Most dog owners love to lavish their pets with love, and sometimes that love is in the form of table food. While the
best food to feed your pet is, of course, pet food, you can offer the occasional treat from time to time. However, some human foods can make pets really sick. If you are offering a treat, here are some you need to avoid.
Chocolate
Chocolate, and other foods with caffeine, have methylxanthine. This ingredient, found in cacao seeds, can cause stomach upset. In large doses, they can lead to abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure. Vets are not quite sure why, but if dogs eat these foods they can be deadly.
Macadamia Nuts
Dogs that ingest macadamia nuts can experience depression, weakness, vomiting and tremors. This particular food will not cause symptoms until about 12 hours after the dog has eaten the nuts, which can make it hard to figure out what is causing the problem.
Milk Products
Dairy can give dogs diarrhea and digestive upset. Dogs do not have much lactase in their systems, and thus cannot break down the lactose in dairy products.
Onions and Garlic
This one is challenging because so many foods are made with garlic and onions as a seasoning, but these can cause irritation to the digestive system. In addition, in large quantities, onions and garlic can cause red blood cell damage and, in large amounts, can be toxic.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sweetener used in chewing gum and many sugar-free candies. In many species, xylitol can be toxic, with lethargy, loss of coordination and vomiting as the first symptoms of toxicity.
If you are pampering your pooch with table food, be careful. Watch out for these dangerous foods to ensure that your pet is enjoying a healthy treat. For more information about your pet’s nutrition, contact the caring staff at Durham Animal Hospital or North Churton Animal Hospitals today.
