Unbaked pizza dough can poison your dog - here's everything you need to know
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There have been reports of dogs becoming very ill after eating the food, which can cause them to appear drunk and have fatal consequences.
Sophie Adamantos, clinical director at Paragon Veterinary Referrals in Wakefield said: “If a dog eats pizza dough, it can ‘rise’ in the stomach causing bloat, which in turn can cause collapse and obstruction of the stomach.
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Hide Ad“It can also cause ethanol intoxication, so the dog may appear to be drunk.
“If your dog has eaten pizza dough, you should speak to a vet and seek immediate treatment, as it may need removal. The vet may need to induce vomiting or treat any of the subsequent problems it may cause.”
Why does bread dough poison dogs?
When a dog eats bread dough, it consumes the already activated yeast, which continue to flourish in the animal’s warm, moist stomach, producing more carbon dioxide in the dog’s gut, causing the stomach to expand and bloat.
This extreme bloating is known medically as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV).
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Hide AdThe gas created by yeast remains stuck in the dog’s stomach and doesn’t pass easily out of the body. Instead it causes expansion and pressure in the digestive system.
As the stomach expands, it can rupture the stomach lining, cause cardiovascular damage, and damage to the diaphragm.
Symptoms of GDV include:
Shallow breathing or heavy panting
Pacing
Attempts to vomit
Drooling
Anxiety and restlessness
Bloating of the abdomen
Yeast Can Cause Alcohol Poisoning in Pets
If your dog has eaten raw bread dough, it's essential to get your dog to the vet quickly.
Yeast is also a part of the fermentation process used to make alcohol, which can cause your dog to experience alcohol poisoning.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
Drooling
Attempts to vomit
Hyperactivity and panting
Slowed reflexes
Weakness or staggering
Although baked bread is safe for your dog to eat, it isn't the most healthy - with the carbs, sugar and calories contributing to more weight gain than healthier eating.