People have been warned ahead of next week
Dog owners have been warned to stay extra vigilant this month. As February 17 approaches, people will want to avoid a fatal mistake or risk a trip to the vets – and a nasty bill.
Pancake Day, aka Shrove Tuesday, is just around the corner and there are some foods you need to avoid giving your pup. According to veterinary experts, there are several ingredients that aren’t dog-friendly.
If consumed, it could mean an emergency trip to the vets, causing stress for you and your dog and a drained bank account.
PDSA warning
According to the PDSA: “Acting fast could save your dog’s life. Contact your vet immediately for an emergency appointment if your dog has eaten something harmful.
“Never wait to see if a problem develops – your dog could become very ill or even die without treatment. You know your dog – even if you’re not quite sure whether they have eaten something harmful, if you’re concerned it’s always best to contact your vet.”
Take your dog to the vest ASAP, experts warn(Image: Getty)
PDSA further warn that many dogs are natural scavengers and will eat almost anything they find lying around, which is why it’s important to monitor your dog closely in case they swallow something that could poison them or cause a blockage. This includes any pancakes or toppings left lying around.
Avoid these on Pancake Day
The vet experts at Pooch and Mutt say: “There are some definite no-nos when it comes to pancake toppings and our dogs.”
These include:
Toxins like raisins, grapes, chocolate and macadamia nutsDairy cream. Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant and dairy can cause stomach upsetSugar or syrup. While a sweet treat for us, it has no real nutritional value and can contribute to weight gainLemon or lime. Dogs do not tolerate these citrus fruits and their juice isn’t easily digested
If you want to make your dog a sweet treat for the fun-filled day, the vet experts further warn: “Make sure your dog doesn’t overindulge
“A small dog should only get a few bites of pancake, while a large breed would be able to eat a whole pancake with ease. Feeding too many pancakes can lead to an upset stomach and bloating. Also, ensure the calories are part of their daily recommended intake, not on top of.”
Dog-friendly pancake toppers
If using peanut butter, make sure it is xylitol-free
Instead of the above, why not try these.
Peanut butter (make sure it is xylitol-free)HoneyBerriesMangoAppleCarrotSpinachBroccoliPeasCheese (moderately)Peach
Dog-friendly banana pancakes
Ingredients
One ripe and sweet bananaOne egg (shell can be included if you like)100g of plain flour*
Since flour is typically made from wheat, choose an alternative if your dog is intolerant or allergic to grains. Good options include coconut flour or almond flour.
Method
Mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth.Add the egg and flour, beating until a smooth batter forms.The batter can then be fried like a classic pancake or used in a waffle maker.If frying, use a small amount of coconut or olive oil. Oil spray is a great option, as only a few drops are needed to grease the pan and prevent sticking – making it a healthier way to cook for your pooch.
When it’s time to serve, let the pancakes cool to room temperature first. If they’re still warm, the irresistible smell might make your dog gulp them down too quickly, risking mouth burns or even oral ulcers, the experts warn.
