Don't Eat That!
Your pup may be your baby, but he's not a human baby. Some foods that we love are actually dangerous for dogs; and if you have a small pet, it only takes a little bit of the bad food to cause big problems.
To avoid accidents with foods, use a lidded garbage can with a weight at the bottom so your pet can't knock it over, or keep the bin inside a closed cabinet or pantry door.
Are you familiar with these food risks for pets?
Chocolate: as little as 2 ounces can cause problems for a 10-pouund dog. The theobromine in chocolate is a stimulant, much like caffeine. It affects the heart and nervous system in dogs. Watch out for diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat or muscle trembling.
Onions: a 25-pound dog can be affected by just 3 ounces of minced onions. A chemical in onions breaks down red blood cells in dogs. Look for blood in the urine, rapid breathing and weakness.
Salt: Just 1 teaspoon can make a 10-pound dog sick. Salt affects bodily fluids and can cause brain swelling. Watch for seizures and tremors.
Raisins and Grapes: just a handful can make your dog sick. They can cause kidney failure, so watch for stomach upset and vomiting.
Artificially sweetened candy or gum: Just a few pieces of candy with xylitol can be dangerous. This chemical causes a sudden drop in blood sugar. Watch for weakness, seizures and liver failure.
If your dog eats a dangerous food, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435). Know your pet's age, weight, sex, symptoms and what he ate.
Source: Animal Poison Control Center
Published 02/08/08
