Twenty prohibited foods and substances for dogs and cats

A meat here, a snack there... Know what can and cannot be given to dogs and cats to eat

Dog and cat

Most animal lovers know it's a bad idea to give your canine friend's nieces dinner, but it's virtually inevitable that they'll snatch some of them that fall to the ground or that you slip up yourself and can't resist the prickly eyes. So far so good, but the problem is some specific foods and substances that dogs can't try at all. That's because they can be more than dangerous - even deadly.

So it is very important to be aware that some foods and medicines that are harmless to our health, but can be life-threatening for your pet. You already know to keep household chemicals out of their reach, but their bodies are different from ours and there are other harmful chemicals you may not be aware of. Knowing what these dangerous substances and foods are for animals can prevent a tragedy; and we also recommend consulting a veterinarian to find out the best recommended diet for your dog or cat.

1. Garlic and onion

All vegetables in the family Allium, when raw, are terrible for your four-legged friend. However, any spiced food should be avoided. Certain components present in onions and other spices in the same family can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, anemia and kidney damage. Some signs that may indicate that your furry has eaten these foods are: weakness, stomach pain and blood in the urine. Unfortunately, symptoms only appear after three or four days, so be aware and if your pet has eaten these foods, it is advisable to take him to the vet.

2. Chocolate

It may seem like the best possible reward to give your dog a chocolate bar for good behavior, but don't do it! Caffeine and theobromine can be lethal. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous. Vomiting, increased respiratory rate, irritation and abdominal pain are symptoms. Seizures and even death occur in cases where large amounts have been consumed; so pay close attention!

3. Avocado

Almost every part of an avocado tree is toxic to animals, including the fruit itself. To poison yourself, your puppy would have to eat a generous portion, but toxins in the pulp and skin are not the only problem: the lump can choke it and, if ingested, cause an intestinal blockage. Also, for your pets, avocado's high fat content can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and eventually pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

4. Xylitol

You may not recognize this component, but it is present in most diet and light products. It doesn't cause problems in humans, but in dogs it leads to drastic hypoglycemia, which can result in seizures and dizziness. The most common symptoms can appear within 30 minutes: weakness, lethargy, loss of coordination, collapse and seizures. If the animal eats too much, liver failure is one of the most serious problems that can occur.

5. Grapes

Fruit and any product derived from grapes, including juice, are harmful and can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats, liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases even the animal's death. Vomiting and diarrhea can start four to six hours after eating them, but usually start within 24 hours.

6. Chicken

Birds in general are a problem not only because of the seasoning present in the meat (when it's raw, there are fewer problems for dogs), but also because of the bones, which can break after ingested, causing obstructions in the stomach and intestine (even piercing them. ). If you suspect your dog or cat has swallowed a bone, keep an eye out: for any signs of pain or discomfort, take him to the vet. Usually, fragments "pass through" naturally and without causing damage, but it's always good to be on the lookout.

7. Overdue food

Many have the habit of giving a newly expired food to your pet... But this practice is not good. If there are fungi in the food, there will also be toxins that cause muscle spasms and can develop into seizures. The end result, if left untreated, could be death. Also avoid leaving moldy items in the trash where your pet can sniff, to prevent them from getting in through the snout.

8. Corn on the cob

So harmless, so juicy and yellow… None of that. Does your dog love to chew and bite that synthetic bone for hours on end? Even so, the ear can cause a lot of problems if swallowed. It's safer to leave it as it is, gnawing at the bone.

9. Dairy products

Cut the habit of giving milk or ice cream to your pet, as most dogs are lactose intolerant. Cats, despite carrying the stereotype of loving milk, cannot drink it very often due to the high fat content found in milk. While not necessarily dangerous, the results are unpleasant: gas and diarrhea. That said, small amounts of cheese and yogurt are cleared.

10. Raw salmon

It's never a good idea to give your pet sashimi. The cooked version is fine, but the raw one can provide the salmon poisoning disease, caused by parasites and reminiscent ofparvovirus. Symptoms are similar: vomiting, bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite, prostration, fever and enlarged lymph nodes. Mortality is also high, with 90% occurring seven to ten days after symptoms appear, if left untreated. Symptoms last a week after eating the fish.

11. Liver

A little piece doesn't hurt, but beware of large amounts (especially regarding the size of your pet). The problem is the levels of vitamin A in this food, which, in excess, can cause bone deformity, anorexia and, in rare cases, death.

12. Macadamia

Five or six of these nuts are enough to kill a dog, thanks to an unknown toxin. They can cause seizures, depression, vomiting, weakness, tremors, abdominal pain, muscle, digestive and respiratory problems, and hyperthermia. Cases of paralysis after the consumption of macadamia have been reported. In case of ingestion you should take your furry to the vet immediately, he may need to do a wash to clean the macadamia nuts from his stomach.

13. Fruit seeds

Plums, peaches, cherries, and apple seeds can pose the risk of choking, as well as a possible obstruction in your pet's intestines. In addition, the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are cyanide compounds that can cause breathing difficulties, excessive salivation, convulsions and even coma in dogs and cats.

14. Coffee

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, and can accelerate the heart causing death. Caffeine ingestion can also cause vomiting.

15. Salt

When preparing food for your dog or cat, do not put salt in the food. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors and fever.

16. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Pets also take anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve muscle and joint pain, however you should only medicate your pet if a veterinarian prescribes it. Doses for pets are much lower than those for humans. Cats are extremely sensitive to anti-inflammatory drugs because of their gastrointestinal absorption rates and their reduced ability to metabolize medications. Incorrect dosage can trigger disorders such as ulcers and bleeding. It also reduces blood flow to the kidneys and other organs, causing significant damage. Some of the NSAIDs are ibuprofen and naproxen.

17. Aspirin

While aspirin can be safely used in dogs and cats in proper dosages, it has the potential for serious side effects. Cats are at greater risk than dogs, as they have difficulty metabolizing this drug. Signs of aspirin poisoning in cats include depression, lack of interest in food, vomiting, loss of balance, bloody diarrhea, and wheezing. Pussies can also develop severe anemia, bleeding disorders and kidney failure. Dogs can have gastrointestinal problems, breathing difficulties, bleeding disorders and kidney failure.

18. Paracetamol (Tylenol)

Owners often give this medication to their pets in an attempt to make them feel better. However, as mentioned above, you should not medicate your animal without the approval of a veterinarian, as the consequences can be disastrous. Acetaminophen can be fatal to dogs and cats as they lack the enzymes needed to process it and can cause tissue damage. Symptoms develop quickly and include weakness, excessive salivation, vomiting, difficulty breathing, dark urine, and abdominal pain.

19. Plants

The presence of plants in the environment is good for both humans and their pets, however we must be aware of toxic plants that your pet can ingest and get sick. Eating a tiny bit of a toxic plant may not be fatal, but large doses or constant doses can be very dangerous, especially for cats. Plants that are listed as toxic to humans are also considered toxic to dogs and cats. Some of the most dangerous plants are: lilies, azaleas, oleander, sago palm and castor bean. Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, and some plant species can cause cardiac arrhythmia and death. Signs of ingesting toxic plants include vomiting, diarrhea, frequent urination, and drinking lots of water.

20. Tobacco and marijuana

Tobacco is toxic to dogs and cats. Intake of nicotine can lead to vomiting, tremors and death. While eating marijuana probably won't kill your dog, it can trigger incontinence, weakness, lethargy, stumbling, slow heart rate, dilated pupils, and vomiting.

To make your home safer for your pets, you should keep food and chemicals out of their reach. Keep cleaning supplies behind doors, and store your medications in safe places. As much as animals resist taking their medicine when they should, a medicine you have dropped on the floor can seem very attractive. Even if you know of cases where a pet consumed one of these inappropriate foods and nothing happened, you should consider these stories as exceptions, and think that in the long run your pet may show symptoms caused by this habit. Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible if you have any suspicions of poisoning. And pay special attention to the items on this list to keep your puppy healthy.


Source: Health


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