Why is sugar dangerous for dogs?
Many dog owners offer their dog sugar-based treats as a reward. While it is encouraged to reward your dog for every positive action he performs, it is best to avoid giving him sugar and, instead, offer treats tailored to his nutritional needs.
It is important to know that all sugar-based foods can be harmful to your dog's health.
In this article, you'll learn about the dangers of sugar for dogs and how it affects their bodies.
Sugar: the dog's enemy
If you adopt a dog, it is your duty to keep him in good health. This includes a balanced and healthy diet that meets all of his nutritional needs.
You are cooking when, suddenly, your dog looks at you. You want to give him a little treat but you wonder if he can eat the food you are holding in your hand.
With our vet-approved magnet, you’ll know the answer at a glance! Plus, you can quickly scan our QR code to access the full article with all the explanations.
Among the foods that you must absolutely eliminate from his diet is sugar. It is therefore important to be aware of the harmful effects of sugar and its dangers to your dog's body.
Although a lump of sugar has never made a dog sick or caused his death, it is best to avoid any excess either in the food or treats and also avoid getting your dog used to sugar-based treats.
Indeed, it's the regular diet rich in carbohydrates that is dangerous and can cause certain fatal diseases.
The effect of sugar on dogs
Your dog just swallowed a small amount of sugar and you couldn't stop him.
Don't worry, a small amount of sugar isn't really serious, just don't make it a habit.
However, if your dog has consumed a large quantity of sugar, some digestive symptoms may appear, such as diarrhea, vomiting or nausea. In some cases, especially in puppies, consuming large quantities of sugar causes hyperactivity and excitement.
If left untreated, diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can be dangerous. It is therefore recommended to give him plenty of water and if it lasts more than two days, take him to your veterinarian.
It is important to know that, unlike humans, a dog's body doesn't assimilate sugar as efficiently and it is all the more dangerous.
Long-term dangers of sugar for dogs
We often hear that sugar can lead to blindness in dogs. It is not the sugar itself that causes blindness, but the cause and effect relationship that leads to blindness. Sugar is one of the contributing factors to diabetes mellitus and overweight, then obesity.
Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in the canine world and complications can be a cataract that blurs the dog's vision until he becomes blind.
In other cases, if left untreated, diabetic ketoacidosis can develop and cause coma and death due to high blood glucose levels.
On the other hand, overweight or obesity is also one of the consequences of a diet high in sugar. Obesity is one of the leading causes of death in dogs. It can cause various disorders such as pancreatitis, diabetic ketoacidosis or heart problems. Diseases that are usually fatal if left untreated.
For all these reasons, it is best to avoid sugar, no matter how much, in your dog's diet.
As a veterinary, I am passionate about animals, their health and their daily life. My second passion is writing, so what better way to talk to you about the health of animals and especially dogs?
