Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Don't Feed These Items to Fido

Below are a list of items you should not feed to your pets. If you pet consumes one of these items, contact your vet or the ASPCA animal poison control center at 888-426-4435.

1. Chocolate
Why: Stimulates the nervous system and the heart.
Poisonous to: all species, but dogs are most likely to eat dangerous quantities.
Possible effects of poisoning: vomiting, increased thirst, restlessness, agitation, increased or irregular heartbeat, increased body temperature, tremors, seizures

2. Grapes, Raisins
Why: damage the kidneys
Poisonous to: dogs, cats
Possible effects of poisoning: increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, vomiting

3. Garlic, Onions
Why: damage red blood cells, causing anemia
Poisonous to: cats, dogs
Possible effects of poisoning: vomiting, red-colored urine, weakness, anemia

4. Xylitol (found in sugarless gum)
Why: causes increased insulin secretion, resulting in lower blood sugar levels
Poisonous to: dogs
Possible effects of poisoning: vomiting, lethargy, lack of coordination, seizures, jaundice, diarrhea

5. Alcoholic Drinks
Why: depress the nervous system
Poisonous to: all species
Possible effects of poisoning: vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizures

6. Raw Yeast, Bread Dough
Why: forms gas in the digestive track; fermentation of yeast causes alcohol poisoning
Poisonous to: all species, but only dogs typically ingest it.
Possible effects of poisoning: distention of abdomen, vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizures

7. Macadamia nuts
Why: cause muscle and nervous system problems
Poisonous to: dogs
Possible effects of poisoning: vomiting, lethargy, weakness, increased body temperature, tremors

8. Avocados
Why: contain persin, which damages the heart muscle
Poisonous to: most species, birds are especially sensitive
Possible effects of poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea (in dogs), lethargy, difficulty breathing (in birds and rodents)

Give your dog something healthy like organic dog treats instead.

Source: Real Simple Magazine
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