Vanilla is used in a wide variety of food items. As a result of that, it can be found in a wide variety of food items inside the house. So is it safe for your dogs? Can dogs eat vanilla? We will find out just that in this post, let’s get started.
Can Dogs Eat Vanilla: All You Need to Know
What is vanilla?
Vanilla is a spice derived from orchids of the genus of the same name. The vanilla orchid is a vine-like plant that produces trees. The part of the plant that is used is the pod, commonly called beans. Vanilla is a powerful ingredient, so there are a variety of forms and uses.
How is vanilla consumed?
There are several main species that are used to make vanilla beans that are grown all over the world for cooking. They have subtle differences in flavors and aromas, and Malagasy beans are the most popular variety. After harvest, the beans are dried for a long time, so they can be used in a variety of ways.
Can dogs eat vanilla?
If your dog wanted to smell a vanilla bean and eat it, it is unlikely to cause him any major problems other than perhaps a slightly upset tummy. However, if your dog went and drank some vanilla extract, it can create huge issues for the dog.
What makes vanilla toxic to dogs?
Vanilla extract and scents are toxic to dogs due to their high alcohol content, and even drinking a serving from a bottle can pose a serious health risk, especially for smaller dogs. While cakes and other foods that use vanilla extract are unlikely to cause enough of a problem (usually only a few drops are used in baking), feeding your dog cakes and other sweet desserts is not something to encourage. High sugar can cause obesity, diabetes, and dental health problems.
Can dogs eat vanilla flavoured cakes?
Cakes also often contain many rich ingredients, including dairy products, and this can cause an upset stomach. More seriously, artificial sweeteners like xylitol are often added, and this is very toxic to dogs, even in very small amounts. Also, chocolate and raisins are sometimes found in pastries and they are also toxic. If your dog eats a large quantity of pastries with vanilla extract or drinks it straight from the bottle, it can cause severe symptoms and, in extreme cases, can be fatal for your dog.
What determines the toxicity of vanilla towards your dog?
The amount of alcohol in vanilla extract can be harmful to your dog even in small doses. The severity of toxicity can vary greatly depending on the species and amount of animal ingested and the size of the pet. Alcohol is very quickly absorbed into the canine system and can show effects in 30 to 60 minutes. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and life threatening.
What are the symptoms of Vanilla Extract Poisoning in your dog?
If you suspect that your dog has ingested a product such as vanilla extract, you should visit a veterinary clinic. If your dog accidentally consumes vanilla extract, you must first remove the toxin from your dog’s inaccessible area and try to determine what he ate, how much, and for how long. With toxicity, the sooner dogs are treated and the more information you can provide your vet, the better. Even if you think your dog has only consumed a small dose of vanilla or has no symptoms, it’s always worth talking to your vet to make sure or double-check. In summary, although not all forms of vanilla are toxic to your dog, it is best to keep your beloved dog away from it. Things can go wrong very quickly.
