Pickles?

What to watch out for

Pickles are not poisonous to dogs by themselves, but both the AKC and PetMD advise against feeding them. The AKC says the negatives outweigh the benefits, and PetMD calls pickles extremely high in sodium because of the brine.

Too much sodium at once can cause serious trouble. The AKC lists excess thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of balance and seizures as possible signs, and dogs with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk. PetMD adds that eating too many pickles could contribute to high blood pressure or heart trouble, although it would take a large quantity to get there.

Then there are the extras. Bread-and-butter pickles can contain onion and garlic, which are toxic to dogs. Spicy pickles contain chilies that irritate the stomach. Sweet pickles add sugar. PetMD says some pickles contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, so check labels on any sugar-free jar. Pickle juice is the worst of all, because it is so salty it could cause salt poisoning. The cucumber is the safe part, so offer it plain.

What to give instead

The simplest answer is to skip pickles. Both vets quoted by the AKC recommend plain cucumber instead, which has similar vitamins and minerals without the salt, vinegar, garlic, onion or spice. Slice a fresh cucumber into small pieces and offer it as a crunchy snack.

If you want a pickle-like flavor, the AKC suggests stirring a pinch of fresh dill into your dog's meal instead. Keep pickle brine and jars out of reach, and check with your vet before introducing any new food. Treats should stay under about 10% of daily calories.

If your dog already ate it

If your dog snatched a single plain dill pickle, mild stomach upset is the most likely outcome, according to PetMD. Offer water and watch.

Call your vet if your dog ate several pickles, drank pickle juice or ate a whole jar, and bring the jar so they can check the ingredients. Call right away for vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, stumbling or tremors. If the pickles contained garlic, onion or xylitol, call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply). Do not make your dog vomit at home.