Vet urges dog owners to look out for 8 symptoms of food poisoning – ‘stay extra vigilant’

As millions tune in the latest season of the Great British Bake Off to watch amateur bakers tackle the tasks of Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, the nation’s appetite for home baking has soared.

To prevent dogs from eating food that’s not suitable for pets, veterinary group Medivet is urging pet owners to stay aware of the tell-tale signs of food-related poisoning. The warning comes in anticipation of a potential increase in cases.

According to Medivet, the eight common signs of food-related poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, weakness, collapsing, tremors and shaking, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing.

Dr Charlotte Jennings, BVetMed MRCVS, chief veterinary & partnerships officer from Medivet, said: “Many everyday ingredients used in baking are in fact dangerous and even fatal if ingested by dogs, which may come as a surprise to some pet owners.

“With a boom in baking well underway, kitchens across the country are full of tempting treats, so we’re encouraging owners to be extra vigilant and making sure all baked goods and ingredients are kept well out of reach of prying paws.

“If you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your vet immediately as early treatment and intervention can save lives.”

Common baking ingredients that are harmful to dogs: 

• Chocolate – Contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, internal bleeding and even heart attacks

• Alliums (onions, garlic, shallots and chives) – Can damage red blood cells, causing serious anaemia. Symptoms may not present themselves for several days but can include vomiting, diarrhoea and tiredness, as well as discoloured urine

• Raisins, grapes, sultanas and currants – Can lead to stomach problems and kidney failure, with symptoms not presenting themselves for three days

• Xylitol – Is in some sugar-free sweets, gums and medicines, can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels and liver failure. Symptoms include weakness, lethargy and collapse

• Bacon – Contains high fat and sodium content puts your dog at risk of illnesses like pancreatitis, high blood pressure and obesity

• Blue cheese – Contains a fungus that produces a toxic substance called roquefortine C. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures if eaten

• Mouldy bread – Mould found in gone off bread and other foods contains mycotoxins which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and seizures