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Raw Bread Dough (Yeast)

Pet toxin reference — educational information only.
Pet toxins

What to know

Raw Bread Dough (Yeast) — toxicity in dogs

EmergencyApplies to: dogs.

Overview

Raw bread dough made with active yeast is a double threat to dogs. First, the warm, moist environment of the stomach causes the dough to continue rising, expanding the stomach and potentially causing a life-threatening bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Second, the fermenting yeast produces ethanol (alcohol) as a byproduct, leading to alcohol poisoning. A dog that has eaten raw bread dough may develop a visibly distended abdomen, appear drunk or disoriented, and deteriorate rapidly. This is most common during holiday baking seasons when dough is left to rise on countertops within reach.

Symptoms

Bloated abdomen, vomiting, disorientation, difficulty breathing

Typical onset

30 minutes - 2 hours

What to do

Seek emergency care. Rising dough expands in the stomach and produces alcohol.

This page is educational and does not replace veterinary advice. If your pet may have been exposed, call UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

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Raw bread dough made with active yeast is a double threat to dogs. First, the warm, moist environment of the stomach causes the dough to continue rising, expanding the stomach and potentially causing a life-threatening bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Second, the fermenting yeast produces ethanol (alcohol) as a byproduct, leading to alcohol poisoning. A dog that has eaten raw bread dough may develop a visibly distended abdomen, appear drunk or disoriented, and deteriorate rapidly. This is most common during holiday baking seasons when dough is left to rise on countertops within reach.

Symptoms
Bloated abdomen, vomiting, disorientation, difficulty breathing
Onset
30 minutes - 2 hours
What to do now
Seek emergency care. Rising dough expands in the stomach and produces alcohol.
Call us: (801) 218-2227
This tool is informational only and does not replace veterinary advice. If ingestion may have happened, contact us at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. Utah Veterinary Emergency Center provides same-day urgent care and is not a 24/7 emergency hospital. For life-threatening signs after hours, call (801) 218-2227 for guidance or go to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital.