There is nothing like a dollop of mustard on a sizzling burger or bowl of tortilla chips! This popular condiment may seem harmless and healthy… But is it a good idea for your canine friend? Can dogs eat mustard, or is mustard toxic to dogs?
Can dogs eat mustard?
Dogs should not eat mustard in any form, as it is toxic to dogs. All types of mustard are made from mustard seeds, which contain a toxin called isothiocyanate.
Isothiocyanates cause stomach and airway inflammation in dogs, leading to some painful and extremely debilitating symptoms.
So, all types of mustard are toxic to dogs. This includes yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, honey mustard, English mustard, wild mustard, mustard powder, and even homemade mustard.
As the toxins are contained exclusively within the seeds of the mustard plant, there is no cause for concern if your dog eats flowering wild mustard or mustard greens.
What are the signs of toxicity?
It is not known how much mustard a dog would need to eat to suffer from toxicity, and time it takes for signs to appear can be variable. So if your dog ingests mustard, the following symptoms may be observed:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Drooling
- Abdominal pain
- Airway irritation
What to do if my dog ate mustard?
As it is not known how much mustard can cause toxicity in dogs, it is a good idea to contact your veterinarian if your dog has eaten even a small amount. Take note of the type of mustard and how much the dog has eaten.
If it was just a minimal amount of mustard, your veterinarian will most likely advise that you monitor your dog for any of the symptoms listed above. For larger amounts, it may be necessary for your dog to attend the veterinary clinic and potentially be hospitalized for treatment.
Never attempt to induce vomiting if your dog has eaten mustard or any other toxic substance unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian.
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