If you are a fan of spicy foods, you may have wondered whether your dog can partake in the meals you prepare for yourself. The answer is a big no. Giving spicy foods to your canine friend will cause more problems than you might realize. Spicy foods are toxic to dogs and cause severe stomach problems such as excessive gas build-up, pain, and diarrhea.
Can Dogs Taste Spicy Foods?
Just like humans, dogs have the same perception of taste. Dogs don’t have a refined palate but can taste most basic tastes except for salt. Humans have approximately 9000 taste buds, while dogs have 1700.
Mostly, dogs react differently to the same taste of food compared to humans. But, when it comes to spicy foods such as chili peppers, a dog will have a similar taste and even detect the heat depending on the strength of flavor.
Effects Of Spicy Food On Dogs
Dogs can eat spicy foods with ease, just like humans, but the consequences of eating the spice will be felt afterward. They will experience short-term symptoms such as pain, while the long-term effect of the spice can be canine pancreatitis.
Those commonly affected by pancreatitis are older and middle-aged dogs.
Besides chilies that can make your dog experience stomach issues, spices such as onion and garlic powder are also dangerous. Garlic can cause anemia in dogs, even when used in small amounts.
Further Reading: Can Dogs Eat That Food? The Answers in 2022
Signs That Your Dog Is Affected By Spicy Foods
If your dog has just eaten spicy foods and is affected, there is no way that you will directly know as they can’t talk. Luckily, there are several tell-tale signs.
They include:
- Gas
- Vomiting
- Watery eyes
- Thirst
- Panting
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Spicy Food?
If your dog has eaten something spicy for the first time, the short-term effects will be a bit painful but not fatal. The only thing to do is wait for your canine friend to pass off the spicy food through the stool and take the following actions.
Provide Water Or Yogurt
As a quick response to your dog’s ingestion of spicy foods, you will need to provide plenty of cold, clean water to counter the burning sensation. Yogurt or milk can provide a quick cooling effect but should only be provided to dogs who are not lactose intolerant.
Check The Ingredients Of The Food
It is important to be aware that there may be other toxins in the spicy foods eaten by your dog. If the burning sensation persists and your dog develops stomach issues, get in touch with your vet.
If you know what your dog has eaten, tell the vet, and a more precise diagnosis will be provided to help your pet quickly avoid further pain.
Feed It A Bland Diet
When your dog has recovered from a spicy food incident, it will be best to avoid commercial diets. A simple meal will be the best option for a few days before resuming the usual diet. An example of a bland but very nutritious meal is plain fish and white rice.
Are There Safe Spices For Dogs?
Suppose you need to add value to your dog’s food to appease its taste buds. The following spices are not harmful when added to your dog’s food but should always be added in moderation.
Conclusion
Giving spicy foods to your dog is not a good idea as they will end up suffering due to the consequent burning sensation in their mouth and digestive tract. When your dog accidentally eats spicy foods, provide water to ease the pain. Also, monitor them closely and contact your vet if the effects persist for a prolonged period.
Further Reading:
- Can Dogs Eat Jalapenos?
- Can Dogs Eat Onions? Absolutely Not!
- Can Dogs Eat Almonds? What Are The Dangers
- Can Dogs Eat Horseradish?
- Can Dogs Eat Eggshells?
- Can Dogs Eat Cumin? Is it a Healthy Spice?
- Why Do Dogs Like Anise?