Owning a pet has numerous physical and mental benefits. They offer you an opportunity to exercise and socialize, which has proved to reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. That being said, in order for your pet to remain healthy and active, proper nutrition is paramount. Keep your furry friend away from the following human foods, which can lead to several health issues such as gastroenteritis, kidney issues, allergies, toxicity, and even death:
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1. Onions and garlic
Although they make our food smell and taste great, onions and garlic can have dire consequences when ingested by your canine companion. Whether cooked or raw, when consumed in huge quantities by your cat or dog, they can cause gastroenteritis and, in the worst-case scenario, damage the red blood cells hindering the distribution of oxygen to your pet’s tissues and organs. When left untreated, it could potentially lead to the demise of your furry companion. Therefore, if you suspect that your furry friend has consumed onions, reach out to a veterinarian immediately.
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2. Raw eggs and raw meat and bones
Although your dog might seem to enjoy meat and eggs, uncooked eggs, bones, or meat are as harmful to your pet as they are to you. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in raw form, these foods might contain Salmonella or E. coli bacteria and can cause bacterial infections such as the foodborne disease. Besides, compared to uncooked food, cooked food is easier to digest, meaning more nutrition, translating to more energy and better immunity. On the contrary, eating uncooked increases the risk of nutritional deficiencies and illnesses in your canine companion. Meat with cooked bones can pose choking hazards, or they may break and splinter into shards that can perforate the mouth, throat, and digestive organs.
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3. Chocolate
Your dog or cat can’t metabolize the caffeine and theobromine within chocolate, this sweet is considered detrimental to their health if consumed. The effects are more severe with bitter and darker chocolate. Although small amounts aren’t fatal in larger breeds, increased consumption of chocolate by your pet can be lethal. If your cat or dog consumes toxic amounts, reach out to your veterinarian immediately to help stabilize your pet and promote the excretion of theobromine.
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4. Caffeine
The effect of caffeine is similar among pets and humans. However, since they weigh less, even small amounts of caffeine can have detrimental consequences including high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias and, in the worst-case scenario, death. These effects vary depending on the size or weight of your pet. After your pet has consumed caffeine, some early signs of toxicity may be vomiting, panting, and or hyperactivity. However, as the toxicity levels progress, you might notice seizures and in some cases tremors. COntact a veterinary professional immediately if your pet ingests a caffeine-containing substance.
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5. Grapes and raisins
In some cases, the toxicity of grapes and raisins can be higher than in chocolate. When consumed by your dog or cat, raisins or grapes can cause severe or life-threatening kidney failure. Poisoning could also be caused by baked foods or juices containing grapes and raisins. In case of consumption, contact your vet or animal poison control service immediately.
If your furry friend has ingested any of the above-mentioned foods, the first step is to check whether they display signs of poisoning. Then reach out to a pet doctor for advice on how to proceed. They might advise you to induce vomiting before they get to you in some cases. However, don’t proceed without their direction.
