Can Dogs Eat Taro? Is Taro Toxic To Dogs?
Vegetables may be a terrific addition to your dog's diet if you avoid a few that aren't good for your dog to eat. Carrots and sweet potatoes, for example, are okay to give your dog, But what about taro root? Can Dogs Eat Taro?
Taro is harmful to dogs and should never be given to them in any form. If dogs eat taro, they can get taro poisoning. Taro contains a dangerous substance called calcium oxalates, which can cause taro poisoning.
Taro also includes mineral clumps and other chemicals that can build up in a dog's kidneys and create kidney stones. The presence of calcium oxalate in raw taro can make it harmful to humans. While cooking decreases the risk of toxicity in humans, it does not lessen the risk of toxicity in dogs.
Any portion of the taro plant, including raw or cooked taro leaves, should not be eaten by your dog.
What Is Taro?
Taro root, a culinary staple, is credited by some with boosting health. Taro root is a mainstay in many cultures around the world. It is a component of the taro plant, which is native to Southeast Asia and India.
The taro is distinguished by its enormous, heart-shaped leaves that vary in size and color. The underground-growing corms of the taro plant, which may grow up to 8 feet tall, are known as taro roots.
Taro root comes in a range of forms and sizes, with purple flecked flesh or white flesh. Taro root is starchy and served similarly to potatoes with three times the fiber. Potassium, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A are all abundant in taro.
Taro, on the other hand, includes harmful calcium oxalate crystals, hard mineral clumps, and other compounds that can accumulate in the kidneys and cause kidney stones. Cooking the taro root completely removes enough oxalate to make the vegetable edible but it is not suitable for dogs.
Signs & Symptoms Of Taro Ingestion
Several factors influence the signs of taro ingestion. Some of the factors have to do with the taro. Whether it is cooked or raw and the amount of taro consumed, and others have to do with the dog, such as age, weight, and health.- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Whining
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Excessive Urination
- Increased thirst
If your dog exhibits any of these signs and symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Taro?
If your dog has eaten Taro, you should seek medical attention for your dog right away. Illness is usually observable right away. Tell the doctor everything that happened relating to your dog.
Because there is no specific diagnostic test for taro poisoning, be sure to inform the doctor about the whole episode you observed. Whatever you say to the doctor will aid them in determining how to proceed with therapy.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Taro Poisoning
Your dog's pulse, blood pressure, and temperature will all need to be checked by your veterinarian. To detect taro toxicity, several laboratory procedures may be required. An endoscopy or x-rays may be used to ensure that your dog's body is free of blockages or inflammation.
Taro poisoning is handled based on your pet's symptoms and the amount of taro eaten. Your dog will most likely be admitted to the hospital for observation. The veterinarian may induce vomiting.
Your dog will be given ipecac or peroxide to make him vomit. Induced vomiting should only be done by a veterinarian, never at home. To assist absorb undigested pollutants, activated charcoal may be administered. Fluids may be administered through an IV line to help rehydrate your dog and flush out the kidneys.
