Who doesn’t love bacon? The smell of bacon frying on the stove is enough to start your stomach growling! If you love bacon, so does your dog. Chances are, your dog begs for bacon when he sees you eating it! Some dogs may also try to eat the bacon grease! But what happens if a dog eats bacon grease?
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Has your dog eaten bacon grease? Are you worried that the bacon grease will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about bacon grease and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Bacon Grease?
Bacon grease is the fat or bacon drippings that result from cooking bacon on the stove or in the oven. Bacon grease becomes semi-solid at room temperature and can be stored in the refrigerator.
The drippings from bacon have a smoky flavor, and bacon grease can be used in a wide range of recipes. Some people even use bacon grease as butter. The good news is that bacon can be healthy, as it does not contain trans fat (associated with negative health risks) and has a higher amount of monounsaturated fat (healthy fats) than butter.
While bacon grease can be safe for humans (in moderation), what happens if a dog eats bacon grease?
Bacon Grease & Dogs
Unfortunately, bacon grease can make a dog very sick. For one thing, bacon grease contains high amounts of salt and fat.
When dogs eat too much fat, they can develop pancreatitis and digestive problems.
We must also say that if your fur baby has a small lick of bacon grease, chances are he will be OK. The health issues mentioned above only develop if a dog has eaten a large amount of bacon grease.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Bacon Grease Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten bacon grease:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This could be an emergency.
Treatment of Bacon Grease Ingestion in Dogs
Treatment depends on whether your dog has a mild or severe form of pancreatitis.
In a mild form of this condition, the vet may recommend resting the pancreas. This is done by withholding food from your dog for a time until the vomiting stops. After this, your fur baby may be able to start on a low-fat diet, as recommended by your vet.
For more severe cases of pancreatitis, the vet may need to give your fur baby an IV with fluids. The fluids work to keep your dog hydrated and balance his electrolytes. Some dogs may require anti-inflammatory medications, along with drugs to control vomiting and diarrhea. Antibiotics may also be given in some cases.
If your dog has a severe form of pancreatitis, he may need to be hospitalized until he’s in stable condition.
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt treatment after eating bacon grease. In the future, it’s best to keep bacon grease out of your dog’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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