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Pets bring companionship and comfort to their human counterparts. They are fairly happy creatures and are eager to please. Their happiness hinges on the occasional pat on the head, a cheerful word and a yummy treat from time to time.
It may be tempting to give your pets the same treats that you enjoy, but your pet can become seriously ill or die if fed the wrong foods.
Many folks realize that chocolate is harmful to dogs but it doesn’t just end there.
- Caffeine. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, chocolate, coffee and caffeine are toxic to dogs and can even kill them. These items contain methylxanthines which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and abnormal heart rhythm as well as tremors and seizures.
- Citrus. Citrus contains different amounts of citric acid and can cause anything from an upset stomach to possible central nervous system depression depending on the amount that was ingested by your pet.
Grapes and raisins sound like healthy snacks but for a dog these items can cause kidney failure.
The fats in nuts like pecans, walnuts and almonds can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially, pancreatitis.
- Spicy food. Your pets should not be fed foods such as garlic, onions and chives as this could lead to gastrointestinal irritation which can result in red blood cell damage and anemia.
- Raw food. Raw bones, eggs and meat can be potentially hazardous as raw meat and eggs can contain salmonella and E. coli bacteria. The raw bones can splinter causing serious or grave injuries if the splinters get lodged in or puncture their digestive track.
- Sugarless products: Sugarless gum and other sweets containing Xylitol can cause liver failure. Milk and dairy products can cause issues such as digestive upset and diarrhea.
- Pesticides and medication. It’s important to keep pesticides and medications away from your pet.
Before giving your pet anything other than their pet-approved diet, contact your veterinarian. Pets cannot always make wise decisions for themselves, and depend on their owners to keep them safe.
The ASPCA animal poison control center phone number is 888-426-4435. For details and other foods to avoid feeding your pet, visit aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets.