Dog feeding can lead to several questions to their tutors. One of them is whether food used in the human diet can be offered to dogs. This post will talk about the use of dairy foods more specifically talking about the use of butter in dog food.
My dog ate butter
Butter should not be offered to dogs. But if the animal accidentally ingested a small amount of this food, you should not worry, some veterinary nutritionists use small amounts of butter as an energy source to balanced diets for dogs.
Excessive butter consumption by dogs causes them to have an imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea and vomiting.
What is butter
Butter is a product derived from beaten cows milk, basically it is the condensation of the fat present in milk that is seasoned with salt and sold on the market for human consumption. Butter is a food rich in fats and may contain lactose.
Butter in the dog’s body
In the dog’s body, excess fat from butter ends up softening the dog’s feces, in addition, the lactose present in certain products is not degraded due to the absence of the lactase enzyme in adult dogs.
So dogs tend to have liquid diarrhea and it is often possible to observe fat bubbles in the stool. And some animals may vomit.
What to do when the dog eats butter?
When the animal ingests small amounts of butter, it should encourage the consumption of liquids such as water, coconut water and even oral rehydration solution. Preventing the dog from becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to the animal’s death.
If the animal does not improve diarrhea and vomiting, a veterinarian should be consulted. Avoiding the worsening of symptoms which makes the treatment of the dog more difficult.
Consumption of excessive amounts of butter can lead to unbalanced diets in dogs. The main symptoms of excess butter in the diet in dogs are:
- Apathy;
- Appetite loss;
- Vomit;
- Diarrhea.
In cases where the dog eats excessive amounts of butter, it should be taken to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible.
At the veterinary hospital, the dog will receive medication to reduce vomiting, abdominal pain, and medication to restore the gastrointestinal microbiota.
The animal can also receive fluid therapy to prevent dehydration and in addition to replacing mineral salts and liquids lost in vomiting and diarrhea.
As soon as the animal returns to normal food consumption, it stops vomiting and has diarrhea. The dog is released home and in the first few days the dog must follow a specific diet for dogs and maintain the use of some medications to prevent the animal from showing more symptoms.
Allowed dairy foods for dogs
Some dairy products can be eaten by dogs, they are:
- Yogurt;
- Cheese;
- Milk cream.
Cow’s milk derivatives should be offered in moderation, only on special occasions. Because commercial dog food, as well as homemade diets prescribed by a veterinarian, already guarantee complete nutrition for the animal.
Yogurt is a product made from the fermentation of milk by bacteria. These bacteria can have a beneficial effect on the dogs gastrointestinal flora. However, only low-fat yogurts, without dyes and flavorings, are suitable for dogs. Ideally, yogurts are also lactose-free.
Some owners use skimmed yogurt together with dog food to make popsicles for dogs in the summer, so they can refresh the animals with delicious snacks. Yogurt consumption must be controlled, excess consumption of the product can increase gastrointestinal motility resulting in diarrheal stools.
Cheese is a type of protein-fat concentrate, resulting from the coagulation of milk after removal of the whey. The most suitable cheese for dogs are lactose-free cheeses and those with less fat, such as cottage cheese. Cheese should always be offered to dogs in small portions, and exposed as snacks.
Milk cream, on the other hand, can help to increase the energy content of the dog’s food, it is also used in situations where the dog has difficulties to defecate, as the consumption of milk cream can make the feces softer.
The most suitable milk cream is lactose-free, and should be offered to dogs only when necessary, or when indicated by a veterinarian. Because it is a very greasy cream, excess consumption of this milk derivative can lead to diarrhea.
Drinks to be used in dog diarrhea
Some drinks can be fed to dogs and can hydrate and provide health benefits to the dog with diarrhea, such as:
- Water;
- Coconut Water;
- Oral rehydration solution.
Water
Main drink of the dog’s diet, it must be provided freely to the dog. The water is rich in mineral salts and helps in the animal hydration. Water should be provided fresh and filtered daily for dogs.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a natural liquid that can bring several benefits to the dog, such as hydration and nutrient supplementation. There are reports that it can help the kidneys of dogs with kidney problems.
Oral rehydration solution
Oral Rehydration Solution is a liquid made from water, salt and sugar. It is rich in mineral salts responsible for the replacement of mineral salts for dogs in addition to maintaining or restoring hydration in dehydrated animals.
Conclusion
The use of human food in the dog’s diet can lead to health problems in dogs, which can even lead to the death of the animal. That’s why you should pay attention to what foods can be offered and the appropriate amount that dogs can eat. As a rule, dogs should only feed on diets prescribed by a veterinary nutritionist. If a dog has eaten a lot of butter, a veterinary doctor should be consulted urgently, avoiding the worsening of symptoms and even the death of the dog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): My dog ate butter
What to do when the dog drinks too much milk?
If cow’s milk is ingested in small amounts by dogs, there is no need to be too worried. In case of excessive intake of cow’s milk associated with prostration, diarrhea or other symptoms, the animal should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.
What happens if the dog eats too much butter?
Excess fat and lactose in butter can lead to gastrointestinal imbalances, resulting in diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort.
What kind of cheese can I give my dog?
Less fatty cheeses, such as cottage cheese, and cheeses with a lower sodium content, such as mozzarella, are recommended. Avoid blue cheeses, such as gorgonzola and roquefort, and very salty cheeses, such as parmesan.
Reference
Adkins, Y., Lepine, A. J., & Lönnerdal, B. (2001). Changes in protein and nutrient composition of milk throughout lactation in dogs. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 62(8), 1266-1272.
Picture from flickr.com
