Kamil Perry
Dogs and cheese is a tricky topic. While cheese in general is usually not toxic for dogs, the answer is different when it comes to blue cheese. Blue cheese contains a fungus that produces a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs are sensitive to. Roquefortine C can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures. If your dog has eaten blue cheese, monitor them for symptoms and contact your vet if you are worried.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Blue cheese is toxic to dogs due to the fungus used to make it. |
| Effects | Roquefortine C, a substance produced by the fungus in blue cheese, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, seizures, tremors, twitching, and restlessness. |
| Treatment | If your dog consumes blue cheese, contact your veterinarian immediately. Monitor their condition, and if symptoms worsen, seek emergency veterinary advice. |
| Prevention | Keep blue cheese away from dogs at all times. |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, blue cheese is an exception. The mould that makes the cheese blue, a fungus, can make dogs very ill. This fungus produces a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs are sensitive to. Roquefortine C can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and high temperatures. The risk of these symptoms is higher if your dog eats a large amount of blue cheese.
If your dog has consumed a large amount of blue cheese, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will advise you on which signs and symptoms could be cause for alarm and whether your dog needs to seek medical help. If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has eaten blue cheese, call your vet urgently.
If your dog has consumed a small amount of blue cheese, there is a chance they will be okay. Take away the rest of the cheese and monitor their condition for any symptoms. If they seem to be getting worse, call your veterinarian.
In general, cheese can make a great high-value reward when training your dog. However, cheese is high in fat, so it should be given in moderation and avoided if your dog is overweight or has kidney issues. Some cheeses also contain ingredients that could harm dogs, such as onion, garlic, or herbs.
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Roquefortine C, a substance in blue cheese, is harmful to dogs
While cheese can make a great high-value reward when training dogs, not all cheeses are suitable for canine consumption. Blue cheese, in particular, can be harmful to dogs due to the presence of a substance called Roquefortine C.
Roquefortine C is produced by a fungus that is used to make blue cheese. This fungus gives blue cheese its distinctive marbled appearance and is commonly found in varieties such as Gorgonzola, Stilton, and Roquefort. While this fungus is safe for human consumption, it can negatively impact dogs, causing a range of unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms.
Dogs can be very sensitive to Roquefortine C, and ingestion of this substance may lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures. The risk of these symptoms increases with the amount of blue cheese consumed. Therefore, it is recommended to keep blue cheese away from dogs and to seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
If your dog accidentally consumes blue cheese, monitor them closely for any signs or symptoms of distress. Some dogs may experience a mild transient bout of vomiting or diarrhoea, while others may exhibit more severe reactions. If you notice any concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
In summary, Roquefortine C, a substance found in blue cheese, is harmful to dogs and can cause a range of negative symptoms. As such, it is important to refrain from giving blue cheese to dogs and to seek veterinary advice if accidental ingestion occurs.
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Dogs can be lactose intolerant, so avoid dairy products
While cheese can be a great high-value reward when training dogs, not all cheeses are safe for dogs to consume. Blue cheese, in particular, should be avoided due to the presence of a fungus that produces a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be very sensitive to. Roquefortine C can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures in dogs.
Additionally, it's important to remember that dogs can be lactose intolerant, and dairy products can cause stomach upsets. While cheese contains a smaller amount of lactose compared to whole milk, dogs with severe lactose intolerance could still have bad reactions to cheese. Therefore, if your dog is lactose intolerant, it's best to avoid giving them any cheese at all.
Some cheeses also contain added ingredients that could be harmful to dogs, such as onions, garlic, herbs, fruits, or nuts. These ingredients can cause stomach and gut irritation and even lead to red blood cell damage and anaemia. Onions, in particular, are highly toxic to dogs, and signs of poisoning may not appear until a few days after ingestion.
It's worth noting that cheese is high in fat, calories, and salt content, so it should be given sparingly and in moderation. Overconsumption of cheese can lead to canine obesity and other health issues, especially in overweight dogs or those with kidney problems.
If your dog accidentally consumes blue cheese or any other potentially harmful food, monitor them closely for any signs of distress or the symptoms mentioned above. If you notice any adverse reactions or unusual behaviour, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and further guidance.
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Symptoms of blue cheese poisoning: restlessness, hyperactivity, seizures
Blue cheese contains Roquefortine C, which can be toxic to dogs. Dogs that ingest blue cheese may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures. These symptoms can signal an immediate need for veterinary attention.
Restlessness in dogs can be a sign of canine cognitive dysfunction, or CCD, which refers to the gradual onset of dementia-like signs in senior dogs. Dogs with CCD often experience disrupted sleep-wake cycles and may seem confused or "get lost" in their own homes. Restlessness can also be a symptom of problems with a dog's primary organ system, particularly the heart. Valve disorders, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and heartworm disease can all cause excessive panting and restlessness.
Hyperactivity in dogs can be a result of a low-quality diet, as inexpensive dog foods often contain fillers, byproducts, colouring, and sugar. Hyperactivity can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, such as metabolic disease associated with liver dysfunction, hyperthyroidism, and neurological conditions.
Seizures are one of the most frequently reported neurological conditions in dogs. A seizure may also be called a convulsion or fit, referring to a temporary involuntary disturbance of normal brain function that is usually accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity. Epilepsy is a term used to describe repeated episodes of seizures, which can be single or may occur in clusters. Seizures can be caused by various factors, including liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumours, brain trauma, and toxins. During a seizure, a dog's head will often be drawn backward, and urination, defecation, and salivation may occur. If a seizure lasts more than five minutes, it is considered a prolonged seizure or status epilepticus, which is a serious and life-threatening situation requiring immediate veterinary treatment.
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Call the vet if your dog has eaten blue cheese
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, blue cheese contains a fungus that produces a substance called roquefortine C, which can be harmful to dogs. If your dog has eaten blue cheese, it is important to monitor them for any signs of distress and call the vet if you notice any concerning symptoms.
If your dog has consumed a large amount of blue cheese, it is best to contact your veterinarian immediately. They will advise you on which signs and symptoms to look out for and whether your dog needs medical attention. The risk of developing symptoms is higher if your dog has eaten a large quantity of blue cheese.
Some common symptoms associated with roquefortine C poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, restlessness, hyperactivity, and seizures. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms after eating blue cheese, it is important to seek veterinary help as soon as possible.
Additionally, keep an eye on your dog's capillary refill time. This measures blood perfusion and can be tested by applying pressure to your dog's gum with your thumb. If it takes more than two seconds for the gum to return to a healthy pink colour, it could indicate a problem, and you should take your dog to the emergency vet.
Remember, even if you are unsure, it is always best to call the vet and seek professional advice. They will be able to guide you on the next steps and provide specific instructions for your dog's situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, blue cheese is bad for dogs. The fungus used to make blue cheese produces a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs are sensitive to. This substance can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures.
If your dog eats blue cheese, take away the rest of the cheese and monitor their condition. If they develop any symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
The symptoms of roquefortine C poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, hyperactivity, and seizures. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary advice.
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