Keep an eye on your rising dough

Baked goods are a family favorite, but that does not include Fido, Bread dough, pizza dough, bread starters, and sourdough starters all contain live yeast. According to the Pet Poison Helpline. “Rising yeast produces ethanol and gas. In the warm, moist environment of the stomach the process accelerates and fermentation increases. The stomach essentially acts as the “oven” for uncooked dough. Rapid gas production causes stomach distension and vascular compromise similar to gastric dilatation/volvulus (GDV). In addition to ethanol and gas production and the potential for GDV in susceptible breeds, the large mass of rising bread dough may result in a foreign body obstruction.”

Dogs may show vomiting, retching with no vomit, distention of the abdomen, and, possibly, bloat. These signs can mimic GDV or bloat, especially if you have a breed prone to bloat. An accurate history detailing a food raid on some rising bread on the counter can help. Your veterinarian may need to take abdominal radiographs to rule out actual GDV versus yeast and dough reaction.

If your pet does eat some rising dough for bread, pizza, biscuits, etc. contact your veterinarian or nearest animal Emergency clinic.

If you have questions about pet care contact Dr. Norette L. Underwood at catdoc56@gmail.com or the Trumann Animal Clinic.