Dogs can have popsicles in moderation if they are made with dog-friendly ingredients.
Some store-bought popsicles are more dangerous than others, especially sugar-free ones, as they may contain xylitol, a potentially lethal additive.
This article will discuss everything you need to know before allowing your dog to lick popsicles.
It will also explain what you should do if your dog eats popsicles.
Are popsicles safe for dogs?
While one or two licks are unlikely to cause harm to your dog, they are not safe either.
Like most human treats, popsicles have excess sugar that can pose severe risks to dogs in the long run.
Your pup may experience unhealthy weight gain, diabetes, or heart disease.
Dogs with preexisting conditions like diabetes should not be fed popsicles as it may only worsen their condition.
The excess sugars may spike his blood sugar levels leading to insulin resistance and possibly death.
Smaller dogs should also not lick human popsicles as they have complex dietary needs.
Their calorie requirements are also limited, making the sugar in the popsicle unhealthy.
Generally, popsicles without toxic ingredients like xylitol or chocolate are safe for your pup in moderation.
Ensure your dog doesn’t eat more sugar the rest of the day once he eats a popsicle.
Are popsicles bad for dogs?
If your dog just licked a tiny amount of the popsicle, he should be fine as long as he’s not allergic to lactose or has any preexisting condition like diabetes or liver disease.
While a single bite of popsicle is unlikely to be poisonous to your fido, it might still cause mild to severe symptoms, mainly if it contains xylitol or has too much sugar.
Popsicle sticks can also be a choking hazard for your dog.
The sticks can shatter easily into sharp pieces that may be lodged in your pup’s throat, which may be especially dangerous for smaller dogs.
If you’re going to allow your dog to take a bite of the popsicle, hold on to the stick to avoid him biting it off.
Can puppies lick popsicles?
Yes, you shouldn’t allow your puppy to eat frozen treats that are not specially formulated for them, including popsicles.
If he’s lactose intolerant, he can experience digestive issues.
Puppies require a well-balanced diet as they are at a growing stage of development.
Sugary treats like popsicles can disrupt their growth, especially when consumed in large amounts regularly.
Always consult your vet before introducing treats like popsicles to your puppy to rule out any allergies and understand the possible dangers of popsicles to puppies.
Can diabetic dogs lick popsicles?
Avoid feeding your diabetic dog popsicles, even in small amounts, as they are loaded with sugar.
The excess sugar in popsicles may spike your pup’s blood glucose levels leading to insulin resistance and possibly causing death.
If your diabetic dog licks popsicles regularly, it can lead to weight gain, which may further complicate his health issues.
What should I do if my dog licked popsicles?
If your dog lapped up a tiny amount of popsicles, there’d probably be no reason to be alarmed.
Your dog may only experience an upset stomach, vomit, or diarrhea but should disappear within a day.
Ensure your dog has access to plenty of water to level the sugar content.
Rush your dog to the vet immediately if it becomes lethargic or its symptoms don’t disappear.
However, the size of your dog will also determine how they digest the popsicles.
For a smaller dog, high amounts of sugar may be too much for its sensitive stomach to handle compared to its larger counterpart.
It’ll also depend on the ingredients and flavorings of the popsicle, as some may contain xylitol or chocolate, which may be detrimental to your fido’s health.
If your dog licks a popsicle with either of these ingredients, rush him to the vet to prevent poisoning.
You should also check if your dog ate the popsicle stick, as this information will be crucial for your vet when administering treatment.
Monitor your dog for signs like coughing, lethargy, or sickness, and contact your vet immediately.
Can dogs lick yogurt popsicles?
You can give your dog a small amount of yogurt popsicle if he’s not lactose intolerant, and the popsicle doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like xylitol.
Greek or plain yogurt popsicles may be a healthier choice if you want to offer your dog a frozen treat as they have more protein in them.
Can dogs eat sugar-free popsicles?
No.
You should never allow your dog to eat sugar-free popsicles, as they are made with artificial sweeteners that can be toxic for your dog.
Artificial sweeteners like xylitol may be harmless to most humans but potentially life-threatening to dogs.
When ingested, even in small quantities, Xylitol can cause rapid and massive insulin resistance in dogs.
This can cause dangerously low blood sugar, leading to seizures, acute weakness, liver failure, and even death if not treated properly.
Can dogs have homemade popsicles?
One of the advantages of giving your dog homemade popsicles is that you can control the flavor by dictating the ingredients that go into it. Homemade popsicles in moderation can be a healthy treat for your fido as they can help with heatstroke during hot days while helping your pup stay hydrated. It can also be a clever way to add nutritious ingredients like pumpkins and bananas for your dog. You can try blending banana and peanut butter for a delicious, healthy treat instead of store-bought popsicles.
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.
