Monday, April 25, 2011

People Food that are Poisonous to Dogs

By Jerry Welsh


Owners are always advised by dogs experts to use pet foods to ensure the health of the dog. Food poisoning can be prevented if the dog is given foods specifically formulated for dogs. No dog owner in his right mind would provide the pet poisonous food. Unfortunately, many dogs get poisoned because owners are not aware that some common people foods are toxic to dogs.

Dogs have huge appetites and they are also omnivorous thus anything will be eaten. Dogs can gain a lot of healthful benefits from fruits. Aside from the vitamin content that enhances the dog's immune system, fruits also facilitate waste elimination as the intestinal muscles are strengthened. However, grapes and avocados are toxic to dogs. An unknown substance in grapes and raisins is toxic to dogs as it can cause severe kidney damage. Avocado is very dangerous for dogs as ingestion of the fruit, leaves, bark and pit can result to the death when the toxin causes fluid to accumulate in the dog's chest, heart and abdomen.

Choclolate, tea and coffee are other poisonous foods to dogs as the caffeine in coffee and tea as well as the theobromine in chocolates stimulates the dog's heart and nervous system often causing fatal results. A dog lover would always be amused by dogs that have learned to do tricks. Pet owners that have trained the pet to drink alcoholic beverages from the can would be very proud of the accomplishment but dogs that have learned this trick can end up dead. The chemical compound in alcoholic beverages called ethanol cannot be tolerated by the dog's system. This substance that is rapidly absorbed by the dog's system will affect the central nervous system and cause respiratory depression. Immediate medical attention is imperative for dogs that have swallowed sizeable amounts of alcoholic beverage as inducing vomiting will not help the pet.

Onions cannot be tolerated by the dog's system. This pungent bulb has thiosulfate, a substance that destroys red blood cells. Foods containing onions must not be given to dogs as the thiosulfate is not destroyed by cooking. Consumption of a large dose or regular ingestion of small doses would have life threatening results.

Foods that are safe for humans may have harmful effects on the dog. In spite of the similarities in genetics, dogs can get poisoned by some human foods because these animals have different metabolism.




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