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No, Fido! Don’t eat that!

April 9th, 2009

If you who own a dog, you’ve surely thought about treating her to the leftovers from the dinner table. What you may not realize is that some human foods pose dire threats to dogs.

Obvious things like sharp animal bones could potentially damage the digestive tract. But a number of common foods are simply incompatible with their bodies.

What can’t I feed my dog?

Grapes and raisins: Even a few grapes and raisins are poisonous to
dogs and could cause kidney damage. Although it is not certain what
component of grapes is toxic to dogs, according to ASPCA dogs that have ingested anywhere from a single serving to a pound of grapes (or raisins) have developed acute renal failure.

The symptoms:

*Typically within a few hours of ingestion, the dog begins to
vomit. Partially digested grapes can be found in the mess, and also in
their fecal matter.

* Following this, dogs generally will become lethargic and anorexic for the period of days or even weeks.

*Without immediate veterinary care dogs may not survive the poisoning
due to the damage to their kidneys and in some cases, even with timely
care, they could still needed to be euthanized.

This is not to say you should rush your dog to the vet if it
accidentally ingests a grape or two, but you should certainly call your
vet if dog downs a handful of grapes or even fewer raisins.

Theobromine, caffeine, or theophylline: Most dogs owners have heard
that feeding a dog chocolate can result in death. But it’s not only
chocolate that is harmful. Other foods that contain theobromine,
caffeine, or theophylline can induce vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity,
or irregular heart rhythm – even be seizures, coma, or death.

Foods containing these ingredients include coffee, tea, cocoa beans,
cola, and cocoa bean hulls, according to PetEducation. These foods have
the same effect on pets as they do on humans. Ingesting these foods can
impact calcium and energy levels, resulting in restlessness, and also
stimulating the heart and central nervous system.

A very small amount of chocolate, or similar item, may not result in
death, but you should still contact your vet if your dog ingests any
chocolate. If your dog somehow gets into a large supply of chocolate,
take him/her to the vet IMMEDIATELY. They will have to begin flushing
out your dog’s system for any trace of the toxins.

Other foods harmful to dogs:

* Macadamia nuts

* Baby food

* Milk

* Persimmons

* Potatoes

* Raw meat/eggs

Tags: bad food, caffeine, food
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