Food Glorious Food!
A box of chocolates and a cocktail might sound great to us but they can actually be quite dangerous to our pets, so here's a few pointers to raise awareness of some potential dangers ‘human' foods and drinks can pose to our pets...
The substances called methylxanthines that are contained in chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.
Note: Darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest!
- Caffeine
Like chocolate caffeine also contains methylxanthines as this substance is found in the fruit of the plant that is used to make coffee.
- Onions, Garlic, Chives
These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed.
- Alcohol
When consumed alcoholic beverages and alcoholic food products may potentially cause vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.
- Avocado
A substance called Persin that is contained in the leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. In addition birds and rodents are particularly sensitive and serious reactions such as the development of congestion, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart can result.
- Grapes & Raisins
The toxic substance that is contained within grapes and raisins is unknown, however these fruits can cause kidney failure. In addition pets that already certain health problems may have an even more serious reaction so this is certainly one to avoid.
- Macadamia Nuts
Within 12 hours of ingestion macadamia nuts can cause dogs to experience weakness, depression, tremors, vomiting and hyperthermia. These symptoms tend to last for approximately 12 to 48 hours, and as with all the other food groups mentioned if you suspect your pet has consumed macadamia nuts note the possible quantity consumed and contact your vet.
- Yeast Dough
Ingestion of yeast dough can cause gas to accumulate in your pet's digestive system as a result of the dough rising. Not only can this be painful but if may also cause the stomach or intestines to diminish. So whilst small bits of bread can be given as a treat due to the fact that risks are diminished once the yeast has fully risen it is advised to avoid giving your pet yeast dough.
- Bones
Whilst feeding your pet bones may seem like a good idea as it simply takes our pets back to their 'roots' its important to remember that domestic pets may choke on the bones, or sustain injury as the splinters can become lodged in or puncture your pet's digestive tract, so if you choose to give your pet bones be sure to keep an eye on him while he tucks in
- Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs
Potentially harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli can be contained in raw meat and eggs. Furthermore the enzyme called avidin that is found in raw eggs can cause skin and coat problems.
- Xylitol
The sweetener Xylitol causes insulin release in most species which leads to hypoglycaemia (lowered sugar levels). The initial symptoms include lethargy, vomiting and loss of coordination, following this recumbancy and seizures may occur.
- Milk
As pets do not have significant amounts of the enzyme lactase that breaks down lactose in milk, feeding your pet milk and other milk-based products often causes diarrhoea or other digestive upset.