No, don’t treat your dogs with pretzels. While pretzels are delicious snacks that we love and enjoy, it’s something you cannot share with your pup. Why not?

Although a piece of salted, unflavored would not certainly harm your dog, you should not make it a regular treat.  Whether it’s hard or soft pretzels, both are high in sodium content which can directly make your dog experience excessive thirst/urination and possible dehydration.  In the long run, it may cause heart disease, kidney failure, and possible salt poisoning.

Feeding your dog large amounts of high-carb pretzels can also increase their blood sugar levels and can make them obese. These alone are possible adverse effects of unflavored pretzels. The effects are even worse if you feed flavored pretzels that contain toxic ingredients like garlic, onions, chocolates, or xylitol which can upset your dog’s stomach and can be deadly. 

If your dog has eaten a significant amount of flavored pretzels, observed your dog for symptoms like vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, and seizure which indicates salt or xylitol poisoning. If the symptoms are even worse like jaundice, drooling, and disorientation, immediately contact your vet to seek help.

To ensure your pet will live a long and healthy life, it is always a good idea to invest in pet health insurance. Preparing for the unexpected guarantees money is never an issue in keeping you pup healthy.