Most dogs love ice cream. Why not give some to your panting pooch on a hot summer afternoon? Although ice cream is usually all right for dogs, you should probably not make a regular practice of feeding it to your pet. You should know your pup’s specific dietary needs and think about what you’re feeding them before you hand your dog that waffle cone.
Chocolate
-
It’s pretty well known among puppy parents that chocolate is a huge no-no. The last thing a responsibly parent should give their dog is chocolate, even though we know just how yummy it is. Fido’s body is very different from yours and some treats, although well intentioned, might spell out disaster. So what’s the science behind it? Chocolate contains methylxanines, chemical compounds made up of caffeine and theobromine. Theobromine is the biggest villain out of those molecules. It is found in larger quantities in dark chocolate, but that doesn’t make dark chocolate the only kind that is poisonous. Even the smallest amount may cause vomiting and diarrhea, but even worse, large amounts of chocolate can cause serious tremors and seizures. Poisoning due to chocolate can lead to death, so avoid it at all costs!
Lactose Intolerance
-
We all know of some people that just can’t digest lactose. Some dogs have the same kind of issue, too! Milk is generally healthy for your pooch in small amounts, but it might easily be doing more harm than good if your pup just can’t stomach it. When a pooch is lactose intolerant, their little furry bodies just can’t break down the lactose they consume, and it doesn’t get digested. This makes them feel pretty sick to the stomach and also generally uncomfortable. Make sure to pay close attention to how your four legged friend reacts after eating anything with dairy! Although lots of people use soy as an alternative to milk, some pups can’t stomach that, either, so don’t assume that soy ice cream is perfectly fine, either. Know your pooch and pay attention to the symptoms so that he can be healthy and you both can be happier!
Milk Allergies
-
Although it’s quite rare, some dogs are allergic to the proteins found in milk. Unfortunately, giving your dog dairy products repeatedly can set off an allergy. One symptom of food allergies in dogs is itchy skin, with a rash on the ears, belly, feet or legs. If you notice Fluffy or Spike just can’t stop scratching more than normal, talk to your vet and make sure your pup isn’t grabbing any kind of foods he shouldn’t have access to!
Sugar
-
After eating an especially tummy piece of cake or devouring our favorite candy, we humans tend to get a sugar high. The same thing happens to dogs! Now here’s the catch: what goes up must come down, and there’s a very high chance of a sugar low affecting your pup’s mood. They may get very lethargic or moody once the sugar high wears off. Additionally, some dogs have diabetes and cannot metabolize sugar properly. Never give ice cream to a dog that is diabetic. As with people, eating sugar regularly and in large amounts can also contribute to obesity. For these reasons, don’t make make it a regular practice of feeding ice cream to your pet. Know your pup’s medical conditions and dietary needs before you decide what and if to give Fido as a snack!
