Unbaked Bread Dough Poisoning in Dogs

These are the symptoms you will see in a dog that has eaten unbaked bread dough.

• Distended stomach
• Retching and unproductive vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive salivation
• Depression
• Disorientation
• Weakness
• Low body temperature
• Seizures
• Coma

Types

• Early stages – the physical presence of the lump of bread dough causes bloating and abdominal distention
• Ethanol poisoning – yeast fermentation causes the dog’s blood alcohol to rise
• Gastric dilatation/volvulus (GDV) – susceptible breeds can have further complications related to bloat; predisposed breeds include Great Danes, German Shepherds, Irish Setters, Gordon Setters, Weimaraners, Saint Bernard’s, Standard Poodles, Basset Hounds

These are some of the causes and risk factors for unbaked bread dough poisoning.

• Yeast dough left to rise in an accessible location
• Feeding uncooked dough to dogs
• Unused dough thrown away in the garbage
• Dogs with a tendency to eat anything

In the early stages, vomiting may be induced but this is rarely successful with large amounts of bread dough. Drinking cold water can cool the stomach and reduce yeast proliferation as well as aid with the break up and removal of the bread dough. This is the best initial treatment if you know your dog has ingested bread dough.

Dogs with symptoms of alcohol poisoning will need to be stabilized immediately with professional treatment. Intravenous injection of fluids and electrolytes may be necessary to balance metabolic abnormalities. Fluids and diuretics will help dilute the alcohol in the blood as well induce elimination through the urine. Diazepam may be administered for dog experiencing seizures. In severe cases, yohimbine has been used to revive comatose dogs. When the symptoms of alcohol poisoning are stabilized, further treatment will focus on removing the lump of bread dough. In extreme cases, this may involve surgery. GDV will also require rapid surgical intervention to save the dog’s life.

Dogs that are treated quickly and successfully can make a complete recovery from bread dough poisoning. This is especially true if dogs only ingest a small amount and are able to vomit it up on their own before the yeast ferments and the lump expands. If the veterinarian is able to stabilize toxic alcohol levels quickly and remove the bread dough this can also be successful; however severe alcohol poisoning can quickly result in irreversible brain damage and death.

Preventing exposure is the best way of managing the condition. Any unbaked bread product should be kept out of the dog’s reach. Any unused or spoiled dough should be put through a garbage disposal if possible rather than thrown in the garbage. Keeping your dog away from garbage cans and dumpsters can help eliminate exposure to bread dough as well as other toxic products.