Raw Pork
CautionVerdict
Avoid raw — risk of Trichinella and Aujeszky's disease.
Toxic principle: Trichinella, Aujeszky's virus
Source: ASPCA
Verdict
Raw or undercooked pork can harbor Trichinella spiralis (roundworm) and, in Europe and Asia, the Aujeszky's disease virus (pseudorabies), which is almost always fatal to dogs. Fully cooked, plain pork without seasonings is safe. Processed pork products (bacon, ham) are too high in salt and fat. Never feed raw pork.
Symptoms to watch for
- • vomiting
- • diarrhea
- • neurological symptoms (Aujeszky's — extreme distress, self-mutilation)
- • muscle pain (Trichinella)
What to do
If your dog ate raw pork and develops neurological symptoms, go to an emergency vet immediately (Aujeszky's has no treatment and is almost universally fatal). Keep all raw pork away from dogs. Only feed fully cooked, unseasoned pork in small amounts.