How to Keep Your Pets Safe from Bread Poisoning

Been doing a lot of baking during your quarantine? The rise in this tasty hobby however has also led to a rise in dangerous bread dough ingestion and poisoning in pets, according to the ASPCA Poison Control Center.

Is bread dangerous to my pets?

A hot dog bun or a bite of toast, as long as they do not contain raisins, is actually fine for dogs. The danger of bread ingestion comes from unbaked bread dough

What is bread poisoning?

The ingredient in bread dough, yeast, is added to help create the airy texture. Uncooked yeasted bread dough can be extra hazardous to our furry friends. According to the ASPCA, “raw, uncooked yeast ferments the carbohydrates in the dough, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide. This process can continue in the stomach, leading the animal to become disoriented, bloated (potentially leading to GDV), and ataxic—and just like people, alcohol poisoning can be fatal for pets.”

While we may know the danger of eating raw dough, as it is left out on countertops it can often be found by a cat or dog and consumed before the owner is aware.

What are the symptoms?

Due to the nature of yeast in the dough, the tell-tale signs that your pet may be experiencing bread dough poisoning are actually the same symptoms as if they accidentally consumed alcohol. Be on the lookout for disorientation, stomach bloating and a lack of coordination.

What should I do if my pet ingested raw bread dough?

If your pet has ingested raw dough, immediately contact your local emergency vet, especially if your pet is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above.

How Can I Keep My Pets Safe?

Keep any dough that is in the process of rising in a location out of reach of furry companions. For cat owners, whose felines can reach countertops, consider placing the dough in a room your cat cannot enter.

Source:
https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/bread-ingestion-pets