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We all like to slip our pets treats every now and then, but some foods that are safe for us to eat are not safe for our animals. Here is a quick list of things to be sure never to give your pet
- Avocado products: All parts of the Avocado plant contain a toxic principle called persin. In dogs, persin can cause gastrointestinal distress (vomiting and diarrhea); in birds and rodents, ingestion can be fatal.
- Bread dough: After ingestion of bread dough, an animal's body heat can actually cause the dough to rise in the stomach. This expansion can cause abdominal pain, bloat, vomiting, disorientation, depression, and even alcohol toxicosis from the fermentation of dough in the stomach.
- Raisins/Grapes: Both of these can cause vomiting, diarrhea and kidney failure. A small number will most likely not be a problem, but since we don't know the minimum safe dose, it's better to just not feed them at all
- Chocolate: The toxic ingredient in chocolate is called theobromine, a caffeine-like substance. The darker the chocolate, the more of this ingredient is in there. Unsweetened bakers chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate, but given enough milk chocolate, it can be just as bad. Symptoms include excitement, increased urination, muscle tremors, seizures, and rapid heart rate.
- Sugarless Gum: Sugarless gum or any sugarless candy contains xylitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause a rapid drop blood sugar.
- Onions: There is a chemical in onions that damages the red blood cells and can cause anemia.
- Macadamia nuts: A compound in these nuts may leave your dog with temporary paralysis in the hind limbs. Luckily, they recover with no long-term affects, but it's best to prevent this in the first place!
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