Gingerbread made with too much sugar can pose numerous dangers for your dog, including hypoglycemia and liver degeneration.
Gingerbread can be harmful to your pup’s health; therefore, it is wiser to find alternative holiday treats specifically formulated for dogs.
Contents
Ingredients
Gingerbread may not be toxic for dogs, but it does contain sugars and fats which aren’t good for their health. Furthermore, the spice used in gingerbread – myristicin – contains myristicin which is toxic to them and may lead to hallucinations, seizures and abdominal pain in some dogs.
Unfortunately, making dog-friendly gingerbread treats is relatively straightforward. Simply swap out the nutmeg with ground cinnamon – both are safer for dogs than nutmeg – and use natural sweeteners such as light or blackstrap molasses in place of white sugar for maximum pet safety.
Add the molasses, egg and vegetable oil to a mixing bowl and then stir in gluten free flour, cinnamon and ginger until you have formed the dough. On a floured surface roll out the dough before using cookie cutters to cut holiday shapes out of it before placing on baking sheets for 15-20 minutes before cooling on racks before serving!
Symptoms
Gingerbread contains many ingredients that can make dogs sick. Nutmeg contains myristicin, which can lead to hallucinations and seizures when consumed in large amounts; sugar in treats and icing can also pose dangers, potentially leading to obesity, tooth decay, diabetes, as well as digestive issues or pancreatitis if consumed regularly. Butter is not toxic for canines but could still pose issues over time when consumed regularly.
Owners who feed their dog gingerbread should keep an eye out for signs of distress or illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itching rashes or excessive scratching as well as possible allergic reactions. If any such symptoms appear they should contact their veterinarian immediately for guidance and instruction; depending on size, health and age they may advise inducing vomiting or calling Pet Poison Control Center; furthermore they will recommend any necessary treatments that might benefit their pup’s well being.
Treatment
Gingerbread is a popular holiday treat that contains ingredients which may be harmful to dogs. These include spices like nutmeg that are toxic for them and may lead to digestive issues including diarrhea or vomiting; sugar and molasses may also pose threats when consumed in large quantities.
Even if your pup only consumes small pieces, such as crumbs or gingerbread, they should visit the vet immediately to be safe. They could experience itching, rashes or respiratory distress which indicate an allergic reaction from eating it.
When creating homemade treats for your dog, make sure they remain out of his reach and ensure no children or guests give any food from their plates to your canine; sharing can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis if these products contain too much fat and sugar.
Prevention
Gingerbread won’t pose much of a health threat to your pup in small doses, but when fed regularly it could cause digestive upset and pancreatitis. Furthermore, most standard gingerbread recipes contain ingredients known to be toxic for dogs – sugar and nutmeg are two examples.
Nutmeg can be particularly hazardous for dogs as it contains a toxin that can cause vomiting, weakness, seizures and even death in large doses. Therefore, any traditional holiday treats – including gingerbread – should be kept out of reach from your pups.
Consider creating homemade dog-friendly gingerbread with healthy ingredients and low sugar levels, while making sure any unwary guests know not to feed any foods to your furry companions. There are plenty of wholesome homemade and commercially prepared treats with balanced sugar levels available – or consult with a veterinarian who can recommend safe treats tailored specifically for your furry friend’s specific needs.
