May 18, 2023

7 foods that are dangerously harmful to your pets By Gopakumar Rajan

 

Image by huoadg5888 from Pixabay


Our pets are like a member of our family. We shower them with love, attention, and care. We go out of our way to make sure they are comfortable, happy, and healthy. But, sometimes out of our love for them, we tend to give them foods that are not suitable for their health. We consider them as our little companions, and it seems fun to share our food with them, but it can be very dangerous.

As pet owners, we should always be aware of the types of food that can be harmful or even fatal to our pets. Here are some foods that an owner should avoid giving to their pets:

1. Dark Chocolate
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is toxic to both dogs and cats but, beneficial for humans. Depending on the amount of chocolate they consumed and the size of the pet, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity, and even death.

2. Onions, Garlic, and Chives
Onions, garlic, and chives belong to the Allium family. Consuming these foods can damage a pet's red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. Symptoms include weakness, lethargy, and vomiting.

3. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can be harmful to pets, causing acute renal failure. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and dehydration.

4. Avocado
The avocado fruit contains a substance called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Furthermore, the large pit can choke the animal or cause blockages in their stomach.

5. Alcohol
Alcohol affects pets as it does humans. However, pets are much more sensitive to its effects, and even a small amount could lead to alcohol poisoning, which can cause seizures, coma, and death.

6. Raw or Undercooked Meat
Feeding raw or undercooked meat to pets can make them sick. It can cause salmonella or E. coli infection, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. Additionally, bones and fat can cause choking or intestinal blockages.

7. Caffeine
Caffeine is very harmful to pets. It acts as a stimulant that can affect the pet's nervous system, heart, and respiratory system. Symptoms include tremors, seizures, heart palpitations, and restlessness. So avoid foods and beverages that contains caffeine.

There are many other foods that are harmful to pets, such as Xylitol, Macadamia nuts, and Dairy Products. 

Xylitol:  Foods that contain xylitol include baked goods, peanut butter, drink powders, candy, pudding, ketchup, barbecue sauces, and pancake syrups. Xylitol also appears in medications, especially those called “meltaways” or “fastmelts” and chewable vitamins.

As responsible pet owners, it is important to know these foods and avoid feeding them to our little companions.

In conclusion, while we love our pets and want to include them in family activities by sharing our food with them, we should be careful about the types of food we give them. Certain foods that are safe for humans can be dangerous for our pets. Therefore, it is essential to always consult with a veterinarian before introducing new foods and to stick with a balanced pet diet.


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