- Cookie dough is a popular treat for humans, but it can be harmful to dogs.
- Cookie dough contains ingredients that can cause digestive issues, such as uncooked eggs and raw flour, and can even lead to more serious health problems like salmonella poisoning.
- Cookie dough can also contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, raisins, or nuts.
- In this article, we will explain why cookie dough is bad for dogs, what the symptoms and risks of cookie dough ingestion are, and what to do if your dog eats cookie dough.
Symptoms of Cookie Dough Ingestion feeding to dog
Cookie dough is not safe for dogs to eat, as it can cause various health problems. Some of the symptoms of cookie dough ingestion in dogs are:
- Vomiting: This is a common sign of stomach upset caused by the high sugar and fat content of cookie dough. Vomiting can also help expel some of the dough from the stomach before it expands and causes more damage.
- Diarrhea: This is another sign of gastrointestinal distress caused by cookie dough. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in dogs, which can be dangerous if not treated.
- Lethargy: This is a sign of low blood sugar, low body temperature, or alcohol toxicity caused by the fermentation of yeast and sugar in the dough. Lethargy can indicate a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.
- Abdominal pain: This is a sign of bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), which is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the dough expands and twists the stomach. Abdominal pain can also be caused by pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas due to the high fat content of cookie dough. Abdominal pain can be accompanied by a swollen or hard belly, difficulty breathing, drooling, or collapse.
If you suspect that your dog has eaten cookie dough, you should call your emergency veterinarian immediately and follow their instructions. Depending on the amount and type of cookie dough ingested, your dog may need to induce vomiting, receive fluids, medications, or undergo surgery to remove the dough and treat the complications.
Why is Cookie Dough Bad for Dogs?
Sugar and Carbs
- The high sugar and carbohydrates in cookie dough can cause serious stomach upset for your pooch. They may experience vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, gas, and abdominal pain.
- Dogs have evolved to eat a diet high in protein and fat. Cookies do contain fat, but little to no protein. Too much sugar and carbs can also lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems in dogs.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Chocolate chip cookie dough is dangerous for dogs. Humans love chocolate because it contains theobromine. This is what makes us feel happy when we consume it. However, it has a different effect on dogs. Theobromine is highly toxic to dogs, along with caffeine.
- Different types of chocolate contain varying levels of theobromine. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder have the highest theobromine content. Milk chocolate has less, but it can still be dangerous for your dog.
- The good news is that chocolate chip cookies contain a relatively low amount of theobromine. 20 mg of theobromine per kilogram of body weight can cause symptoms of chocolate poisoning. At 60 mg of theobromine per kilogram of body weight, chocolate can be fatal.
- One medium chocolate chip cookie contains 20 mg of theobromine and 2 mg of caffeine. This means it would take a lot of cookies to make your dog sick from chocolate poisoning.
- However, even a small amount of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, and seizures in dogs.
Raisin Cookie Dough
- Raisin cookies are a popular human treat. These include oatmeal raisin cookies and stuffed raisin cookies. Raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs. Cookies or cookie dough containing raisins are also toxic.
- Unlike chocolate, it’s not clear why raisins are toxic. There are a few theories, however. One theory is that there’s a mytotoxin, which is a toxin that occurs from fungus or mold, present in the grapes. Others theorize that there’s a silicate, which is similar to aspirin, that makes dogs sick. Lastly, some experts believe that the tartaric acid in the fruit is what makes it toxic for dogs.
- Some dogs appear to have a higher sensitivity to raisins than others. Some dogs, regardless of size, can eat a few grapes or raisins without issue. However, other dogs can become very ill after snacking on them.
- The first sign of poisoning from raisins is vomiting. Other symptoms include diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, abdominal pain, and kidney failure.
Cookies With Nuts
- Some cookies contain nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts. These nuts can also be harmful to dogs, depending on the type and amount.
- Walnuts, almonds, and pecans are not toxic to dogs, but they can cause digestive problems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis. They can also pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage if swallowed whole.
- Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, tremors, depression, hyperthermia, and joint pain. The exact toxin in macadamia nuts is unknown, but it affects the nervous system and muscles of dogs.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Cookie Dough?
- If your dog eats cookie dough, you should contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. They will advise you on the best course of action, depending on the type and amount of cookie dough your dog ate, and the symptoms they are showing.
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a professional. This can cause more harm than good, especially if your dog has eaten chocolate or raisins, which can irritate the throat and stomach.
- Keep your dog hydrated and monitor their condition closely. If your dog shows signs of chocolate poisoning, raisin poisoning, or nut toxicity, they may need emergency treatment, such as intravenous fluids, activated charcoal, anti-seizure medication, or dialysis.
- To prevent your dog from eating cookie dough, keep it out of their reach and sight. Do not leave it unattended on the counter, table, or floor. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer. Do not feed your dog any cookies or cookie dough, even as a treat. There are many healthy and safe alternatives for your dog to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Question Can Dogs Eat Cookie Dough.
Can dogs eat raw cookie dough?
No, raw cookie dough contains raw eggs and flour, which can pose health risks to dogs.
What are the risks of dogs eating cookie dough?
Risks include salmonella from raw eggs, bacterial contamination from raw flour, and gastrointestinal upset.
What symptoms indicate that a dog has eaten cookie dough?
Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
How can I treat my dog if they eat cookie dough?
Seek veterinary care immediately if your dog ingests cookie dough. Treatment may involve supportive care to address symptoms.
Are there safe alternatives to cookie dough for dogs?
Yes, you can make homemade dog treats using dog-safe ingredients like whole wheat flour, peanut butter, and bananas.
Conclusion
- Cookie dough is not a safe or healthy food for dogs. It can cause digestive issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea, and can even lead to more serious health problems like salmonella poisoning, chocolate poisoning, raisin poisoning, or nut toxicity.
- If your dog eats cookie dough, you should contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. They will advise you on the best course of action, depending on the type and amount of cookie dough your dog ate, and the symptoms they are showing.
- To prevent your dog from eating cookie dough, keep it out of their reach and sight. Do not feed your dog any cookies or cookie dough, even as a treat. There are many healthy and safe alternatives for your dog to enjoy.
- Cookie dough is a delicious treat for humans, but it can be deadly for dogs. Remember to keep your dog away from cookie dough and enjoy it responsibly.