What happens if you give ham to a dog?

A balanced diet is the best way to keep our pets healthy. Be responsible when cuddling your furry friends It is essential to avoid long-term discomfort and illness.

a piece of ham It can be a temptation for dogs and a useful tool for administering medications or reinforcing certain behaviors. But is it really a healthy and safe alternative to give to a dog?

While ham may seem like a convenient option, there are many safer and healthier alternatives, such as treats designed specifically for dogs or natural foods such as pieces of fruit and vegetables.

Ham is a cured meat rich in fat and sodium which can cause some gastrointestinal problems, increase the risk of obesity and contribute to other health complications for your dog. So, what happens if you give ham to a dog?

What happens if you give ham to a dog?

While a small piece of ham occasionally isn’t harmful to most dogs, it is important limit your consumption and avoid it altogether if your dog has pre-existing health problems or food sensitivities.

If you give your dog ham, several things can happen depending on the quantity, frequency and health of the dog in question. Here are some important considerations:

The newspaper The Spanish newspaper places ham and bacon among the 20 foods a dog should never eat.

The publication states that “salted sausages, with a high concentration of salt like serrano ham OR sausage“, they are quite harmful for our pets because they can cause a series of gastric problems or an increase in heart rate causing tachycardia.”

Among the problems that a dog may have if it habitually eats ham are the following:

1. Gastrointestinal problems

Some types of ham, especially those high in fat, can cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

His digestive system It may not be able to process the fat and seasonings in the ham, causing gastrointestinal distress.

2. High sodium content

Ham has a high sodium content, which is not recommended for dogs. Excess sodium can cause increased thirst, dehydration and blood pressure problems in dogs, especially if consumed regularly.

3. Obesity and associated health problems

Ham is a food high in calories and fat, so its regular consumption can contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs. THE obesityin turn, it can lead to a variety of health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.

4. Risk of allergies and pancreatitis

Some dogs may be allergic to ham, which can trigger allergic reactions such as itching, redness of the skin and general discomfort. Additionally, excessive consumption of fatty foods such as ham can increase the risk of pancreatitisan inflammation of the pancreas which can be serious.

5. Risk of contracting the Aujeszky virus

The consumption of raw pork presents health risks to dogs due to the possible presence of the Aujeszky virus, also known as pseudorabies. This virus can be transmitted through raw or undercooked pork products, such as ham, and can be fatal to dogs.

What type of ham, when and in what quantity can a dog consume?

The specialized site Animal Expert claims that consuming a small piece or slice of ham (serrano or cooked), 1 or 2 times a week, is usually not harmful in healthy adult dogs. But in dogs with some type of previous pathology it is recommended consult a veterinarian.

The site specialists they maintain on their website In some dogs, any change in diet, even small amounts, can cause intestinal upset or diarrhea.

Furthermore, they recommend avoiding the consumption of bacon, bacon or pancetta due to their high fat and salt content, products which can be harmful to dogs, as they not only run the risk of gaining weight, but could suffer from a fatal condition called canine pancreatitis.

In conclusion, giving a small piece of cooked ham to a healthy dog ​​from time to time is acceptable, but we must avoid allowing this consumption to become frequent and excessive. large quantities.

A balanced diet that covers all your dog’s nutritional needs is achieved through foods designed specifically for our dogs. four-legged friends. Remember that they are part of the family and your care is essential to keeping them strong and healthy.