Top 11 Things Every Dog Owner Must Learn.
Given the ability to talk, most dogs would proudly tell you that, in case you are eating it, they should be eating it as well. And the confidence is admirable, all right. Dogs are, unfortunately, mistaken about this. Very wrong.
Being a pet lover myself and a teacher of other pet lovers, I am always amused by the fact that there are much more dangers with food that are unknown. The people are fond of their dogs, but they are blindly feeding them foods that may cause their serious damages. Not out of neglect. Out of misinformation.
So today, let’s fix that. Calmly. Clearly. With facts. And a sufficient clarifying that you need not guess again.
A little question to ask yourself before we start, Can you remember a time when you gave your dog a bite of your food and did not even bother to see whether it was safe or not?
If yes, you’re not alone. Let’s learn together.
The reason behind some of the human food that is harmful to dogs.
Dogs do not digest in the same way as human beings. Most of the substances we are used to tolerating are not designed in their digestive systems, enzymes, and metabolic pathways.
There are foods that destroy organs gradually. There are those who move fast and create emergencies. Some of them are even fatal in low doses.
The scary part? Dogs do not always exhibit the symptoms immediately. Such a delay gives an illusion of security.
Knowledge of the toxicity of foods assists food owners to make more intelligent decisions rather than memorizing lists.
- Chocolate (Dark Chocolate especially)
There is a reason why Chocolate is at the top of the list. It has theobromine and caffeine, neither of which can be easily metabolized by the dog.
Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous since they have the highest levels in them.
Even small amounts can cause:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Rapid heart rate
- Tremors and seizures
- Potential heart failure
This is a lesson so many forget to teach, the darker the chocolate, the more harmful it is. Milk chocolate is not so poisonous, yet unsafe.
So now refuse to ask yourself: Would I ever forgive myself to risk my dog’s life on the account of the left-overs of the dessert
- Grapes and Raisins
Almost everybody is shocked by this one. Grapes and raisins do not appear dangerous. They’re natural. They’re healthy for humans.
In the case of dogs, they may lead to sudden kidney failure.
The toxic compound, which is exactly harmful to the health of the animals, has not been identified yet in veterinary science, which makes this type of food particularly dangerous. There are dogs who respond in large amounts to small amounts and others who seem to be affected. It is the uncertainty that is the danger.
Never test tolerance. Ever!
You should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately in case he/she eats grapes or raisins.
- Onions, Garlic, and Chives
The foods are a part of the allium family, and they destroy red blood cells in dogs. This may cause hemolytic anemia which is severe and the body is unable to carry oxygen effectively.
Onions are the most toxic, and the others, such as garlic, chives, and leeks, are harmful. It does not make any difference whether it is raw, cooked, powdered, or in dehydrated forms, they are all dangerous.
The symptoms can be shown several days later and are characterized by muscle weakness, pale gums, and fatigue.
Here is a food thought, do you know how many foods have onion or garlic powder in them and you never even noticed?
Exactly. That is why it is important to read labels.
- Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
Xylitol is a substance that is so harmful when ingested by dogs. It is present in sugar free gum, candies, baked goods, peanut butter, toothpaste and even some drugs.
In dogs, xylitol causes a huge release of insulin and leads to rapid blood sugar levels. This may cause seizures, liver failure and death in hours.
There is no safe amount. None.
Teaching tip: Never neglect to look at the labels of peanut butter. Many brands now use xylitol.
- Alcohol
This one might seem to be rather self-evident, but accidents occur. Alcohol is highly sensitive to dogs compared to human beings. Even minimal quantities will make one intoxicated.
Alcohol impacts the central nervous system and may cause vomiting, difficulties in breath, tremors, coma, or death.
Alcohol is also produced within the stomach and therefore fermented foods and raw dough are as well dangerous.
then is it worth the danger to leave your drinks unattended around a curious dog?
- Cooked Bones
It is a common belief that bones are natural and healthy to dogs. That belief needs updating.
Bones which are cooked are easy to splinter. These sharp fragments may pierce the digestive tract, choke or result in internal bleeding.
Raw bones are another subject and should be guided by professionals. However, cooked bones must never be given.
The fact that a dog is chewing is not an indication that whatever it is chewing on is safe.
- Fatty Foods and Fried Foods
Dogs may develop pancreatitis as a result of fatty food, which is painful and potentially fatal.
The symptoms are vomiting, pain in the stomach, tiredness and loss of appetite.
A dog is under a lot of strain when exposed to foods such as bacon, sausage, fried chicken and greasy leftovers that overload the pancreas.
Lesson: Dogs do not require diversity as human beings do. Their health is maintained by stability.
- Dairy Products
Do you know that all dogs are not lactose intolerant, but most of the dogs are . Milk, cheese and ice cream may result in digestive discomfort, diarrhea and gas.
Even dairy items are at risk as some of them include added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Moderation is safer, however, avoidance is safer unless it is granted by a veterinarian.
- Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are also poisonous to dogs even when taken in small quantities. The mechanism is not understood but the symptoms are well known.
They include:
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Elevated body temperature
The symptoms normally take place in a span of 12 hours and can take up to two days.
Other nuts are not the best too because of the fat content, but macadamias should be given particular attention.
- Avocado
Persin is a substance that is found in avocado and may lead to vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Although dogs are not hypersensitive like animals, there is still a danger.
The pit is also very dangerous in terms of choking and intestinal blockage.
Avocado toast is still a fashionable food, yet not a good treat to share with dogs.
- Caffeine
Caffeine has the same effect on dogs that chocolate does, but quicker. Even coffee grounds, tea, coffee and energy drinks are dangerous.
The symptoms are restlessness, quick breathing, palpitations of the heart, tremor, and seizures.
Caffeine should never be consumed by dogs in any form.
What to Do When Your Dog Eats Toxic Stuff.
First, stay calm. Panic delays action.
The second thing is to determine what the dog ate, and how much.
The Third step to follow is to attempt to contact your veterinarian or any emergency animal poison help line as soon as possible.
Attempting to make the dog vomit should not be attempted unless instructed by a professional as the correct action to take. There are substances that are more harmful.
Being prepared always can save the life of your dog.
Senior Citizen Dogs Should Play Safer.
Training dogs does not imply robbing them. It means choosing wisely.
Safe options include:
- chicken that is not seasoned.
- Carrots and green beans
- Apples without seeds
- Plain pumpkin
- Veterinarian approved commercial dog treats.
So would you prefer to please your dog in the short term or the long-term?
The choice should be obvious.
Why Learning is More Important than blindly following Regulations.
Regulations that are not understood are easily broken. Education sticks.
You will not guess anymore, when you know the reason for food toxicity. You stop experimenting. You protect proactively.
That is the distinction between loving a dog and caring about them.
The Last Word of One Pet Lover to Another.
Dogs are placing their lives in our hands. Literally. They depend on our decision, our knowledge and our moderation.
Food is love, however, safety is love.
Here then is the last question I wish you to bear in mind:
In case my dog is not able to comprehend consequences, am I ready to be accountable to them instead?
Such an attitude makes good owners into great ones.