Saturday, June 7, 2014

Real Facts: Are You Feeding Your Pet These Foods?


26 Foods That Could Kill Your Pets!

#26 Chocolate


We might love chocolate, but that's no reason to give it to your pets! Chocolate products contain substances called methylxanthines that can cause vomiting in small doses, and even death if ingested in larger quantities.
The amount of chocolate that could result in death 
depends on the type of chocolate and the size of your pet, but don't take any risks! Keep the chocolate away from your little critter.

#25 Apricot Pits


Apricots are another super healthy fruit for humans that are best kept away from your pet. When eating this fruit, always ensure that you dispose of the pit in a place where your pet cannot get to it, such as in a secure garbage bin. The pit from the apricot can easily cause a pet to choke, and could possibly result in death! Your dog doesn't know there's a pit inside.

#24 Alcohol


Sometimes humans can't even handle their alcohol, so you should definitely never give it to your pet! Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in animals are similar to those in people, and may include vomiting, breathing problems, coma and, in severe cases, death. It takes much less alcohol to kill a dog or cat than a person, even if you adjust for the weight difference. We know it's funny to let your dog drink beer, but cut it out.

#23 Avocado


Avocado is super healthy for us humans, but not apparently so for our pets! Avocadoes have a substance called persin that can act as a dog poison, causing vomiting and diarrhea. It's also best to avoid serving avocado up to other pets, including cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds. We like avocados way too much to feed them to our pets anyways.

#22 Macadamia nuts


Pets may suffer from a series of symptoms, including weakness, overheating, and vomiting, after the consumption of macadamia nuts. Macadamia nuts also contain a number of toxins harmful to animals that can affect various organs in your pet's body. So avoid feeding your pet macadamia nuts at all costs, and keep them out of reach of your pets.

#21 Grapes and Raisins


Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Even a small number of the fruits may cause permanant and fatal problems in some pets. Make sure that if you are eating grapes or raisins near your pet, you're careful not to drop any on the ground. Remember, even just one grape could prove fatal to your furry friend.

#20 Xylitol


So what exactly is Xylitol, you ask? It is a sweetener found in many products, including sugar-free gum and candy. It causes a rapid drop in blood sugar, resulting in weakness and seizures. Liver failure also has been reported in some pets, so it is certainly best to avoid this substance when it comes to your pets.

#19 Apple Seeds


Apple seeds may seem so tiny and insignificant, but the truth is that they contain a chemical that has proven to be deadly to animals, especially dogs. Apple seeds contain cyanide, even the smallest quantity of apple seeds can cause harm to your pet if ingested. Do NOT give your pets whole apples under any circumstances!

#18 Cherry Pits


Cherry pits are dangerous to your pets because they can get lodged in their throats and cause damage to their oesophagus and stomach, as well as numerous other vital organs. Cherry pits have been a common reason for animals choking and having to be rushed off to the vets, so make sure you take care when disposing of your cherry pits, and don't feed cherries to your little furry friends!

#17 Coffee


Coffee, and most notably, the grounds, beans, and chocolate-covered espresso beans, contain theobromine and caffeine. These two elements are extremely dangerous to pets, and when consumed, can sometimes affect the heart fatally.Not good at all! Be careful of coffee-flavored things like ice cream that might get scarfed down by a mischievous pup!

#16 Garlic



Garlic, when ingested by animals, causes damage to their red blood cells. Pets who have consumed garlic may seem weak or reluctant to move, or they may appear to tire easily after gentle exercise. Their urine may be orange-tinged to dark red in color. In more severe cases, blood transfusions may be needed for your pet. If you think your pet has consumed a lot of garlic, you should call the vet's office ASAP!

#15 Chewing Gum


A lot of sugar-free gums contain Xylitol, a toxic chemical to pets. Chewing gum can also cause blockages in the esophagus or bowel, both of which can cause a lot of harm to your pet. If your pet ingests chewing gum, it can also lead to other problems, such as obesity, dental problems, and diabetes. Seriously, why would you give a dog chewing gum?

#14 Mushroom Plants


The bad news is that wild-growing mushrooms - even the backyard variety - can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in your pet's body. As a result, your pet may go into shock, or in worst cases, consuming mushrooms may prove fatal. Make sure you remove and dispose of wild mushrooms growing in your backyard to be on the safe side. Dogs are known to play with them and chew on them.

#13 Onions and Onion Powder



Both onions and onion powder contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can cause damage to red blood cells and cause anemia. When giving your pet leftovers, always make sure that there are no pieces of onion present in the dish, and always ensure that the food does not contain onion powder.

#12 Rhubarb Leaves


Rhubarb leaves are very poisonous to dogs. A substance called oxalate is present in the leaves of the rhubarb plant. It is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream if ingested and can cause severe problems with your pet. If you grow rhubarb in your garden, always ensure that your pet does not go near it.

#11 Salt


Eating too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination and lead to sodium ion poisoning in pets. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, and seizures. In worst cases, too much salt can even lead to death. Don't feed your dogs leftovers of very salty food.

#10 Tea


Tea contains theobromine and caffeine, which can both be toxic and affect the heart fatally. Never let your pet drink drink your tea, and always be careful not to leave your cup of tea sitting unattended on a surface that is easy to reach by your pet! Also make sure your dry tea is stashed away safely; fruity flavored loose tea could entice a curious dog.

#9 Walnuts


Did you know that walnuts can cause gastric intestinal upset or even an obstruction in your dog's body? Walnuts also can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins (toxic chemical products produced by fungi) which can cause seizures or neurological symptoms with your pet. Just cause they're good for you doesn't mean they're good for Rusty.


#8 Yeast Dough


Yeast dough, when consumed by small animals, can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach and intestines - Scary! Always ensure that you do not leave bread dough on kitchen surfaces unattended if your animal can reach it! Once the bread is cooked, it is safer for dogs to eat (but not necessarily healthy).

#7 Moldy Foods


Moldy foods, commonly found in garbage cans, can cause serious harm to your beloved pet. Moldy foods are a big no-no for your pet, because they can contain any number of toxins that cause vomiting and diarrhea and also affect the other organs. You know not to eat moldy food, your dog doesn't, make sure they aren't digging in the trash!

#6 Peach Pits


Peach pits are similar to cherry pits, and they cause a number of problems for your pet. Peach pits can commonly become lodged in your pet's throat, and as a result, can cause permanent problems. Pits can also become lodged in the various other organs, including the stomach and the digestive tract. Don't feed your dog peaches!

#5 Tomato Leaves and Stems


Tomato leaves and stems contain tomatine, a chemical that can cause numerous problems to the health of your pet. When stems, vines and green fruit are ingested, clinical signs can include gastrointestinal irritation, ataxia, and weakness. Remember to use mesh to keep your pets away from any tomato vines you have in your garden.

#4 Mustard Seeds


So what happens if your pet ingests mustard seeds? Gastroenteritis is usually the result for a pet who eats a large amount of these, and it would require you to take your pet to the Veterinarian as soon as possible. Always be careful when feeding your pet leftovers, as they may contain mustard or mustard seeds. Dogs prefer their sausages plain anyways.

#3 Beer Hops


Beer hops are commonly used in the home-brewing of beer, however they are very dangerous to your pet if they consume them. An unknown compound in the beer hops causes increased heart rate, seizures, and possibly even death. If you brew beer in your home, make sure your hops are locked up. Always ensure that harmful substances are kept out of reach of your pet.

#2 Chili

Some people love their chili, but trust us, pets don't! So how exactly does it affect your pet? The same thing happens to a pet that eats chilis as happens to us- it can sting when it comes into contact with mucus membranes- such as the eyes, nose, and anus. Painful indeed!

#1 Bones


Bones from fish, poultry, or other cooked meat sources can cause your pet more harm than good! Cooked bones become extremely brittle, and as a result, they can splinter in your pet's mouth and lodge painfully in their throat or stomach. Always make sure that you only give your pet raw meat bones, and never fish bones! Better to buy bone-shaped rawhide treats from the pet store than to give your pets real bones.

Have you ever had any problems with foods you have fed to your pet? If so, please tell us about it so we can pass it on. 
xoxoLenetta










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