Feeding fruits to your dog can be confusing, but there are safe options like dried apricots. However, it’s important to ensure they are prepared correctly. Dried apricots are usually safe for dogs as they are de-stemmed, de-pitted, and do not contain leaves. It’s still recommended to consult with a veterinarian before feeding your dog dried apricots. Signs of apricot poisoning include difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and discolored gums. Other symptoms may include panting, lethargy, weakness, and even sudden death.
Body Language
If your dog is experiencing cyanide poisoning from dried apricots, they may show signs such as panting, weakness, dropped ears, tail tucking, dilated pupils, wrinkled nose, sleepiness, and other unusual behavior.
Other Signs
Bright red gums, extreme lethargy, loss of consciousness, sudden death, collapse, shock, and other severe symptoms can also occur in cases of apricot toxicity.
Cases of Apricot Toxicity
Apricots have been known to be toxic to dogs, especially the pits, stems, and leaves, which contain cyanide. Acute cyanide poisoning can occur within minutes of ingestion and can lead to serious illness or death if left untreated.
The Science of Apricots and Dogs
Apricot toxicity lies in the accessory parts of the fruit rather than the fruit itself. Seeds, pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, which is highly toxic to dogs. Signs of apricot toxicity can appear as quickly as 15 minutes after ingestion.
Training Your Dog to Avoid Apricots
It’s difficult to train dogs to avoid specific human foods, so it’s best to establish overall rules about what they can and cannot eat. Train your dog to only accept treats from you and to avoid begging. It’s also important to keep your dog away from areas where food is stored and to crate train them to prevent accidental ingestion of harmful substances while you’re away.
“Train your dog to stay away from harmful foods to keep them safe and healthy.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Be cautious when feeding your dog fruits: While there are safe fruits to feed your dog, such as dried apricots, it’s important to be aware of potential toxicity. Avoid feeding your dog the stems, leaves, or pits of apricots, as they contain trace amounts of cyanide that can be harmful to dogs.
2️⃣ Recognize the signs of apricot poisoning: If your dog has consumed too much apricot or ingested the toxic parts of the fruit, they may exhibit symptoms like difficult breathing, dilated pupils, discolored gums, panting, lethargy, weakness, and in extreme cases, sudden death. Pay attention to any changes in your dog’s behavior or physical appearance.
3️⃣ Train your dog to avoid apricots and other harmful foods: It’s important to establish rules and boundaries for your dog’s eating habits. Train them to only accept treats from you and to stay out of areas where food is stored. Crate training can also help prevent accidental ingestion of harmful substances while you’re away. Consistency and proper training will help keep your dog safe from potential dangers.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Are dried apricots safe for dogs to eat?
– Yes, dried apricots are safe for dogs to eat as long as they are de-stemmed, de-pitted, and do not contain leaves.
2. What are the signs of apricot poisoning in dogs?
– Signs of apricot poisoning in dogs include difficult breathing, dilated pupils, discolored gums, panting, lethargy, fatigue, weakness, shock, and in extreme cases, sudden death.
3. What are some other signs of apricot toxicity in dogs?
– Other signs of apricot toxicity in dogs include bright red gums, extreme lethargy, loss of consciousness, sudden death, and collapse.
4. How quickly can apricot poisoning occur in dogs?
– Apricot poisoning in dogs can occur as soon as 15-20 minutes after ingestion of apricot leaves, pits, seeds, or kernels.
5. How can I train my dog to avoid apricots and other harmful foods?
– To train your dog to avoid apricots and other harmful foods, establish overall rules about when and what your dog can eat, train them to only accept treats from you, teach them that begging is never acceptable, and crate train them to prevent them from accessing areas where food is stored.
