What do you do if your dog eats ketchup? This is a question that many pet owners find themselves asking, especially since ketchup is not a food that is typically recommended for dogs. In this blog post, we will discuss the potential dangers of ketchup for dogs and what you can do if your dog does happen to eat some.
Can Dogs Eat Ketchup?
Ketchup is made out of tomatoes, which in general, are non-toxic to dogs. However, the other ingredients in ketchup, such as vinegar and sugar, can be harmful to dogs if consumed in large quantities.
Ketchup also often contains onion and garlic, which are both toxic to dogs. If your dog eats a small amount of ketchup, it will likely be fine. However, if they eat a lot of ketchup or a lot of ketchup-flavored products, they may start to experience some adverse effects.
It’s also common for dogs to get ahold of ketchup packets, which are made of non-edible plastic. If your dog eats a ketchup packet, this could lead to more severe symptoms as well.
What Happens if a Dog Eats Ketchup?
If your dog eats ketchup, there can be a wide range of symptoms, including the following:
Nothing at All
This is the best outcome. If your dog licks a plate with a bit of ketchup left on it, this is what is likely to happen. As mentioned above, ketchup and tomatoes in and of themselves aren’t toxic, so it’s likely that a small amount won’t affect your pup.
Bloating and Gas
If your dog eats a larger quantity of ketchup, it may start to experience some digestive issues. Ketchup is high in sugar and vinegar and may contain toxic seasonings, which can cause bloating and gas. Ketchup can also be hard to digest, so your dog may have some trouble going to the bathroom as well.
Diarrhea
In some cases, ketchup can cause diarrhea in dogs. This will likely only happen if high amounts of the sauce are consumed.
Vomiting
Eating large quantities of ketchup can also lead to vomiting in dogs. This is usually because their stomachs can’t handle all of the sugar and vinegar. If your dog is vomiting, it’s important to monitor them closely and make sure they don’t become dehydrated.
Dehydration
If your dog eats a lot of ketchup or if they vomit after eating ketchup, they may become dehydrated. Dehydration can be very dangerous for dogs, so it’s important to watch for signs of it, such as increased thirst, dry mouth, lethargy, and sunken eyes. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your dog to the vet right away.
Lethargy
Dogs who have eaten ketchup may become lethargic or tired. This is usually due to the fact that ketchup is high in sugar, which can give your dog a temporary energy boost followed by a crash.
Seizures
In very rare cases, dogs who have eaten ketchup may experience seizures. This is usually only seen with extremely large ingestions or if the ketchup is consumed along with other toxic foods.
Choking
If your dog has eaten several ketchup packets, it’s possible that they could choke on the non-edible plastic. You will hear your dog coughing or retching and they may have trouble breathing.
What to Do if My Dog Eats Ketchup?
Here are things you can do if you’ve discovered your dog has eaten ketchup or ketchup packets:
Keep a Close Eye on Your Pup
If your dog has only licked a bit of ketchup off a plate or if they’ve eaten a small amount of ketchup, they will likely be fine. However, it’s always best to watch them for the next 24 to 48 hours to see if there are any changes in behavior.
Check the Ingredient List
If your dog has eaten a lot of ketchup or ketchup-flavored products, it’s important to check the ingredient list. Ketchup is often made with onion and garlic, which are both toxic to dogs. If these ingredients are present, your dog may start to experience some adverse effects.
Call Your Vet
If you’re unsure how much ketchup your dog has eaten or if they are showing any signs of illness, it’s always best to call your veterinarian. They will be able to help you determine whether or not your dog needs to be seen and they can give you further instructions on what to do.
Give Your Dog Plenty of Water
If your dog has eaten ketchup, it’s important to make sure they stay hydrated. Offer them plenty of fresh water and consider adding some electrolytes to their water if they are vomiting or have diarrhea.
Try to Keep the Ketchup Out of Reach
The more ketchup your pup has, the worse the effects will be. So, it’s important to keep the ketchup out of reach and to clean up any spills right away. Don’t leave fast food wrappers or ketchup packets lying around where your dog can get to them.
What Condiments Are Bad for Dogs?
In addition to ketchup, there are several other condiments that can be bad for dogs. Here are a few of the most common:
Mustard
Mustard is another condiment that is high in sugar and vinegar. It can also be difficult for dogs to digest and may cause vomiting or diarrhea. Sometimes mustard is spicy, which can cause indigestion.
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is often made with onions, garlic, salt, and sugar. It can also be very spicy, which can irritate your dog’s stomach.
Relish
Relish is another condiment that is high in vinegar. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and should be avoided.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is high in salt, which can lead to a variety of problems in dogs, especially when consumed in high amounts.