While preparing it, you may find your pet constantly begging for a piece of cucumber; and you might be wondering if it’s safe to share your dill pickles with your furry friend.
So, can dogs have dill pickles?
Dogs can eat dill pickles, albeit in moderation.
The cucumber itself is safe for them to eat, but the vinegar and spices used can cause stomach upset.
If you want to give your dog a dill pickle, ensure it’s plain and cut into small pieces.
Dill pickles are beneficial for dogs because they contain high fiber content, which helps digestion.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about feeding your dog dill pickles.
We’ll also give you some tips on how to prepare them safely and healthily.
Are Dill Pickles Bad for Dogs?
The ingredients in dill pickles, such as sea salt, sugar, vinegar, and spices, cause an upset stomach in dogs.
The ingredients used during the pickling process make them unsuitable for your pet.
In addition, the cucumber seeds are a choking hazard.
Below are reasons why dill pickles aren’t recommended for your dog.
Dill Pickles Contain Vinegar
Vinegar is an ingredient in dill pickles that cause an upset stomach in dogs.
If your dog ingests too much vinegar, it leads to diarrhea and vomiting.
In addition, vinegar cause irritation to the lining of the esophagus and stomach.
Thus, dogs with sensitive stomachs should avoid dill pickles altogether.
Dill Pickles are High in Sodium
Another reason dill pickles aren’t good for dogs is their high sodium content.
A high sodium level disrupts the electrolyte balance in dogs and causes dehydration.
In severe cases, it can lead to kidney problems.
Thus, if your dog eats dill pickles, give plenty of water to help flush out the salt.
Dill Pickles are Spicy
The spices in dill pickles, such as mustard seed and chili powder, cause an upset stomach in dogs.
In addition, these spices irritate your dog’s digestive system.
For instance, chili powder can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
The Pickling Process
Onions and garlic are two of the most common spices used in pickling cucumbers.
These spices cause anemia in dogs.
If a dog ingests large amounts of onions or garlic, it can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Dill Pickles Contain Cucumber Seeds
Cucumber seeds are a choking hazard for dogs.
If your dog ingests the seeds, it could block the digestive tract.
In addition, the seeds cause intestinal blockage.
The following are signs of choking in dogs:
Gagging
Drooling
Pawing at the mouth
Difficulty breathing
Thus, if you decide to give your dog a dill pickle, remove the seeds and slice them into small pieces to reduce the risk of choking and an upset stomach.
However, remember to watch for choking signs and contact your veterinarian if your dog starts to show any signs of distress.
What to do If Your Dog Eats Dill Pickles
Perhaps your dog is sneaky and managed to eat a dill pickle without you knowing.
If this happens, don’t panic.
The best course of action is to remove the rest of the pickles from your dog’s reach and monitor them for any signs of an upset stomach.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
