Can Dogs Eat Pickles Safely?
Read this before giving your dog pickles đ„

If youâre at home eating from a jar of pickles, the idea of sharing a bite with your dog might have crossed your mind. But can dogs eat pickles?
It all depends on how the pickle was made and how many pickles your dog actually eats.
We reached out to Dr. Michelle Burch, a veterinarian from Safe Hounds Pet Insurance, and Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon and consulting veterinarian for FiveBarks, to learn more about pickles and dogs.
Can dogs eat pickles safely
Even though cucumbers are safe for dogs, that doesnât mean pickles automatically are too.
According to Dr. Burch, pickles themselves arenât an issue â but certain ingredients can be toxic to dogs.
âDogs can eat pickles, especially if one accidentally drops to the ground, but I do not recommend making them a daily treat for your pet,â Dr. Burch told The Dodo.
Why are pickles bad for dogs?
The main problem with eating pickles is the high sodium content.
âExcessive ingestion of sodium can be problematic for dogs with underlying medical conditions and even in the short term for healthy dogs,â Dr. Burch said. âConsumption of a large amount of salt in one sitting can lead to excessive drinking, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination and seizures.â
Itâs also important to note that some of the seasonings that can be used to make pickles shouldnât be ingested â like really spicy things or garlic and onion powders.
âWhile some pickles are fine to feed to your four-legged friends (like plain ones), others are not. When unsure, err on the side of caution,â Dr. Simon told The Dodo. âIf herbs and spices have been used, they may cause stomach upset and symptoms such as vomiting, bloating and diarrhea.â
Signs of salt poisoning in dogs
If your dog has too much salt, the first sign is excessive thirst.
Other signs of salt poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration (indicated by panting, dry gums and weakness)
Dehydration can be fatal in dogs if itâs too severe or goes untreated.
How to treat salt poisoning in dogs
If you suspect that your dog has had way too much salt, you should talk to your veterinarian immediately to get proper treatment.
A veterinarian will give a dehydrated dog IV fluids and electrolytes, treat seizures and provide any other supportive care thatâs needed.
What to do if your dog ate pickles
If your dog eats a pickle that has fallen on the ground or was swiped off your plate, you donât need to worry. âDogs who eat many pickles, such as the entire jar, need evaluation by their veterinarian for monitoring and treatment,â Dr. Burch said.
So while your dog grabbing a quick bite of a pickle once in a while shouldnât be an issue, you shouldnât start using them as her go-to snack.