Some of our beloved dogs assume it is their sole mission to keep a close eye on us when we prepare cookies. Should you be concerned if your back is turned and they take a freshly made cookie from the kitchen top, or if your helpful toddler grants your dog’s request by dumping a chunk of cookie on the floor?
If you’re wondering if cookies are safe for dogs, the short answer is that it depends. While no cookie is genuinely good for your dog, some may include substances that are harmful in big doses.
Here’s everything you should know about cookies and dogs.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Cookies
Butter, sugar, and wheat are common ingredients in most cookies. While none of these are harmful or hazardous to your dog, they aren’t exactly nutritious.
Ingredients in Cookies that are Toxic to Dogs
Some cookies don’t have any elements that are dangerous to dogs, while others do. Some of the most often used cookie components are toxic to dogs.
The following are toxic compounds to avoid:
- Chocolate
- Raisins
- Nutmeg
- Macadamia nuts
- Xylitol (in peanut butter)
This isn’t an entire list; if your dog ate a cookie with other ingredients, check the Pet Poison Helpline’s list of poison to see if it’s hazardous.
Read Also: What Is Normal Of My Cat?
What to Look Out for If Your Dog Has Eaten a Cookie
When it comes to digesting something they shouldn’t have, our dogs are usually very tough. If your dog merely ate a small piece of basic cookie, their digestive tract should take it fine. However, you should keep a close check on your dog and contact your veterinarian if they show any of the symptoms listed below:
- Diarrhea
- Increased body temperature
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Seizures
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Increased urination
- Increased heart rate
- Vomiting
If your dog ate a cookie that had any of the above-mentioned dangerous substances, contact your veterinarian right away.
Cookies and Diabetic Dogs
If your diabetic dog has snatched a sugary cookie from the counter or been served one by an unknowing guest, you should contact your veterinarian for guidance on the extra sugar your dog has consumed.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Cookies
If your dog is on a quest to get his hands on those delicious cookies, you may need to take some steps to keep them out of his mouth!
If you’re cooling cookies on the counter, close the door or move your dog to another area. If there’s a risk your dog will dash in while you’re not looking, never leave cookies out on the counter unattended.
Cooled cookies should be stored in an airtight container out of reach of your dog. Cookies are safer on high shelves in the pantry, on top of the refrigerator, or in a cupboard where your dog can’t get to than on the counter under a napkin or tea towel.
Read Also: How to Select a Dog Collar
Cookies for Dogs
If your dog gives you puppy-dog looks while you’re preparing or eating a cookie, the good news is that you can bake them a dog-safe alternative that they can eat as well!
You can create simple dog cookies with the following ingredients:
- 1 cup natural (xylitol free) peanut butter, canned pumpkin, or sweet potato puree
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Before rolling out the dough to a thickness of about 12 inch, thoroughly combine all of the ingredients. Cut the dough into strips or use cookie cutters to make shapes.
Place the strips or shapes on a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 ° F.
Allow your dog to try one once it has cooled and see what they think! You can store these in an airtight jar for up to a week, or freeze them and defrost as needed.
Putting It All Together
Cookies, however, do not contain any elements that are helpful to dogs. You should never give your dog any form of cookie on purpose. Some cookies contain harmful elements for dogs, such as chocolate, raisins, and macadamia nuts. If your dog consumes a cookie that contains a harmful component, you should contact your veterinarian for help.
Depending on how much or how many cookies your dog ate, your veterinarian may ask you to keep an eye on them at home or bring them into the facility for treatment.
It’s best to keep cookies out of your dog’s reach and to advise children and visitors that your dog should not be fed cookies, no matter how cute they appear!
The good news is that you can bake your own dog-friendly cookies using simple materials.
That way, you can all sit down and munch cookies without worrying about your dog eating something they shouldn’t!
Read Also: How to Help Your Dog Live a Longer and Healthy
