If your dog ate Spam you may be wondering what to do. Fortunately, Spam is not toxic to dogs.
However, Spam can cause complications in certain dogs because of sensitive digestive systems and the fact that they metabolize food differently from humans.
What happens if a dog eats Spam may vary from one dog to another.
In general, smaller dogs are more likely to suffer from complications when they eat something out of the ordinary or that is high in fat.
Discover what vets suggest to do if your dog ate Spam.
As you may already know, Spam is a canned meat product that is produced by Hormel Foods Corporation.
This processed meat product, which was first introduced in 1937, became quite popular during World War II.
In particular, Spam is quite popular in Hawaii, where it's used extensively in many dishes.
What is Spam made of? Spam consists of precooked pork shoulder, ham, salt, water, modified potato starch (which acts as a binder), sugar and sodium nitrate (a preservative). As the Spam is cooked, natural gelatin forms in the tins.
While Spam seems quite an innocent food, some concerns have been raised over its high content of fat, sodium and preservatives and their effects on humans. Among dogs, the concerns are even more than valid.
In a nutshell, Spam is not the healthiest food you can feed your dog. Some dogs may tolerate a little bit of Spam well , while for others it may cause trouble, and for a few others its consumption may have life-threatening consequences.
While Spam doesn't contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, if your dog ate Spam, consider that it may negatively impact him from a digestive standpoint.
Following are several complications that may take place after feeding a dog Spam.
Anytime your dog ingests something that is different from his usual, regular diet, there are risks for some transient digestive upset.
Your dog may therefore suffer from a transient bout of mild vomiting or diarrhea over the next 24 hours or so, explains veterinarian Dr. Scott.
Spam is quite a rich food and it can cause digestive issues, but fortunately, this transient vomiting or diarrhea is usually not serious and will pass on its own.
If your dog is drinking a lot of water after eating Spam, consider that this is likely a consequence of Spam's high sodium content, points out Dr. Paul.
Indeed, salt is listed as the third ingredient, observes veterinarian Dr. Gabby.
In some sensitive dogs, consumption of Spam may lead to the onset of pancreatitis, which is the inflammation of the dog's pancreas. This is due to the high fat content of Spam.
In general, the first signs of pancreatitis in dogs are seen about 8 to 12 hours after a high fat food is ingested, points out Dr. Gabby.
Pancreatitis is known for causing severe stomach pain, vomiting and fever. Some dogs can be sick for weeks or may even die from this, explains veterinarian Dr. Scott.
If your dog accidentally ate Spam, your dog's reaction may vary based on his size, the amount ingested and how sensitive his digestive system is.
In general, smaller dogs are more prone to complications from eating Spam compared to larger dogs.
Following are several steps that can be taken in the case of a mild bout of gastroenteritis (digestive upset with vomiting and/or diarrhea).
In general, the bouts of vomiting diarrhea is temporary and may be resolved within hours or a couple of days.
During this time, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your dog to ensure he's recovering fine and no other worrisome symptoms may develop.
Symptoms that should prompt a veterinary visit include the following: repeated bouts of vomiting and/or diarrhea that don't resolve, lethargy, pale gums, sticky gums, swollen abdomen, elevated temperature.
In dogs predisposed to pancreatitis, it may be worth it to induce vomiting. This should be ideally done within an hour of ingestion.
To induce vomiting, you will need to use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Make sure it's still active and produces a fizz when a small amount is poured in the sink.
This fizz will help your dog vomit the Spam so as to prevent absorption and the associated inflamed pancreas. Consult with your vet for correct dosing instructions based on your dog's weight.
If you are not comfortable in doing this, consider that any Emergency Vet Clinic can help do so as long as your dog ingested Spam in the last couple of hours.
Rather than using 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, the emergency vets will induce vomiting by using a faster acting prescription drug.
While Pepcid is a human drug, it is also suitable for dogs, but you need to ensure you give the correct dosage based on your dog's weight.
Your vet can provide you with dosage instructions if you have an established Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR).
Also known as famotidine, Pepcid is an antacid that can help reduce nausea and vomiting in dogs.
If your dog has a mild case of vomiting or diarrhea, it may also help to give his GI tract some rest.
In this case, you would fast your dog for 24 hours (12 hours or overnight in puppies) and after such rest, you would then start to gradually re-introduce food so as to bring your dog's digestive tract back slowly to function.
During the 24 hour fast, your dog should still have access to fresh, clean water, but you should avoid having him gulp down large amounts in one sitting as it can trigger vomiting.
If your dog is vomiting, you may find it best to provide ice cubes that he can lick rather than access to a water bowl.
Following the 24 hour fast, you can feed your dog a bland diet that is highly digestible.
Highly digestible foods that are OK to feed dogs include boiled skinless and boneless chicken, fish, scrambled eggs with a little rice.
These meals should be fed in small portions around the clock clock during the day such as four to five times a day.
If your dog has an upset stomach from eating Spam, consider adding some probiotics to his diet.
Plain yogurt is full of good bacteria that can help restore the balance in your dog's intestinal tract.
For small dogs, a teaspoon twice a day can suffix, while larger dogs may benefit from two tablespoons twice a day, adds Dr. Nimmo.
Alternatively you can purchase a probiotic designed for dogs such as FortiFlora.
Once your dog has stopped vomiting and his stools are better formed, you can gradually reintroduce his normal diet over the next few days.
If you're wondering whether you can give your dog a slice of Spam, the short answer is no.
While Spam may appear to be a rather safe food, dogs are built differently compared to humans and they may not metabolize food in the same way.
Consider as well individual variances. Some dogs may be particularly susceptible to digestive issues due to a more delicate digestive system.
What may be well tolerated by one dog, may cause digestive troubles or adverse reactions in another dog.