what to do if my dog ate beef jerky

What To Do If Your Dog Ate Beef Jerky

If you’re a dog owner there’s a good chance your pup has gotten into something they shouldn’t at some point. One common scenario is when your dog manages to sneak some beef jerky. While beef jerky is delicious for humans, it can potentially cause problems for dogs if they eat too much. So what should you do if your dog ate beef jerky? Read on for some helpful tips.

First Things First Monitor Your Dog

If you know or suspect your dog has eaten beef jerky, keep a close eye on them for any signs of illness or distress. Symptoms of beef jerky poisoning in dogs can include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Increased thirst
• Drooling
• Abdominal pain

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially within a few hours of your dog eating the jerky, contact your vet right away. They’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action based on your dog’s specific situation. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms pass – get veterinary advice as soon as possible.

Understand the Risks

So why exactly can beef jerky be a problem for dogs? Here are some of the potential risks:

Too Much Sodium: Most commercial beef jerky contains very high levels of sodium to help preserve it. Eating too much can cause sodium ion poisoning in dogs, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and even seizures.

Other Harmful Ingredients: Many brands of beef jerky contain garlic, onion powder, or other flavorings that can be toxic to dogs. Sugar substitutes like xylitol are also sometimes used, which can be deadly if ingested by dogs.

Pancreatitis: The high fat content of beef jerky can trigger a painful and potentially life-threatening condition called pancreatitis in dogs.

Blockages or Choking: If a dog swallows large pieces of jerky without properly chewing them, it can lead to gastrointestinal obstructions or choking hazards.

Allergies: Some dogs may have allergic reactions to the beef or other ingredients in jerky. Symptoms include itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive issues.

So while a small tasted of jerk may not harm an otherwise healthy dog, eating too much can definitely cause problems. It’s best to avoid feeding dogs any beef jerky.

Call Your Vet If Your Dog Ate a Lot

If you know your dog ate a significant amount of beef jerky, call your vet without delay. How much is too much depends on factors like your dog’s size and general health. Your vet can make an assessment based on the specifics.

In cases of significant consumption, your vet may recommend bringing your dog in so they can induce vomiting to get the jerky out of the stomach before it’s digested. They may also give IV fluids to support kidney function and offset sodium toxicity.

Closely monitoring your dog and getting prompt veterinary care can help prevent serious complications in cases of beef jerky poisoning. Don’t wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own.

Avoid These Dangerous Jerky Products

When looking for dog treats, be sure to avoid any jerky products containing:

• Xylitol – extremely toxic to dogs
• Onions or onion powder
• Garlic or garlic powder
• Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol
• Mold inhibitors like BHA and BHT
• Propylene glycol – can cause liver damage

Your safest bet is to avoid jerky altogether and choose alternative treats made just for dogs.

Offer Dog-Safe Treats Instead

The good news is there are many tasty, nutritious treats made specially for dogs that are jerky alternatives. Here are some good options:

• Dehydrated sweet potato or pumpkin strips
• Freeze-dried chicken or liver treats
• Vegetable- or fruit-based chews
• Meaty training treats like Zuke’s or Stewart Pro-Treats
• Peanut butter flavored biscuits or bones

You can even make your own simple jerky-style treats at home using lean meats, sweet potatoes, or carrots. Just be sure to avoid any seasonings unsafe for dogs. Check with your vet if you’re unsure about any ingredients.

Keep Beef Jerky Out of Reach

The easiest way to prevent beef jerky poisoning is to make sure your dog can’t access it in the first place. Keep all human food put away and make sure bags are sealed tightly and stored up high or in cabinets. Never leave beef jerky or other unsafe foods within reach of your dog, even for a moment.

You can also teach your dog a solid “leave it” command to deter snacking on forbidden items. And crate train your dog or use baby gates to restrict access to areas when you can’t supervise directly.

Educate Family Members

Make sure everyone in your household knows which foods are off-limits for the dog. Inform guests and pet sitters as well. Posting a list of unsafe foods on your fridge or pantry door can help remind kids and visitors.

Lead by example and don’t offer tastes of human food to your dog. It can set up begging behaviors and temptation.

Read Labels Carefully

If you do opt to give your dog occasional jerky-style treats, read ingredient lists very carefully to make sure they are pet-safe. Avoid any products with unclear ingredients or generic terms like “spices” or “natural flavors.” Call the manufacturer if you’re unsure about any ingredients.

Introduce new treats gradually and watch for any signs of allergic reaction or tummy upset. It’s best to stick to simple recipes without lots of add-ins.

Don’t Give Up on a Healthy Diet

If your dog has a beef jerky slip-up, don’t despair. Just get veterinary advice if needed and get back on track with a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid overcompensating with extra treats or human food.

Talk to your vet about the ideal diet for your dog’s needs. They can recommend feeding guidelines and offer tips for picky eaters. A nutritious diet is important for your dog’s long-term health and wellbeing.

In Conclusion

Beef jerky can pose some risks to dogs if consumed, especially in large quantities. But with close monitoring, prompt veterinary guidance, and keeping jerky safely out of paws’ reach, you can avoid any serious issues. If your pup does get ahold of some jerky, call your vet right away for advice. And stick to treats and foods made just for dogs to prevent any diet-related problems. With some common sense precautions, your dog can continue living their very best jerky-free life.