As we look down
at our beloved pet while eating, it can be very hard to resist those soulful
eyes peering up at you. We often just
want to give them a little taste. After
all, if we are enjoying what we are eating, then most likely they will enjoy it,
too. However, falling prey to those
begging eyes and giving dogs human food can often harm them.
The ASPCA Animal
Poison Control Center receives thousands of calls per year. In most instances the poisoning was caused by
common human foods. Unfortunately, many of
the foods we enjoy are dangerous to animals. Here is a listing of many of the foods that
can cause harm to your pet:
Alcoholic beverages and foods containing
Alcohol - Can cause the
same damage to an animal as it does to humans.
Even a small amount of alcohol may cause coma and death in both dogs and
cats.
Artificial Sweetener - Sugar-Free candy or anything containing
Xylitol (a common sweetener) can cause a sudden drop in an animal's blood sugar
resulting in a loss of coordination and seizures. If left untreated, the animal could die.
Avocados - They contain a toxic component called persin, which can cause
difficulty in breathing, abdominal swelling, and fluid accumulation in the
chest and around the heart, again, resulting in death. This fruit is very toxic to dogs, cats and
most other animals.
Baby food - Can contain onion powder, which can be
toxic to dogs and cats. (Please see
onion below) It can also result in
nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.
Caffeine - Coffee, tea, and anything containing caffeine contains an alkaloid
called theobromine. Theobromine acts as
a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic, which in turn can cause a heart attack or
other heart and nervous system problems in animals. It definitely can be fatal to dogs.
Chocolate - Contain substances called
methylxanthines, that are found in cacao
seeds. Methylxanthines can cause
vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity,
abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are
especially dangerous
Eggs (raw) - Contain an enzyme called avidin, which
decreases the absorption of a B vitamin.
This can lead to skin and coat problems.
Grapes and Raisins - Although the toxic substance within
grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can lead to kidney failure in dogs. The effects are cumulative, which means that
even if a dog eats just one or two grapes or raisins regularly, the toxin
builds in his system and will eventually kill him.
Milk and other dairy products - Some adult dogs and cats do not have
sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in
milk. The consumption of milk and milk
products by a lactose intolerant pet can cause excessive intestinal gas and
foul-smelling diarrhea. It is best to
avoid most dairy products, although most dogs can tolerate small amounts of
cheese or plain yogurt, since these products have less lactose than milk.
Mushrooms- Contain toxins, which may affect
multiple systems in the body, causing shock, and resulting in death.
Nuts - Walnuts and macadamia nuts are especially toxic. Effects can be anything from vomiting to
paralysis and death. Within 12 hours of
eating the nuts, pets start to develop symptoms such as vomiting, hyperthermia, weakness, and an
elevated heart rate. These symptoms can
be even worse if your dog eats some chocolate with the nuts.
Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) - Contain thiosulphate which damages red
blood cells. Cats are more susceptible
than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than
onions. Destruction of an animal's red
blood cells can lead to anemia, weakness, and breathing difficulties. The effects are also cumulative over time.
Salt - Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination,
or even sodium poisoning in pets. Signs
that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea,
depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death.
Tobacco - Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heartbeat, collapse,
coma, and death.
Yeast dough - Can expand and produce gas in the
digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or
intestines.
Accidents can happen. If you suspect your pet has consumed or been
exposed to something toxic, even if they are not exhibiting any symptoms, stay
calm, and call for help immediately. Keep
the telephone number of your local veterinarian handy , along with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline phone number (888-426-4435).
