What you should be worried about is what happens long term. Of course, if youve induced vomiting, youll want to let it run its course before providing any treatment. Be aware that its not just diet candy that contains xylitol, as you can find it in many other products, including some types of peanut butter, yogurts or toothpaste. Chocolate chip cookies are unlikely to contain enough chocolate to be harmful, but its best not to risk it. If youre feeling guilty to be eating ice cream in front of your dog, well, dont. Thats because sugar interferes with the good bacteria in the animals gut, causing an upset stomach. Regular sugar consumption can affect your pets overall health in many different ways. What to Do If Your Dog Has Eaten Gum 1. Surely, there must be a difference between giving your dog some fruit that has natural sugars and them sneaking several cupcakes from the counter. Most cough drops contain sugar, menthol, eucalyptus oil, colors and flavorall of which can cause gastrointestinal upset. It also contains more minerals, like magnesium, potassium and calcium, but your pet can find those in his regular food. It's unhealthy stuff. My Dog Ate Yeast Will He Get Sick? Dogs process sugar in a similar way we do. Being overweight causes heart disease, difficulty breathing and joint problems. Sugar naturally contained in fruits and vegetables, called fructose, is safe for your dog when fruits and . It probably comes as no surprise that sugar is not the best food for your dog to be eating, as many of the negative impacts of sugar on humansfrom weight gain to dental problemsalso apply to our pets. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. No doubt your dog is already sweet enough, but check out this maple dog treat recipe from Daily Puppy for a sugary, dog-friendly snack. Please head to your nearest animal emergency hospital for urgent care! Large quantities of hard candies and gum can clump up in the stomach and cause a risk of stomach obstruction. It is an emergency, and can be life threatening. Sugar-free gum contains xylitol, a sugar replacement used in many sugar-free foods; xylitol in dogs is toxic. Dogs are increasingly at risk for potential exposure to these products because more and more of them contain xylitol. And xylitol and certain other candy ingredients are toxic to dogs. If your dog eats even a little bit of xylitol, or some candy or gum with xylitol in it, contact your veterinarian right away. These dogs require a specialized diet to manage or prevent reoccurrence. Fever, lethargy, and decreased appetite can also occur. If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, or they have any of these symptoms, contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or your veterinarian or emergency vet right away: Vomiting Diarrhea Increased body temperature Increased reflex responses Muscle rigidity Rapid breathing Increased heart rate Feeding your dog granulated sugar or sweets made with it can cause various short and long term problems, some of them quite serious. Most dogs will be fine after eating sugar cookies. Anything else goes, so feel free to give your dog small bites of a healthy snack. Sugar increases blood sugar levels in both humans and dogs. You can treat simple stomach upset at home. Diabetes in Pets. Dogs do need carbohydrates as part of their diet, but not in the form of granulated sugar. Technically, dogs can eat sugar cookies. What do you do if your dog ate raw sugar? Your pup will need to be treated by your veterinarian right away. Dont you just love eating a sweet snack every once in a while? Call your vet or emergency vet immediately if you believe your dog consumed xylitol. Probably not. I've been taking my cats to Pet Vet for 15+ years. You can mix up your dogs treats with some dog-safe vegetables, too. Increase the standard food by 1/4 every 1 to 2 days. Its not toxic to them, but it is very unhealthy in larger amounts. This sweet tooth means that, like us, dogs are attracted to sugary foods. You can give your pooch .5 mg per pound of body weight. Paige urges owners to avoid dog foods with excess sugar and carbs, not to mention preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavorings, and other no-no ingredients, as she calls them. If your dog has eaten a lot of sugar or candy, or anything containing xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately. So can dogs eat sugar? Time is of the essence. Heart disease, respiratory issues, joint problems, and lethargy are just a few of the potential side effects of weight gain in dogs. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. We need to dog-proof the house and ensure that dogs cannot get into potentially harmful things like xylitol-containing gum and candy. Pet Dog Owner is also a participant in affiliate programs involving Dunbar Academy and Oliie Pets. Where do sugar cookies fall on the spectrum? In more severe cases, your dog could even end up with pancreatitis. Most often, xylitol is found in sugar-free gum, sugar-free candy, and sugar-free baked goods.