How Many Apple Seeds Will Kill A Small Dog
The Shocking Truth: How Many Apple Seeds Can Kill a Small Dog?
As a dog lover, you may know that some foods can be toxic to your furry friend. Chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic are common culprits. But what about apples? After all, they say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. However, if you’re not careful, an apple may also keep your dog away from you forever.
Yes, it’s true that apple seeds contain a natural pesticide called amygdalin or cyanogenic glycosides. When crushed or chewed, these compounds release hydrogen cyanide gas, which is highly poisonous to animals and humans alike. The more seeds your dog ingests, the more cyanide he may absorb into his bloodstream.
So, how many apple seeds are lethal for a small dog? The answer is not straightforward. It depends on several factors such as the size of the dog, the age of the dog, the health of the dog, and the amount of seeds consumed. Generally speaking, a few seeds may cause mild symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. However, a large quantity of seeds may lead to severe symptoms like seizures and death.
According to some sources, one gram of apple seeds per kilogram of body weight can be fatal for dogs. For example, if your dog weighs 5 kilograms (11 pounds), he would need to eat at least 5 grams of apple seeds to die. That’s about 200 seeds! However, this is just an estimate based on laboratory studies and not on actual cases.
In reality, most dogs won’t eat that many apple seeds in one sitting because they taste bitter and hard. Moreover, dogs have a natural instinct to avoid harmful substances unless they’re forced or tempted to consume them by accident or curiosity. Therefore, it’s rare for dogs to die from apple seed poisoning unless they’re exposed to high concentrations over time or already have an underlying health condition that weakens their immune system.
However, just because your dog won’t die from apple seeds doesn’t mean he’s safe from other risks. For example, apple cores can also pose a choking hazard if swallowed whole. Additionally, some dogs may be allergic to apples and develop symptoms like itching, hives, and difficulty breathing. Therefore, it’s always wise to monitor your dog’s behavior after he eats anything new or unusual and seek veterinary advice if you notice any abnormal signs.
In conclusion, while apple seeds may not be as deadly as some other toxic foods for dogs, they’re still a potential danger that should not be ignored. If you want to give your dog an apple treat, make sure you remove the core and seeds first. Better yet, choose other fruits or vegetables that are safer and healthier for dogs such as blueberries, bananas, carrots, and green beans. Your dog will thank you for it, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re not risking his life for a bite of an apple.
