As fellow dog parents, navigating the intricate world of human foods safe for our furry friends can feel like walking through a minefield. I bet you’ve found yourself questioning whether or not your loyal companion might enjoy a bite of that juicy plum you’re munching on! We certainly have.
This post is here to shed light, and hopefully some much-needed clarity, on this very topic. Drawing from extensive research and expert advice, we’ll unpack the puzzle surrounding pups and plums – it’s juicier than you may anticipate!
Key Takeaways
- Plums can be bad for dogs because of high sugar and the pit. The pit has cyanide that can make a dog very sick.
- If your dog eats a plum, it’s crucial to act fast. Look for signs like red gums or trouble breathing. Go to a vet right away if you see these.
- There are safer fruits for dogs than plums, include peaches, cherries, blueberries and watermelon. Always remember to remove pits or seeds!
- Keep an eye on your pet’s food always! Talk with a vet before giving new foods and keep unsafe foods out of their reach.
Why Dogs Should Not Eat Plums
While plums may seem like a sweet treat, they pose serious risks to dogs, including cyanide poisoning from the pit, potential choking hazards and an unhealthy amount of sugar.
Cyanide Poisoning
Plum trees carry a hidden danger for dogs called cyanide. This toxic stuff is in all parts of the tree, but it’s most harmful in the pits. Your dog can get very sick if he eats one.
It may even kill him if he gets too much. This sickness is sometimes called plum poisoning or plum stone toxicity. Don’t worry too much though, one pit won’t seriously hurt your dog because it doesn’t have enough cyanide to do that.
But you should still be careful not to let your pup eat them because of this risk.
Choking Hazard
Plum pits are a big problem for dogs. They can get stuck in the throat of your pet. Smaller dogs with thin tubes leading to their stomach are at greater risk. This is what we call a choking hazard.
Breathing becomes hard if a dog chokes on a plum pit. Serious health risks come up if this happens, and it’s scary! If by mistake your dog eats a plum or its pit, you need to seek help from a vet right away.
High Sugar Content
Plums are full of sugar. Too much sugar is bad for dogs. It can upset their stomachs. Over time, it might lead to bigger health problems too. If your dog eats a lot of plums, his blood sugar levels could go up.
This is not good for him at all. Prunes also have lots of sugar in them and they are dried plums! So, prunes are not good for dogs either because of the same reason – they have a lot of sugar in them! Always be mindful about how much fruit you give your dog to eat and never forget that its daily diet plays an important role in maintaining its nutrition and overall health.
Comprehensive Guide: Can Dogs Eat Plums?
We need to talk about if dogs can eat plums or not. It’s not just a “yes” or “no” question. Here is what you should know:
- Plums have both good and bad sides for your dog.
- The flesh of a plum is full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- This part of the plum can help your dog’s health.
- But, don’t give them too many because they have a lot of sugar.
- Black plums are okay for your dog to eat as long as you only give them a little bit.
- Be careful with the pit in the center of the plum.
- This hard part can block your dog’s throat and make it hard for them to breathe.
- The pit has something called amygdalin in it which turns into cyanide in the body.
- Too much cyanide can make your dog very sick and may even cause death.
- Always take out the pit before you give your dog any plum pieces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFk_wOAlL2g
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Plum
If your dog sneakily snacks on a plum, don’t panic – but quick action is essential. From spotting the signs of plum poisoning to rushing them to the vet and even some home remedies, we’ll guide you through each step of dealing with this tricky situation in our forthcoming section.
Stay tuned as everything you need to know is just a read away!
Symptoms of Plum Poisoning
Your dog can get sick from eating plums. Watch out for these signs to know if they have plum poisoning:
- The gums, tongue, and mouth of your dog turning red.
- Your dog may have trouble breathing. They might pant a lot too.
- Your dog could start shaking or having fits. These are called tremors and seizures.
- You might find your pet breathing fast or having trouble getting enough air in their lungs.
- Your dog may feel tired more than usual, throw up, or have an upset stomach. Diarrhea is another sign to watch out for.
- A serious sign is a coma where your dog cannot wake up.
- If your dog stops eating, feels bloated or has trouble pooping, it may mean they swallowed a plum pit which caused a blockage in their tummy.
Seek Veterinary Help
I did not waste any time and rushed my dog to the vet as soon as I saw signs of plum poisoning. The symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing show up fast after a dog eats plums.
In such cases, it is key to get veterinary help right away. Cyanide toxicity from eating a whole plum or chewing on the pit is bad news for our furry friends. Swallowing pits also put dogs at risk because they are hard and can cause harm inside their body.
Even if you just suspect your pet ate a plum or its pit, head straight to the vet’s office! It’s better safe than sorry when our pups’ health is on the line.
Home Remedies
If your dog eats a plum, there are several steps you can take at home to help. These actions can ease the issue but do not replace seeing a vet.
- Keep your dog calm. A frantic dog could risk choking or other harm.
- Check the mouth for parts of the plum. Take out any pieces if it’s safe.
- Give your dog plenty of water. It helps to rinse down anything left in the mouth.
- Look for signs of distress, like bloating or nausea.
- Be ready to go to the vet right away.
Other Fruits Safe for Dogs to Eat
If your dog loves fruit, don’t fret – there are safe alternatives to plums. Peaches, cherries, and blueberries are great choices for a sweet treat that your pup can enjoy without risk.
Watermelon is another excellent option, as it’s hydrating and low in sugar. Always remember though – these should be given sparingly and never with pits or seeds included!
Peaches
Peaches are safe for dogs to eat. They have health benefits like better digestion and less swelling. These fruits also give dogs needed minerals. Dogs can get ill though if they are allergic to peaches, this shows up as hard breathing, a bad belly or skin issues.
One thing you need to watch is the peach pit. It holds poison that harms dogs and may lead to choking too. So be sure the peach does not contain a pit before giving it to your dog!
Cherries
Cherries have good stuff for dogs. They give vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. But the pits, stems, and leaves of cherries can harm dogs. These parts have cyanide – a poison for dogs.
Eating cherry flesh alone won’t hurt most dogs but it can upset their stomachs sometimes. So it’s best not to let your dog eat cherries because they may also eat the dangerous parts.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a sweet treat that dogs can eat. They’re full of good stuff like fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. This means they can be good for your dog’s health. These tiny fruits fill up your pup without adding extra calories! But, just like with any food, you should watch how much your dog eats.
Too many blueberries could lead to an upset tummy. Also, some dogs may not take well to blueberries and might be allergic. Always keep an eye on your dog after giving them something new to eat for the first time!
Watermelon
Watermelon is a good fruit for your dog. It’s full of vitamins A, B6, and C. Plus, it has potassium and fiber. Even the rind and seeds are safe to eat! But don’t give them too much watermelon at once.
It does have sugar in it. Too much sugar can lead to obesity or diabetes in dogs over time. So just offer small pieces from time to time as a treat! This keeps both you and your furry friend happy without risking their health with too much sugar or calories.
Conclusion: The Importance of Monitoring Your Dog’s Diet
Ensuring the right diet for your furry friend is crucial, as it directly affects their health and happiness. It’s essential to understand that not all human foods are safe for them and consulting a vet for diet tips can lead to positive outcomes.
Read on to learn more about what fruits are safe and beneficial for dogs to consume, especially the concerns related to feeding plums.
Consult with a Vet
You should talk to your vet before you give your dog plums. The vet knows best about pet health. They can tell you if plums are safe for your dog. Some dogs may get sick from eating plums.
Your vet will know if this is true for your dog. If your dog eats a plum, call the vet right away. Don’t try to fix it at home by yourself.
Provide Safe and Appropriate Fruits as Treats
I want to share the best fruits for your dog. Here is a list of safe and fitting treats:
- Apples: They are good for dogs. Just take out the seeds and core.
- Bananas: Dogs can eat these in small pieces.
- Peaches: They offer health perks, but the pit must be removed first.
- Blueberries: These are packed with nutrients and safe for your buddy.
- Watermelons: Cool and juicy, they are great on hot days.
Avoid Harmful Foods for Dogs
Keeping your dog safe always comes first. Here are ways to avoid harmful foods for dogs:
- Keep plums away from your dog. Plums have a high sugar content and can make your dog sick.
- Watch out for plum pits. They are toxic to dogs and can cause choking or poisoning.
- Grapes and raisins are a no – no for dogs. Eating these can lead to kidney failure, which is often fatal in dogs.
- Practice moderation with all food types, even fruits like cherries, peaches, blueberries, and watermelon.
- Keep the dog’s diet under control by consulting with a vet regularly.
- Always provide safe and suitable fruits as treats when needed.
- Notice the possible harm of plums to dogs and act accordingly to ensure their safety.
- Be aware of the fatal consequences of feeding them dangerous foods like grapes and raisins.
FAQs
1. Can dogs eat plums?
Yes, dogs can eat the flesh of ripe plums but not too much as it could upset their stomach.
2. What part of the plum is unsafe for dogs to eat?
The pit or seed inside a plum is dangerous for dogs because it contains small amounts of cyanide and can cause choking.
3. What are the benefits of feeding my dog plums?
Plums have vitamins that keep your dog’s skin healthy and boost their immune system.
4. Are there risks in feeding my dog plums?
Yes, eating too many plums can make a dog sick with diarrhea or vomiting because of sugar content.
5. How should I prepare plum if I want to feed them to my dog?
Always remove the pit and cut small pieces before giving any part of a plum to your dog.