Things NOT to feed your dogs.
Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 5:06 pm
y, May 14, 2008 9:50 AM
Subject: FW: People foods that can kill your pet
> 'People foods' that can kill your pet
> From chocolate to raisins, here's what not to feed Fido - even if he
> begs
> By Sloan Barnett
> TODAYShow.com contributor
> updated 2:07 p.m. MT, Fri., May. 9, 2008
> It feels good to treat your pet to human food every once in a while.
> Those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist as they watch you eat and try
> to convince you that they are starving! It makes you want to give them
> a taste of everything you eat. But beware: Giving in to those eyes and
> giving dogs human foods can actually harm them.
> In 2007, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center received more than
> 130,000 calls. Most cases of animal poisoning were caused by common
> human foods and household items.
> Many foods we enjoy can be dangerous to animals. It's best to stick to
> pet food and a diet recommended by your vet. Here are a few of the
> most toxic foods that can harm your pet:
> Bad news foods
> Avocados
> They contain a toxic component called persin, which can damage heart,
> lung and other tissue in many animals. This fruit is very toxic to
> dogs, cats and most animals.
> Beer
> Alcoholic beverages can cause the same damage to an animal's liver and
> brain as they cause in humans. But the effects can be deadly on
> animals since they are much smaller than us. The smaller the animal,
> the more deadly the effects can be. Even a small amount of alcohol may
> cause vomiting and damage the liver and brain.
> Nuts
> Walnuts and macadamia nuts are especially toxic. Effects can be
> anything from vomiting to paralysis to death. Within 12 hours of
> eating the nuts, pets start to develop symptoms such as an inability
> to stand or walk, vomiting, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature),
> weakness, and an elevated heart rate. These symptoms can be even worse
> if your dog eats some chocolate with the nuts. The effect can cause
> kidney failure, often leading to death.
> Chocolate
> Chocolate contains theobromine, which can kill your pet if eaten in
> large quantities. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are
> especially dangerous. Giving your pup a piece of chocolate cake or
> even letting him lick the chocolate icing on the cake could cause him
> to become ill. Theobromine can also cause a dog or cat's heart to beat
> very rapidly or irregularly, which could result in death if the pet is
> exercising or overly active.
> Candy
> Candy or anything containing Xylitol (a common sweetener found in some
> diet products) can cause a sudden drop in an animal's blood sugar,
> loss of coordination and seizures. If left untreated, the animal could
> die.
> Caffeine
> Coffee, tea or any product that contains caffeine stimulates an
> animal's central nervous and cardiac systems. This can lead to
> restlessness, heart palpitations and death, depending on how much the
> animal consumes.
> Grapes and raisins
> Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. As little as a
> single serving of raisins can kill them. And the effects are
> cumulative, which means that even if a dog eats just one or two grapes
> or raisins regularly, the toxin that builds in his system will
> eventually kill him.
> Onions
> Onions are another common food that can be highly toxic to pets. They
> can destroy an animal's red blood cells and lead to anemia, weakness
> and breathing difficulties. Their effects are also cumulative over
> time.
> Medicine
> Hide medicine from your pets just like you would from your children.
> The most common cause of pet poisoning is from animals ingesting a
> medicine or drug normally prescribed for humans.
> And this is not just because furry pals are getting into their pet
> parent's medicine cabinets. In many cases, pet owners give their
> feline and canine friends an over-the-counter medication to ease an
> animal's pain. But acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the active ingredients
> in many common pain relievers, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats.
> They can cause gastric ulcers, liver damage, kidney failure and
> sometimes death.
> Good news foods
> There are a few things that you CAN give to your furry pal. However,
> you should always consult a veterinarian before introducing a new food
> item to your pet.
> Although these foods are normally harmless, some animals have
> sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. So even these healthy treats should
> be avoided if they cause gastrointestinal upset for your pet. Keep in
> mind that these and other "extras" should not make up more than 5 to
> 10 percent of the pet's daily caloric intake.
> Lean meats
> Any cooked lean meat should be fine for most dogs. High-fat meats,
> chicken skin and fat from steaks or roasts are not recommended.
> Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis.
> This can be a very painful condition for dogs. In addition, most
> companion animals do not need extra fat in their diets. Never give
> your pet meat with the bone in it. Animals can choke on the bones, and
> they can splinter as well.
> Vegetables
> Carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices and zucchini slices are
> all OK.
> Fruit
> Apple slices, orange slices, bananas and watermelon are all OK. Make
> sure the seeds have been taken out; seeds are not good for your pet!
> Baked potatoes
> Plain baked potatoes are fine, but make sure they are cooked - no
> unripe potatoes or potato plants.
> Bread
> Plain cooked bread is fine; just make sure there are no nuts or
> raisins added.
> Rice and pasta
> Plain, cooked pasta and white rice are OK. Often veterinarians
> recommend plain rice with some boiled chicken when gastrointestinal
> upset is present.
> In case of emergency
> Despite all the precautions you take to keep your pet pals safe,
> accidents do happen. That's why the ASPCA, Humane Society and animal
> advocates advise pet owners to keep the telephone numbers of their
> local veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center - (888)
> 426-4435 - in a prominent location.
> Common signs of poisoning include muscle tremors or seizures; vomiting
> and diarrhea; drooling; redness of skin, ears and eyes; and swelling
> and bleeding.
> If you suspect your pet has consumed, inhaled or come in contact with
> a toxic substance, stay calm and call for help immediately. If you see
> your pet consuming anything you think might be toxic, seek emergency
> help immediately even if she or he is not exhibiting any symptoms.
>
Subject: FW: People foods that can kill your pet
> 'People foods' that can kill your pet
> From chocolate to raisins, here's what not to feed Fido - even if he
> begs
> By Sloan Barnett
> TODAYShow.com contributor
> updated 2:07 p.m. MT, Fri., May. 9, 2008
> It feels good to treat your pet to human food every once in a while.
> Those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist as they watch you eat and try
> to convince you that they are starving! It makes you want to give them
> a taste of everything you eat. But beware: Giving in to those eyes and
> giving dogs human foods can actually harm them.
> In 2007, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center received more than
> 130,000 calls. Most cases of animal poisoning were caused by common
> human foods and household items.
> Many foods we enjoy can be dangerous to animals. It's best to stick to
> pet food and a diet recommended by your vet. Here are a few of the
> most toxic foods that can harm your pet:
> Bad news foods
> Avocados
> They contain a toxic component called persin, which can damage heart,
> lung and other tissue in many animals. This fruit is very toxic to
> dogs, cats and most animals.
> Beer
> Alcoholic beverages can cause the same damage to an animal's liver and
> brain as they cause in humans. But the effects can be deadly on
> animals since they are much smaller than us. The smaller the animal,
> the more deadly the effects can be. Even a small amount of alcohol may
> cause vomiting and damage the liver and brain.
> Nuts
> Walnuts and macadamia nuts are especially toxic. Effects can be
> anything from vomiting to paralysis to death. Within 12 hours of
> eating the nuts, pets start to develop symptoms such as an inability
> to stand or walk, vomiting, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature),
> weakness, and an elevated heart rate. These symptoms can be even worse
> if your dog eats some chocolate with the nuts. The effect can cause
> kidney failure, often leading to death.
> Chocolate
> Chocolate contains theobromine, which can kill your pet if eaten in
> large quantities. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are
> especially dangerous. Giving your pup a piece of chocolate cake or
> even letting him lick the chocolate icing on the cake could cause him
> to become ill. Theobromine can also cause a dog or cat's heart to beat
> very rapidly or irregularly, which could result in death if the pet is
> exercising or overly active.
> Candy
> Candy or anything containing Xylitol (a common sweetener found in some
> diet products) can cause a sudden drop in an animal's blood sugar,
> loss of coordination and seizures. If left untreated, the animal could
> die.
> Caffeine
> Coffee, tea or any product that contains caffeine stimulates an
> animal's central nervous and cardiac systems. This can lead to
> restlessness, heart palpitations and death, depending on how much the
> animal consumes.
> Grapes and raisins
> Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs. As little as a
> single serving of raisins can kill them. And the effects are
> cumulative, which means that even if a dog eats just one or two grapes
> or raisins regularly, the toxin that builds in his system will
> eventually kill him.
> Onions
> Onions are another common food that can be highly toxic to pets. They
> can destroy an animal's red blood cells and lead to anemia, weakness
> and breathing difficulties. Their effects are also cumulative over
> time.
> Medicine
> Hide medicine from your pets just like you would from your children.
> The most common cause of pet poisoning is from animals ingesting a
> medicine or drug normally prescribed for humans.
> And this is not just because furry pals are getting into their pet
> parent's medicine cabinets. In many cases, pet owners give their
> feline and canine friends an over-the-counter medication to ease an
> animal's pain. But acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the active ingredients
> in many common pain relievers, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats.
> They can cause gastric ulcers, liver damage, kidney failure and
> sometimes death.
> Good news foods
> There are a few things that you CAN give to your furry pal. However,
> you should always consult a veterinarian before introducing a new food
> item to your pet.
> Although these foods are normally harmless, some animals have
> sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. So even these healthy treats should
> be avoided if they cause gastrointestinal upset for your pet. Keep in
> mind that these and other "extras" should not make up more than 5 to
> 10 percent of the pet's daily caloric intake.
> Lean meats
> Any cooked lean meat should be fine for most dogs. High-fat meats,
> chicken skin and fat from steaks or roasts are not recommended.
> Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis.
> This can be a very painful condition for dogs. In addition, most
> companion animals do not need extra fat in their diets. Never give
> your pet meat with the bone in it. Animals can choke on the bones, and
> they can splinter as well.
> Vegetables
> Carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices and zucchini slices are
> all OK.
> Fruit
> Apple slices, orange slices, bananas and watermelon are all OK. Make
> sure the seeds have been taken out; seeds are not good for your pet!
> Baked potatoes
> Plain baked potatoes are fine, but make sure they are cooked - no
> unripe potatoes or potato plants.
> Bread
> Plain cooked bread is fine; just make sure there are no nuts or
> raisins added.
> Rice and pasta
> Plain, cooked pasta and white rice are OK. Often veterinarians
> recommend plain rice with some boiled chicken when gastrointestinal
> upset is present.
> In case of emergency
> Despite all the precautions you take to keep your pet pals safe,
> accidents do happen. That's why the ASPCA, Humane Society and animal
> advocates advise pet owners to keep the telephone numbers of their
> local veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center - (888)
> 426-4435 - in a prominent location.
> Common signs of poisoning include muscle tremors or seizures; vomiting
> and diarrhea; drooling; redness of skin, ears and eyes; and swelling
> and bleeding.
> If you suspect your pet has consumed, inhaled or come in contact with
> a toxic substance, stay calm and call for help immediately. If you see
> your pet consuming anything you think might be toxic, seek emergency
> help immediately even if she or he is not exhibiting any symptoms.
>