I've heard mixed things about giving chicken broth to dogs. Is it actually healthy for them, and are there any specific ingredients I should avoid when making it at home?

Hey there! It's great that you're thinking about how to make safe and healthy choices for your dog. Chicken broth can be a tasty treat for dogs and can provide some hydration, but there are a few things to keep in mind. When making chicken broth at home, you want to avoid ingredients that could harm your pet.

Here are a few tips:

• Avoid adding onions or garlic: These can be toxic to dogs, causing digestive upset and even more serious blood-related issues if consumed in large amounts.
• Skip the salt: Too much sodium isn’t good for your dog, leading to increased thirst and urination, and in severe cases, sodium poisoning.
• No bones in the broth: Cooked bones can splinter and pose a choking hazard or cause internal injuries.
• A healthy broth: Stick to simply boiling chicken in water, perhaps with some dog-safe vegetables like carrots or celery, and then straining the liquid.

Watch out for any signs of upset like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy if they've had something they shouldn't. Usually, mild symptoms can be monitored at home with lots of fresh water available to help with hydration.

However, if your dog shows severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling, collapse, or if you know they consumed a large amount of something toxic, that's an emergency and you should reach out to your vet right away.

If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.