Pancake Day: the everyday pancake topping that could be dangerous for your dog
Some of our favourite pancake ingredients can be dangerous for our dogs 🥞
- Pancake Day is celebrated by eating pancakes.
- While it may be tempting to give a pancake to your dog, some of your favourite ingredients could be toxic.
- Petplan veterinary expert, Dr Brian Faulkner shares the ingredients to avoid and a dog-friendly pancake recipe this Shrove Tuesday.
As the whole family prepares to tuck into some pancakes this Pancake Day, it’s important to be aware that some of our favourite ingredients can be dangerous for our dogs.
Traditionally known as Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day falls the day before Ash Wednesday and is celebrated by eating pancakes, taking part in tossing pancakes and even pancake races.
Petplan veterinary expert, Dr Brian Faulkner has outlined the ingredients which could do more harm than good to our pets and shared a dog-friendly pancake recipe.
Dr Faulkner said: “Pancake Day is just around the corner, and while it can be tempting to share a stack with your dog, it's really important to be mindful of its ingredients.”
Can I give my dog a pancake?
Pancakes can be safe for dogs in moderation; however, it really depends on the ingredients, toppings and how many your dog eats. Dr Faulkner explains that most pancakes are made up of flour, sugar, milk, eggs and butter, whilst eggs can be safe, the other ingredients can cause an upset stomach if not eaten in small quantities.
The most important ingredients to be wary of are toppings. Popular options such as chocolate, nuts, dairy cream, honey or syrup might sound delicious to humans, but are all toxic to dogs and can cause food poisoning.
The symptoms of food poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting or dry heaving
- Diarrhoea
- Uncontrolled drooling
- Blood in their urine or poo
- Loss of appetite
- Agitation or lethargy
- Unsteadiness on feet
- Breathing difficulties
- Seizures or tremors
- Increased heart rate or temperature
- Drinking or peeing more than usual
- Internal bleeding (indicated by pale gums, coughing up blood, weakness or collapsing)
If you suspect your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have or you are worried about their symptoms, then please seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
Can you make dog-friendly pancakes?
There are dog-friendly pancake options that are safe to feed your pup. Dr Faulkner recommends using a recipe with bananas, a “dash of flour and a splash of water.” Dog safe toppings include xylitol-free peanut butter, sliced banana, apple pieces, or even their favourite dog biscuit.
Certain foods that are safe for humans can be poisonous to dogs. Find out more about common poisonous foods and symptoms at the RSPCA.