We’re all guilty of indulging in a greasy meal now and then, but we’re unlikely to lose control of ourselves and devour the contents of the grease tray. Our dogs, on the other hand, won’t hesitate to scarf down as much greasy goodness as they can.
Although cooking grease is typically not toxic for your dog, it can send them on a journey of gastrointestinal discomfort and pain, with a chance of vomiting and diarrhea. A few little licks are no cause for alarm, but if your dog has managed to consume more than a mouthful, we would recommend you get in touch with your vet.
The severity of the effects of eating grease will greatly depend on the amount of grease ingested, the size of your dog, and any health conditions they may have.
My Dog Ate Grease – Now What?
Cooking grease usually refers to the residue left over after cooking a fatty or oily meal. It might come from the food itself, like bacon or sausages, or from ingredients like shortening (e.g., Crisco), butter, oil, or lard. It may not look particularly appetizing, but to most dogs, it will smell and taste delicious.
A healthy canine diet should contain some fat—around 5% of their diet, to be more precise—but not in the form of grease left in the pan after a breakfast fry-up, and certainly not in any significant volume. Aside from the risk of obesity from regularly consuming too much fat, there are some short-term side effects—some mild, some severe—that could result from eating grease.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Any amount of grease can trigger an upset stomach for your dog, but the more they consume, the more severe the signs are likely to be, including:
- Nausea (licking lips, salivating)
- Inappetence
- Bloating
- Borborygmi (gurgling belly)
- Flatulence
- Abdominal discomfort (difficulty getting comfortable, assuming the “prayer position”)
- Abdominal pain (flinching or crying when touched)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Pancreatitis
The pancreas plays an important role in the digestive process by producing enzymes that help to break down food. If this organ becomes inflamed, these digestive enzymes can be released before they reach the intestines, causing the pancreas to effectively digest itself, which is about as painful as it sounds. One of the main causes of pancreatitis is the ingestion of rich, fatty foods, and grease is about as rich and fatty as you can get.
Mild pancreatitis can often be managed with supportive fluids and medication, with more severe cases requiring extended hospitalization. Many dogs that have suffered from severe pancreatitis sustain permanent damage to the organ, making them more susceptible to future episodes. In some cases, pancreatitis can result in necrosis (death) of pancreatic tissue and surrounding structures, sepsis, and death.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
A more severe form of gastrointestinal upset, HGE is differentiated by the presence of blood in the diarrhea and/or vomit. It is thought to be linked to a bacterial infection that attacks the lining of the gut, but dietary indiscretions, like eating grease, can also trigger a case of HGE.
Will My Dog Need Treatment?
If your dog has only eaten a tiny amount of grease or is showing only mild gastrointestinal signs, your vet may recommend gut rest and monitoring at home. Gut rest usually consists of withholding food for 24 hours while providing plenty of clean, fresh water. For puppies, withholding food is not usually recommended for more than 6 to 12 hours, so offering a bland diet of plain boiled chicken and rice may be advised.
If your dog has ingested a large amount of grease or has a history of pancreatitis, gastrointestinal problems, or any other significant illness, your vet may want to induce vomiting to reduce the amount of fat absorbed into the bloodstream and prescribe medications to protect the gastrointestinal lining and minimize the effects of inflammation, nausea, and pain. It is not advisable to induce vomiting in your dog at home; this should only be done under the direct guidance of your veterinarian. Dogs displaying more severe symptoms of gastrointestinal distress may require hospitalization for intravenous fluid therapy, anti-nausea medications, gastroprotectants, and other supportive treatments to alleviate the symptoms. If you are unsure whether your dog has ingested enough grease to warrant medical attention, it is recommended to contact your veterinary practice or consult an online vet for advice.
When it comes to engine grease, while it is less appealing than cooking grease, some dogs may still attempt to consume it, either out of curiosity or during grooming. In most cases, the lubricating grease found on car parts is harmless, but it may lead to mild gastrointestinal symptoms. However, more hazardous substances found in the garage, such as petroleum-based products and ethylene glycol (antifreeze), can pose serious health risks to dogs.
In general, a small amount of grease is unlikely to cause significant harm to your dog. However, if your dog is very small, has ingested a large amount of grease, has an underlying health condition, or a history of pancreatitis, this could be considered an emergency. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to seek advice from a vet for further guidance. following sentence in a more concise manner:
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