13 Dangerous food that your pet should avoid!
- 21 Jun, 2020
It may be fun to give your pets' food that you love and enjoy, but unfortunately, it could be dangerous for them! You don't know what you might be feeding your pet dangerous food they should avoid. Some of these foods might surprise you. You must become an informed pet owner to keep your pets alive and healthy. Animals have a different way of breaking down food than us humans. This means that whatever we, humans, eat can have different effects on our pets' metabolism. Be an informed pet owner and stop feeding pets without knowing how it could affect them. We did our research and gathered the information from several sources for your pet's well-being!
Photo by Awu Wang on Unsplash[/caption]
Alcohol is the ingredient found in beers and wine that causes intoxication. According to a study by C. Kuhn, et al. Alcohol is classed as a ‘sedative hypnotic’ drug. This means when taken in higher doses, it acts to depress the central nervous system. And it can lead to drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma or even death. That's for us human beings, now imagine your pets ingesting alcohol! They get the same effects but it can hit them twice as hard. Never let your pets drink beverages with alcohol and definitely not as a joke.
Surprised? Yes, bones can be harmful to your pets. It's a choking hazard to your dogs. And if they ever swallow pieces of a bone, it could cause an intestinal obstruction especially cooked bones (they splinter easily). Also, there have cases that damaged their teeth due to excessive chewing. Sometimes, it can get lodged in their jaw or throat. If you want to give them bones as a treat, do keep an eye on them. But as much as possible avoid them.
Photo by amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash[/caption]
Theobromine is a compound found in cocoa, the number one ingredient in you fave treat--chocolates. Humans can break down and excrete this compound well. However, our pets are far more sensitive to it. It can be toxic in some mammals, including pets (Smit, 2011). Although every type of chocolate varies as well as their ingredient. You can check if a bar of certain chocolate is safe for your dog through PetMD's Dog Chocolate Toxicity Meter.
Human vitamins usually comprise 100% of the advised daily quantity of various minerals and when taken by pets could cause a mineral overdose. Prenatal vitamins are dangerous to your pet as it contains a higher dose of iron and can result in iron toxicity in pets. In case of accidental ingestion contact or go to your vet immediately.
Photo by Salomé Watel on Unsplash[/caption]
Yeast is a single-celled fungus used in baking and fermentation. Like in bread, yeast also expands and rise in your pet's tummy. It is dangerous as it ferments and makes alcohol that will lead to alcohol poisoning. Mild cases cause gas and discomfort.
Your pet should avoid this dangerous food:
Alcohol
[caption id="attachment_8015" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photo by Awu Wang on Unsplash[/caption]
Alcohol is the ingredient found in beers and wine that causes intoxication. According to a study by C. Kuhn, et al. Alcohol is classed as a ‘sedative hypnotic’ drug. This means when taken in higher doses, it acts to depress the central nervous system. And it can lead to drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma or even death. That's for us human beings, now imagine your pets ingesting alcohol! They get the same effects but it can hit them twice as hard. Never let your pets drink beverages with alcohol and definitely not as a joke.
Avocado
You might think it's okay to give them a tiny bite of your avocado toast cause avocado is a fruit, right? No, it is not okay! A compound found in avocados called persin can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and heart congestion in pets. Aside from that, be careful in pitting your avocados as a pet may ingest it and they could choke on it.Bones
Surprised? Yes, bones can be harmful to your pets. It's a choking hazard to your dogs. And if they ever swallow pieces of a bone, it could cause an intestinal obstruction especially cooked bones (they splinter easily). Also, there have cases that damaged their teeth due to excessive chewing. Sometimes, it can get lodged in their jaw or throat. If you want to give them bones as a treat, do keep an eye on them. But as much as possible avoid them.
Caffeine
When we want to stay alert and awake for the day we use caffeine to boost our energy! In pets, caffeine is extremely dangerous. It will speed the heart rate and stimulate the nervous system. This could result in vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, increased urination, tremors, seizures and death.Candies, Chewing Gum, Toothpaste & Mouthwash
All these common treats and personal care items, contain Xylitol. A sugar alcohol that is extremely toxic to dogs. It can cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and death. Even in small amounts! So be very careful if you have these thing lying around or if they are within their reach.Chocolate
[caption id="attachment_8009" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photo by amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash[/caption]
Theobromine is a compound found in cocoa, the number one ingredient in you fave treat--chocolates. Humans can break down and excrete this compound well. However, our pets are far more sensitive to it. It can be toxic in some mammals, including pets (Smit, 2011). Although every type of chocolate varies as well as their ingredient. You can check if a bar of certain chocolate is safe for your dog through PetMD's Dog Chocolate Toxicity Meter.
Citrus
Any product of citrus plants can be dangerous to your pet--stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds. Citric acid can irritate a pet's skin and if ingested significant amounts can cause central nervous system depression. Don't worry small doses won't affect your pet, could only result in a minor upset stomach.Garlic
Garlic, when ingested in significant amounts, is dangerous to your pet as it destroys red blood cells and can cause anaemia. When ingested observe your pet. Signs may include, but not limited to, weakness, vomiting and troubles breathing.Grapes & Raisins
It is believed that a substance, although unknown, found in grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. To be safe, it is best to avoid feeding your pet grapes and raisins.Human Vitamins
Human vitamins usually comprise 100% of the advised daily quantity of various minerals and when taken by pets could cause a mineral overdose. Prenatal vitamins are dangerous to your pet as it contains a higher dose of iron and can result in iron toxicity in pets. In case of accidental ingestion contact or go to your vet immediately.
Macadamia Nuts
Keep your dogs away from Macadamia nuts as it is lethal to them. Symptoms include muscle shakes, vomiting, increased temperature and weak back legs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion.Onions & Chives
Like garlic, these herbs cause gastrointestinal irritation to pets, especially in cats. Worst-case scenario, pets can get hemolytic anaemia, which requires a hospital trip.Yeast Dough
[caption id="attachment_8011" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photo by Salomé Watel on Unsplash[/caption]
Yeast is a single-celled fungus used in baking and fermentation. Like in bread, yeast also expands and rise in your pet's tummy. It is dangerous as it ferments and makes alcohol that will lead to alcohol poisoning. Mild cases cause gas and discomfort.
