What You Should Never Feed Your Dog


Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we tend to take for granted that are potentially very dangerous to your dog's health. It is especially important to be aware of this because as you know, dogs are essentially scavengers and will often eat just about anything they can sink their fangs into. I would say that may own dog is more like a mobile garbage disposal. It is also very important to be aware of these items since their sense of smell is so well developed that your pooch will be able to find what you may think is well hidden.

One of these dangerous household items, it turns out, is simple chocolate. While chocolate has been reported recently to be high in human-friendly antioxidants, it appears to be potentially lethal for our pets, and particularly for our dogs. Cats are mostly unaffected since they do not care for the taste of chocolate, but dogs tend to be crazy about it. Certain breeds of dogs react indifferently to chocolate.

The root of the problem is that chocolate contains various chemicals which are called methylxanthine alkaloids(sometypes have more of these chemicals than others) Sadly, relatively miniscule amounts of these chemicals are capable of causing such serious problems as constriction of the arteries and an increased heart rate. Large amounts may cause even more dire symptoms and a pound of milk chocolate could possibly kill a sixteen pound dog. If you find that your dog has eaten chocolate then by all means take note of the it's type and try to estimate the amount eaten. Then get on the phone with a veternarian or an emergency facility.

Be sure that your children know how important it is to keep chocolate out of your dog's reach. If you are not aware that your dog has consumed chocolate, the consequences could be severe. If consumption is not found within 4 to 6 hours without the right treatment, cardiac failure, seizures, coma and death could result, according to veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks.

In addition to seemingly innocent chocolate, there are a number of other common household items that may seem safe for our dogs but that can be downright dangerous.

Some mushrooms, for example, can produce abdominal pain, liver andd kidney damage and amenia. So be aware of wild mushrooms when you are out walking your dog in wooded areas. Garlic may seem benign but can cause vomiting, liver damage, anemia and diarrhea so do not give your pet baby food since it can contain garlic. Anti-freeze can shut down your dog's kidney and they tend to love the taste. Miscletoe can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and depression. Onions can causeliver damage, anemia and diarrhea. Onion can also sometimes be found in baby food. Cats are actually somewhat more sensitive to this one so keep out of the reach of both. Coffee, like cocoa, is especially dangerous, and may cause heart rate increase, diarrhea, seizures, coma, death. Caffeine just does not have the same effect in dogs. When outside be careful around apple and cherry trees. While the fruit is safe, the leaves and roots are not. And be very careful about Moth Balls. it's primary chemical naphthalene is extremely toxic to dogs and can result in tremors and seizures.

Concerning dog food, you should be looking for dyes and other chemicals, according to Dr. Jane BHA, for instance, which is one of the main synthetic antioxidant preservatives used to prevent food discoloration, has been observed to cause cancer in laboratory rats at certain doses. Small doses are as yet unclear but since dog food is eaten every day caution is advised. Many conventional dog food brands have large quantities of sodium to make them palatable, and this can be quite harmful to a dog. Other ingredients to wary of are dairy, by-products, chemical preservatives and artificial colors.

About The Author

Aaron Wilmont is an author and researcher in the fields of human and pet health. For more info. go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com.







Related News



Chickens as pets: city living with a farm feel - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

Chickens as pets: city living with a farm feel
Los Angeles Times, CA -8 hours ago
Two chickens roam the backyard of Audrey Diehl and Dakota Witzenburg's Mt. Washington backard. Diehl and Witzenburg have had them as pets for almost a year. ...

Pets Found Emaciated In Folsom Foreclosed Home - CBS13.com

Pets Found Emaciated In Folsom Foreclosed Home
CBS13.com, CA -3 hours ago
FOLSOM (CBS13) ― A local man now faces charges for allegedly leaving his pets behind. CBS13 went to Folsom to find out how authorities found the pets just ...
Pets found abandoned in FolsomFolsom Telegraph
all 6 news articles

Take special care with pets during the holidays - Friday Flyer

Take special care with pets during the holidays
Friday Flyer, CA -8 hours ago
With Christmas, Chanukah and New Years fast approaching, it is important that pet owners are aware that holidays can create special dangers for their furry ...
Top Six Holiday Pet HazardsNewsBlaze
all 2 news articles

How to protect your house and pets during a freeze freezing ... - Dallas Morning News

How to protect your house and pets during a freeze freezing ...
Dallas Morning News, TX -17 hours ago
Bring pets inside. Provide adequate shelter that is elevated and facing away from the wind for pets that must remain outside.
That's a chilling windWaco Tribune Herald
all 2 news articles


Social Release: PetSmart(R) Brings Comfort and Joy to the Holidays - CNNMoney.com

Social Release: PetSmart(R) Brings Comfort and Joy to the Holidays
CNNMoney.com -12 hours ago
To give pets everywhere comfort and joy this holiday season, PetSmart offers holiday toys and pet-friendly festivities in-store and online. ...
Puppy bling? Kitty couture? Perfect holiday pet giftsCTV.ca
all 9 news articles

Economic struggles leave pets homeless - Peoria Journal Star

Economic struggles leave pets homeless
Peoria Journal Star, IL -4 hours ago
The recent difficult and emotional surrender of the adult pets to the shelter was a direct result of the dark economic clouds that are gathering above and ...

Pets also foreclosure victims - Charlotte Post

Pets also foreclosure victims
Charlotte Post, NC -14 hours ago
by Herbert L. White With home foreclosure rates rising across the Carolinas, more pets are being abandoned as homeowners try to find accomodations for their ...
A Season Of Responsibility For New Pet OwnerseMaxHealth.com
all 2 news articles

National Cookie Day -tasty treats for your pets - Examiner.com

Examiner.com

National Cookie Day -tasty treats for your pets
Examiner.com -13 hours ago
by Sharon Seltzer, Pet Rescue Examiner Cats and dogs love to snack on a tasty cookie almost as much as we do, so to celebrate National Cookie Day here are ...

BUSINESS: New specialty shop in Medina pampers pets - Journal-Register

BUSINESS: New specialty shop in Medina pampers pets
Journal-Register, NY -3 hours ago
By Rikki Cason Gracie’s Pampered Pets, a new specialty shop that offers many services for all four-legged friends, recently opened its doors in Medina. ...

Ten Holiday Tips to Keep Pets Safe | Safety and Health Are the ... - PR Web (press release)

Ten Holiday Tips to Keep Pets Safe | Safety and Health Are the ...
PR Web (press release), WA -2 hours ago
Vedante® shares 10 Tips for Holiday Pet Safety. Boulder, CO (PRWEB) December 5, 2008 -- Every year, we look forward to the holiday season. ...