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Friday, August 3, 2012

What NOT to feed you dog!

I posted on Facebook last week about a recent medical situation involving one of our little ones. We had to take our 3 yr old Yorkie, Lola (aka Lo-lini) to the Veterinary ER and then to our regular vet (about 5 days days later) due abdominal distress and bloody stool.  If this has ever happened to you, I'm sure you know how scary it is.

The consensus after both exams, was that she probably "ate something" that did not agree with her. Just to be sure, the doc sent us home with an antibiotic.

Thank goodness, Lola is doing fine, but it got me to thinking...Exactly what can dogs eat? Or maybe I should rephrase that question and ask.....

Lola, Lily (Yorkies) and friend out on the trail
What Should Dogs Not Eat??

When I began my search I came up with a list of about only 6 or 7 foods. but as I searched further, the list began to grow.  So, I thought I would compile a list and post it on the blog so that you could print it out and keep it in a handy place.

Some of these may seem obvious, while others, not so much.

Alcohol
Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it's good for your dog. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a dog's liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes far less to do its damage. Just a little can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma, even death. And the smaller the dog, the greater the effect.

Please don't drink with your pooch! If you’re having a bad day and need a little something to unwind, please find a human friend to share that glass of wine with.

Avocados
No matter how good you think the guacamole is, you shouldn't give it to your dog. Avocados contain a substance called persin. It's harmless for humans who aren't allergic. But large amounts might be toxic to dogs. If you happen to be growing avocados at home, keep your dog away from the plants. Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as in the fruit.


Bones and Fat Trimmings
Table scraps often contain meat fat that a human didn't eat and bones. Both are dangerous for dogs.  Although you have always heard of people giving their dogs bones, this is something that you will really want to avoid doing.

You will especially want to avoid giving your dog bones from poultry sources, such as chicken. The main reason is because they can cause splintering or other types of damage to the digestive system.

Bones from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, a dog can choke on it. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog's digestive system. 

I've mentioned in a past post about my traumatic experience with dogs and bones. Word to the wise!


And..It's best to just forget about that doggie bag. 

I know, I know you think you are doing something nice. But, you're really not. Take the food home for yourself and don't give it to your dog.

Candy and Gum
Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol can cause an increase in the insulin circulating through your dog's body. That can cause your dog's blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Eventually, the dog may have seizures. Liver failure can occur within just a few days.


Chocolate
If you have ever heard that you will kill your dog by giving it chocolate, then you heard correct. Some of the things that they contain, such as caffeine, can be very toxic. They will work by having an affect on both the nervous system of your pooch, as well as his heart. Overall, chocolate is one of the main things that you should not give your dog.

Not a problem for me. I don't like chocolate!

Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeine
Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a dog. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding. In addition to tea and coffee - including beans and grounds -- caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It's also in some cold medicines and pain killers.

Grapes and Raisins
Most dogs love to play with grapes. It is okay if your dog does not eat them, but only plays until he gets tired with them. Giving your dog grapes to eat is really something that you should avoid. The reason is because, due to a toxin that they contain, they are known to cause damage or even failure to the kidneys. Keep in mind that this also counts for raisins too.

Macadamia Nuts
Dogs should not eat macadamia nuts or foods containing macadamia nuts because they can be fatal. As few as six raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog ill. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate. Eating chocolate with the nuts will make symptoms worse, possibly leading to death.

Mushrooms
You probably never thought twice about whether or not mushrooms could have a negative effect on your dog. Well, unfortunately, they can. They contain toxins which may cause your dog to go into a coma, or even die.

Onions
Both onions and garlic contain things which can have an affect on the red blood cells, and ultimately cause your dog to become anemic. This is especially true when it is eaten in large quantities. Overall, giving your dog onions is something that you will just want to avoid doing.


Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums
The problem with these fruits is the seeds or pits. The seeds from persimmons can cause inflammation of the small intestine in dogs. They can also cause intestinal obstruction. Obstruction is also a possibility if a dog eats the pit from a peach or plum. Plus, peach and plum pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. The difference is humans know not to eat them. Dogs don't.

Pork/Ham
Although your dog may love pork and ham, it is really something that you should avoid giving him. It can have many negative effects on his digestive tract. You will probably notice that your dog will have diarrhea if he eats pork or ham, or he might even vomit with blood.

Raw Eggs
There are two problems with giving your dog raw eggs. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. The second is that an enzyme in raw eggs interferes with the absorption of a particular B vitamin. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your dog's coat if raw eggs are fed for a long time.


Raw Meat and Fish
Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that causes food poisoning. In addition, certain kinds of fish such as salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon can contain a parasite that causes "fish disease" or "salmon poisoning disease." If not treated, the disease can be fatal within two weeks. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes. Thoroughly cooking the fish will kill the parasite and protect your dog.

Salt
It's not a good idea to share salty foods like chips or pretzels with your dog. Eating too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination and lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, and seizures. It may even cause death.

Sugary Foods and Drinks
Too much sugar can do the same thing to dogs that it does to humans. It can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly the onset of diabetes.

Yeast Dough
Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. And, that's exactly what it would do in your dog's stomach if your dog ate it. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch the dog's abdomen and cause severe pain. In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Kitchen Pantry: No Dogs Allowed
Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your dog. For instance, baking powder and baking soda are both highly toxic. So are nutmeg and other spices. Keeping food items high enough to be out of your dog's reach and keeping pantry doors closed will help protect your dog from serious food-related illness.

Bet I know your next question.

What CaN dogs eat?

Check back for the answers!

Woof!
Source is a compilation of various sites
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