What might be a harmless (and maybe even nutritious) treat for humans may prove to be toxic or even fatal for canines!
Here is a list of potentially dangerous food items that a pet pooch is most likely to dig its paws into-but shouldn’t.
Chocolates: Some dogs are extremely fond of chocolates and it is difficult not to hurl a piece when your beloved pet desperately begs for some. Chocolate is probably the most hazardous food for a canine since it contains a chemical called theobromine. Theobromine can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and hyper-activity in very small quantities. In larger amounts, it can cause dramatic fluctuations in the heart rate, cardiac seizure, coma and even death. Dark chocolate, which ironically has a protective effect on the human heart, is the most potent canine killer.
Bones: Dogs and bones always seem to go hand in hand but smaller bones can splinter and lead to choking and abrasions in the digestive tract. While it is OK to let your dog chew upon a large bone (beef and lamb shin bones boiled in unsalted water to avoid splintering), chicken, pork and fish bones can prove to be very dangerous for your dog. Make no bones about this one!
Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic contain cancer-fighting anti-oxidants for humans but the thiosulphate in them can cause gastric irritation in dogs. In the longer run, they can lead to hemolytic anemia and permanent liver damage. Check all food labels (including those on dog-food cartons to make sure that they are onion and garlic free).
Caffeine, Alcohol and Tea: These stimulants can make a pooch restless, uncoordinated, confused and disoriented. In high quantities they can cause breathing problems, acidity, coma and death. What can be toxic for humans is most certainly toxic for dogs.
Raw Eggs and Uncooked Meat: With uncooked/partially cooked animal products, your pet always runs the risk of contracting E.coli and Salmonella infections. Raw fish and eggs can lead to Vitamin B deficiency when fed over a long period of time. Too much liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Lactose-intolerant dogs (mostly adults) should not be given milk and other dairy products.
Salt: It is difficult to imagine human food without salt but a canine’s metabolism is simply not cut out to process this natural tastemaker. A salty diet (read: processed meats, table scraps, soups, gravies, sauces and ready-to-eat foods) can lead to bloating, electrolyte imbalance and kidney malfunction.
Rich, Spicy Food: Fatty foods can cause vomiting, gas, bowel irritation and pancreatitis. Some dogs may be prone to obesity and indigestion. Reserve these for your human guests.
Grapes and Raisins: These contain some unknown toxins that are known to cause kidney failure in canines. Moreover, smaller dogs may choke on them.
Nuts and Mushrooms: Nuts like almonds, macadamia and walnuts can cause muscle weakness, cramps, nervous disorders and digestive problems.
Yeast products: Uncooked yeast can prove to be fatal for dogs even in small quantities as it can rise within the digestive tract and cause bloating, gas build-up, immense discomfort and rupture of the intestines.
OTC Medications and Supplements: Always consult your vet before giving your dog any medicines or supplements meant for humans. Common drugs like Aspirin and Ibuprofen can cause mortality in canines. Also, a dog’s vitamin and mineral requirements are very different from those of humans.
· Consult a vet for an appropriate diet plan based on your dog’s breed, gender, age and size. Remember to inform the vet about any recent dietary changes.
· Let your children know the difference between a human and a canine diet and discourage them from sharing unhealthy treats like candies, chips and chocolates. Make them understand how these foods could harm their beloved pet.
· Check the labels on all food stuffs before including them in your dog’s food chart.
· A healthy doggie diet is balanced in carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Serve the right quantity at the right times.
· Make sure that your dog’s food is prepared under hygienic conditions. Old, spoilt or moldy food can lead to infections, toxicity and sickness. Your dog needs clean, well cooked food as much as you do.
· Keep toxic household products like cleaners, detergents, acids and aerosols well out of your pet’s reach.
· A pet should be barred from entering the kitchen or pantry where it might find “interesting” stuff like cookies, munchies, processed food or anything that it might choke upon. In short, a dog should always be fed under supervision.
· Don’t give in to your pooch’s fuss and tantrums regarding food – safety and health should always top the priority list.
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