Can Dogs Eat Gingerbread Cookies?
Can Dogs Eat Gingerbread Cookies?
One popular holiday tradition is making, decorating and eating gingerbread cookies. Personally, I like looking at them more than I like eating them. I love ginger in some things, but not gingerbread. I have purchased those gingerbread house kits for my kids.
But, they decorate them and don’t eat them. We make plenty of other cookies during December to eat. Can dogs have gingerbread? Let’s take a look.
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It’s cute to add a dog to your gingerbread house creation. It is not cute to add gingerbread to your dog!
Human gingerbread is not compatible with dogs.
A better idea–make Gingerbread Cookies for Dogs with this Recipe.
Are Gingerbread Cookies Bad for Dogs?
If they are cookies that are made for humans, the answer is yes. While one bite of a gingerbread cookie may not harm your dog, eating a whole cookie or more is not good for them.
Most gingerbread cookies are made from ingredients that are not safe for dogs. These ingredients are things like nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, and so on.
Those are ok for a dog if they ingest very small amounts proportional to their size and weight. However, if they have large quantities it can be toxic to them.
For example, one small cookie may not affect a large Great Dane who weighs 150 lbs., but could make a 4 lb chihuahua very sick.
Gingerbread cookies are loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. If they are store bought, then they also likely contain preservatives and other chemicals not meant for canine consumption.
We know how hard it is to look into your dog’s eyes and want to share that holiday treat with them. But, a sick dog and a high veterinary bill will quickly dampen your holiday spirit.
Sweeteners in Cookies
The one ingredient that you always 100% want to avoid is xylitol. It is a sugar-free subsite that is highly toxic to dogs even in small quantities.
If your Dog Eats Gingerbread Cookies
The first thing you want to do if your dog eats cookies that are made for people and are not the dog-friendly gingerbread cookies we have below is to check the package for the ingredients.
If the package has xylitol contact your vet right away. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is toxic for dogs.
If your dog had any artificial sweeteners, it’s a good idea to call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Control Center.
Please know that calling the Poison Control Center for pets is not free. There is a fee per incident, but you are given a case number and can call them multiple times per incident.
If Your Dog Ate Gingerbread
If your dog did get into some human food, here are the things you want to watch for.
Symptoms To Watch For:
- Heart Rate Change
- Abdominal Pain
- Upset Stomach and Vomiting
- Seizures
- Increased Thirst (could mean possible salt toxicity)
- Anything Out Of The Norm
If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your vet right away.
If your dog is distressed and vomiting, call your vet. And, make sure you ask them about giving your dog anything, even water.
It might seem counterintuitive, but giving your dog water because you want to keep them hydrated may actually dehydrate them by causing more vomiting.
If your dog is vomiting, your vet may recommend bringing them in, or just keeping an eye on them overnight. Get clear instructions on what food and water should be given, what to watch for and what would constitute an emergency.
Never give your dog any medication for humans unless your veterinarian tells you to do so.
