What does syrup do to a dog?

Quick Answers

Syrup can be dangerous for dogs if consumed in large quantities. The high sugar content can cause digestive upset, diarrhea, vomiting, and even liver damage or pancreatitis. Small amounts may just cause an upset stomach. The amount that could be toxic depends on the size of the dog. Keep all syrups out of reach of dogs. Call your vet if you think your dog ingested a concerning amount.

Is Syrup Harmful to Dogs?

Syrup contains high amounts of sugar or other sweeteners. Eating too much sugar and syrups can be problematic for a dog’s health. The dangers depend on the type and amount of syrup consumed:

• High sugar content – Can cause digestive upset, diarrhea, vomiting. Too much sugar taxes the pancreas and liver.
• Xylitol sweetener – Extremely toxic to dogs. Can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver damage.
• Chocolate syrup – Contains theobromine, dangerous to dogs when eaten in large amounts.
• Amount ingested – More significant amounts are more likely to cause toxicity than small tastes.

So in general, syrup is not good for dogs to consume. But in small tastes, many syrups may simply cause temporary stomach upset. The bigger risk comes from a dog getting into a whole bottle or batch of syrup.

Symptoms of Syrup Ingestion

Some common symptoms if a dog consumes too much syrup may include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Increased thirst and urination
• Fatigue, lethargy
• Shaking or weakness
• Seizures (with xylitol ingestion)

These symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on how much syrup was ingested and what kind. Mild cases may involve just an upset stomach. More dangerous amounts could cause life-threatening blood sugar crashes, liver damage, or pancreatitis.

Types of Syrup and Their Dangers

Different syrups carry different risks for dogs:

Maple Syrup

Made from maple tree sap boiled down to sugar. Pure maple syrup contains nutrients like manganese and zinc. But it is still high in sugar:

• Main risk – Upset stomach from too much natural sugar.
• Lower toxicity risk than artificial sweeteners.
• Can cause obesity over time if regularly fed to dogs.

Overall, not highly toxic, but should be given sparingly.

Corn Syrup

Made from corn starch, contains nearly 100% glucose. Used often in commercial food products:

• Main risk – Upset stomach, obesity, diabetes if fed regularly.
• High fructose corn syrup has more fructose and greater risks.
• Not as dangerous as sugar-free syrups for dogs.

Best avoided, but not inherently toxic.

Pancake Syrup

Syrups made for pancakes, waffles, and breakfast foods. Usually contain added sugars, flavors, and preservatives:

• Main risk – Upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting if large amount consumed.
• Often contain sugar substitutes like sorbitol that can cause diarrhea.
• Added flavors and ingredients increase risk of reaction.

Safer options include pure maple syrup or homemade fruit syrups.

Chocolate Syrup

Used for chocolate milk, ice cream sundaes, etc. Made from cocoa powder, sugar, corn syrup, preservatives:

• Main risk – Theobromine and caffeine toxicity. More dangerous than other syrups.
• Theobromine in chocolate causes vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, seizures.
• Just a small amount could make a small dog sick.

Keep chocolate syrup out of reach of dogs.

Fruit Syrups

Flavored syrups like strawberry, blueberry, cherry, etc. Used on desserts:

• Often high in added sugar – Can cause upset stomach
• Artificial flavors and dyes may cause adverse reactions
• Real fruit varieties are a safer option

Small amounts of fruit syrups are likely safe, but can still cause diarrhea, vomiting, or allergic reaction in some dogs.

Caramel Syrup

Made from caramelized sugar, butter, cream, vanilla:

• Very high in sugar – Can cause digestive upset
• Some brands may include corn syrup, preservatives, and flavors
• High calorie – Risk of obesity if fed regularly

Best avoided due to sugar content. Safer options include dilute homemade caramel.

Agave Syrup

Syrup made from the agave plant. Contains glucose and fructose sugars:

• Highly concentrated sweetener – Can cause vomiting, diarrhea
• Fructose can strain liver function in dogs if consumed in excess
• Marketed as a “natural” sweetener but still raises health concerns

While less dangerous than artificial sweeteners, agave syrup is high in sugars and best avoided for dogs.

Molasses

Thick, brown syrup produced from sugar cane or sugar beets:

• Very high in sugar – Can cause significant gastric upset
• Potential to cause painful stomach and intestinal gas
• Toxicity mainly results from sugar overdose

Molasses should be kept away from dogs. Even small amounts could cause diarrhea or vomiting.

Sugar-Free Syrup Dangers

Many syrups are advertised as “sugar-free” or “zero calorie”. These contain artificial sweeteners that can be highly toxic to dogs:

Xylitol

A sugar alcohol used as a common sweetener in foods and other products:

• Extremely toxic to dogs – Even small amounts can cause life-threatening low blood sugar and liver damage
• Common in “sugar-free” syrups, candies, gum, toothpaste, and baked goods
• Immediate veterinary treatment required if ingested

One of the most dangerous substance for dogs. Always keep xylitol-containing products locked away out of reach.

Sorbitol

A sugar alcohol also used as a sweetener, laxative, humectant:

• Can cause mild to severe diarrhea in dogs
• Significant amounts may cause vomiting, gas, abdominal discomfort
• Found in some “sugarless” syrups

Too much sorbitol syrup can result in bloody stools or dehydration in dogs.

Aspartame

An artificial sweetener marketed under the brand names NutraSweet or Equal:

• Toxicity in dogs still not fully known
• May cause neurological symptoms like seizures and depression
• Controversy around cancer-causing effects in humans

Aspartame is found in many diet or low calorie products. Best avoided for dog health.

Sucralose

Artificial sweetener known as Splenda:

• Considered generally safe for dogs in small amounts
• May cause gastrointestinal issues in excessive quantities
• Long-term effects still not studied in dogs

Of the artificial sweeteners, sucralose likely poses the least immediate risk to dogs, but prolonged use may have detrimental effects.

What to do if Dog Eats Syrup

If you suspect your dog ate a concerning amount of syrup, take the following steps:

• Identify what type of syrup was ingested if possible
• Determine approximately how much may have been consumed
• Watch for signs of stomach upset, lethargy, or other symptoms
• Call your veterinarian or pet poison control hotline for advice
• Bring a sample of the syrup to the vet if available
• Take the dog to the vet immediately if symptoms seem severe
• Prompt veterinary treatment is crucial if xylitol or chocolate syrup was ingested

Your vet may induce vomiting, give activated charcoal, provide IV fluids, or other important therapy to recover from syrup toxicity. Be prepared to provide details on the timing of ingestion and exact product if possible. Quick action is vital to counteract dangerous spikes in blood sugar, liver damage, and other life-threatening effects.

How to Protect Dogs from Syrup

The best way to keep dogs safe is to prevent access to syrup in the first place. Follow these tips to dog-proof your syrup:

• Do not purposefully feed syrups to your dog, even in small amounts
• Read ingredient labels to check for xylitol and other sugar substitutes
• Keep all syrup bottles out of reach of your dog
• Ensure syrup is not left unattended in open containers or on countertops
• Securely lid and store any leftover syrups in the refrigerator
• Never leave syrup-coated plates or utensils within reach
• Keep trash cans with syrup containers tightly closed
• Choose pet-safe homemade syrup recipes when possible
• Teach children not to share or toss syrup foods to dogs

Remaining vigilant will help prevent any syrup-related dog emergencies. Contact your vet right away if you believe your dog got into any syrup. Quick action vastly improves the chances of recovery from syrup toxicity. Do not wait and “see what happens”. With prompt veterinary care, most dogs fully recover after minor syrup ingestion. But delayed treatment of toxic syrups like xylitol can be fatal. When in doubt, call your vet or poison control. Your dog’s life may depend on it.

Dog-Safe Syrup Alternatives

While commercial syrups pose risks, there are some dog-friendly syrup choices:

Maple Syrup

100% pure maple syrup contains beneficial antioxidants and minerals. The sugars are less concentrated than refined white sugar. Maple syrup can be used minimally in recipes for homemade dog treats. Only feed small amounts occasionally.

Fruit Syrups

Syrup made from blended fresh or frozen fruit is a healthier option. Choose unsweetened varieties. Apple, blueberry, strawberry, and banana syrups provide fiber and nutrients without concentrated sugars. Can be used to moisten DIY dog treats or add flavor.

Vegetable Juice Reduction

Reduced low-sodium vegetable juices make a simple syrup full of vitamins. Simmer veggie juice like carrot, sweet potato, or spinach juice into a syrup consistency. Let cool before use. Great for adding moisture and vitamins to homemade dog biscuits.

Glycerin

A plant-based syrup sometimes used in natural dog treats. Glycerin provides a sweet flavor and chewy texture. Introduce slowly to check for tummy tolerance. Avoid glycerin derived from animal fats.

Honey

100% pure raw honey has anti-inflammatory properties. Only feed local honey varieties. Give honey extremely sparingly due to still being high in sugar. Only feed to non-diabetic dogs.

When shared infrequently and in tiny amounts, these safer syrups can provide taste variety without endangering your dog’s health.
But remember even safe syrups pose threats if over-fed. The healthiest approach is to continue avoiding all syrups and stick to high quality dog foods and treats. Your dog will be happier and healthier without syrup in their diet.

Conclusion

While small tastes of syrup may not harm an occasional lap-licking dog, intentional or excessive syrup feeding is very risky. All syrups are high in sugar or artificial sweeteners than can devastate dog health. Effects range from mild stomach upset to life-threatening organ damage or dangerously low blood sugar. Toxicity levels depend on the type of syrup and amount ingested. But any syrup poses risks and must be kept securely away from dogs. If you believe your dog ate syrup, immediately contact your vet or poison control and monitor your dog closely for worrisome symptoms. Swift treatment greatly improves the chance of recovery and prevents lasting health issues. While challenging, try to restrict your dogs access to food with syrups. Opt for dog-friendly recipes when you want to share a special treat. Your dog will be safest and healthiest when syrup is completely removed from their diet.