People are often mistaken thinking that their dog is allowed to eat candy as freely as they like. In fact, dogs shouldn’t be given any candy at all. The sugar in candy, as we are well aware, is detrimental to teeth, but even the sugar-free candy varieties contain sweeteners or xylitol which are harmful to dogs.
There are options, however, if you believe that a sweet treat is the only way to bond with your dog, and they are much healthier and safer too.
What’s Right and What’s Wrong?
Sugar is not completely toxic to dogs.
It certainly is not good for them, however, and prevention is always better than cure and can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
We have all heard of the issues in giving chocolate to dogs and avoiding it at all costs. This is mostly because of the incredibly high sugar content which can have severe side effects on your pup. These reactions can differ depending on the size of your dog and how much they consumed – if it’s a little bit they may only have a slight reaction.
If you suspect otherwise or your pup is acting odd head straight to the vet.
The issue we find is that granulated sugar is not natural but more processed and this ingestion can create not only an upset stomach in your pet, but hard candies, dark or milk chocolate, or treats with nuts and raisins can lead to kidney failure.
Preventative Measures
Other than locking your sweet treats in a combination safe, there are a few things you can begin to implement into your home and lifestyle to avoid finding yourself in a situation that sees you coming home to a pup covered in melted chocolate and a guilty look on their face. Here are just a few quick changes you can make.
Rubbish bin
Yes, we have all seen street dogs digging through trash cans looking for something tasty. But if your dog can smell a crumb of dessert you can be sure they will sniff it out and make a right mess of the kitchen in the process. Secure your bin so they cannot get into it.
Family
Making sure everyone in the home is on the same page will make things a lot easier. Set a few ground rules that each member needs to listen to and follow when it comes to your pets and candies – this way your dog cannot favor one person over the other knowing they are fine with the candy giving.
Access
Just like with little kids, you want to keep the sweets out of your dog’s reach. Just because they are in a container on the countertop does not mean they are safe, a tin of handmade candies can easily be reached with enough motivation.
Reading Suggestion: Pro Star Dog Food Review
Safe Sweet Treats
In summary, candies are not good for dogs – irrespective of the quantity they eat. It won’t necessarily kill them if they have a small nibble but that doesn’t mean they’re good for them. Ideally, never introducing them to it is your best option.
If you do want to give them something tasty, or the kids feel sad their pup cannot enjoy dessert with the family, try giving them a healthier alternative. BarkingTalk has lots of information about healthy treats to give your pups such as fruits and veggies. Try freezing them or whipping them into a popsicle to give your dog on a hot day.
Get the kids involved and find some dog-friendly recipes to make together, you create a bonding moment with the family and the children will love seeing their four-legged mate devour their handmade snacks. Everyone is a winner.
There is always a way, with a little imagination and a bit of research your dog can enjoy a birthday treat celebration that is safe and healthy. Candies needn’t ever come into the picture. Offer treats from time to time to keep mealtimes interesting, but not so frequent that they don’t appreciate it. They need to savor the moment, like with all good things.
