Almonds are common additions to dishes such as oatmeal, muesli and can also be eaten in various forms either raw or roasted on their own or with other meals. They are a tasty and nutritious addition to a diet.
So, can German Shepherds eat almonds? No. German Shepherds cannot eat almonds. Almonds are not toxic to German shepherds or dogs however when consumed in large quantities, they present health problems to them and therefore should be avoided. It is best to keep them away from your German Shepherd and also know what to do in case your dog happens to eat them.
In this post, we will discuss in detail why almonds are bad for dogs, the effect of almond ingestion, and what you can do if your dog ate them.
Why Are Almonds Bad for German Shepherds?
Eating a few almonds may not be harmful, however, consumption of too many becomes harmful to a dog. The following are the health problems that occur when a German Shepherd eats almonds:
Choking Hazard
Almonds are a choking hazard to German Shepherds especially if they are fast eaters or do not chew properly before swallowing.
This is dangerous to a dog and can be fatal if a dog cannot breathe because of the obstruction of the windpipe.
This is seen when a dog is choking or gagging after eating the almonds.
Upset digestive system
Dogs, in general, cannot handle human foods when eaten and this causes stomach upset.
Eating almonds cause stomach upsets and a dog could experience discomfort after ingesting them. Spices on almonds can also lead to stomach upsets.
Almonds have a high-fat content which also causes stomach upsets and in the long-term, the high-fat content can lead to pancreatitis and obesity.
The symptoms of pancreatitis include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Pancreatitis itself can lead to indigestion or turn to be fatal.
Blockage of the intestinal tract
The digestive system of dogs cannot process well the protein in almonds which may lead to blockage of the intestinal tract.
Accidental poisoning
Almonds can harbor mold known as Aspergillus that causes fungal infection called aspergillosis which infects dogs whose immune system may be weak due to other causes such as disease.
The infection can spread to the bones, bone marrow, cause spinal pain as well as weight loss, fever, and vomiting.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions can occur from the consumption of almonds which can lead to severe reactions such as swelling, coughing, sneezing, hives, or difficulty in breathing.
Water retention
Almonds are normally flavored with spices and salt. Dogs love the taste of salt however, salt intake leads to water retention in their bodies and this can be harmful especially to a dog with a heart condition.
Too much salt can cause salt toxicity which causes illness or can be fatal. Salt toxicity comes from ingestion of too much salt without having enough drinking water causing dehydration accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, lethargy, excessive urination, coma, or even death.
High consumption of almonds which contain phosphorus also increases the chances of formation of bladder stones.
Recommended Reading: Can German Shepherds eat applesauce?
What Can I Do If My Dog Eats Almonds?
Monitor for signs of illness
Eating a few almonds is not harmful and if your German Shepherd has ingested one or two almonds in your home, monitor for signs of illness. Look out for signs of:
- Choking or gagging
- Allergic reactions
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Discomfort.
If the above signs are not present, your German Shepherd is okay. Inform your vet on the situation so that they may also advise if you need to take your dog for examination.
Induce vomiting
In case you suspect that your German Shepherd has eaten more almonds than desired, immediately contact your vet or poison control.
They will instruct you on how to induce vomiting which is normally by use of hydrogen peroxide. This method is normally effective within 30 minutes of ingesting the almonds.
If you are unable to induce vomiting by yourself, rush your German Shepherd to the vet for medical care.
Medical care
After your dog has vomited or if you are unable to induce vomiting, immediately take your German Shepherd to the veterinarian.
At the vet, they will receive medical care such as intravenous fluids, care for prevention of liver damage, medication to reduce diarrhea and vomiting as well as be treated for pancreatitis if present.
It is important to address the consumption of almonds immediately to prevent any harmful effects.
Conclusion: Can German Shepherds eat almonds?
Despite almonds being tasty and nutritious, they are a type of nut not to feed a German Shepherd. Almonds present health dangers to a dog and should entirely not be given to them even if they beg for a bite.
As a dog owner, it is also important to know what to do in case your dog happens to eat almonds so that you can help them and prevent fatal outcomes.
I hope this article helped you know whether German Shepherds can eat almonds, why almonds are bad for a German Shepherd, and what you can do in case they eat them.
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