Experts have identified certain types of sausages as dangerous for dogs, with some varieties containing ingredients that can be toxic to your canine companion
Dog owners, take note: sharing your dinner with your furry friend might be riskier than you realise.
If you've been slipping your dog some sausages, it's time to reassess their diet for the sake of their well-being.
Pet MD has raised a red flag over the barbecue favourite, warning that sausages could pose a health risk to dogs. The experts have spoken, and according to them, sausages are packed with ingredients that aren't just unhealthy but potentially toxic to dogs.
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A Pet MD expert warned: “Unfortunately, most kinds of sausage are not safe for dogs to eat and should not be offered as a treat.”
The warning extends to all varieties of sausage: “This goes for breakfast sausage, Vienna sausage, and sausage made in all forms-links, patties, and crumbles are all no-goes for Fido.”
Sausages are typically loaded with ground meat, excess fat, and a mix of seasonings such as garlic, which is harmful to dogs, along with other ingredients that aren't suitable for canine consumption, reports the Express.
When compared to leaner protein sources like chicken or ground beef, sausages contain higher amounts of fat and sodium, which are not recommended for your dog's diet, as highlighted by Surrey Live.
The pet expert also cautioned: “Too much of either can lead to serious (and painful) health conditions in dogs, such as pancreatitis.”
They also sounded the alarm about the potential dangers of specific seasonings: “Even worse, sausage often contains seasonings like garlic, onion, or other spicy additives that should always be avoided. These sausages can make your dog very sick and should never be shared with your pup.”
Although giving your dog a little nibble of plain sausage may not be hazardous, you can give their protein intake a boost in far safer ways.
If your pet happens to gobble down a considerable amount of sausage and appears unwell, experts at Pet MD recommend contacting your vet without delay.
Animal welfare group Blue Cross has cautioned against grapes, raisins, and currants being lethal to dogs. According to their warning: “Grapes and raisins can put dogs at risk of kidney failure – even a small amount can make your dog seriously ill.
“The exact cause of toxicity to dogs is unknown, but it appears that some dogs are much more sensitive to grape toxicity than others. Symptoms of poisoning usually show within 24 hours.”
Other items that should be kept well out of reach of your furry friend include chocolate, onions, avocado, and macadamia nuts. Likewise, it’s essential to keep caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea out of their paws.
