Do not give any of these foods to dogs
CHOCOLATE
Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs.
Theobromine is a chemical that is related to caffeine, and it is found in tea and chocolate. It is poisonous to many types of animals, including dogs and cats. Most pet owners are aware that chocolate is not good for their dogs,
Some people will tell you that the risk of theobromine poisoning is overstated, and that chocolate isn’t really all that dangerous, especially to larger dogs. To be on the safe side don’t let them near chocolate at all.
WHAT IT CAN DO
If eaten by a dog, chocolate can cause vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pains, severe agitation, muscle tremors, irregular heart rhythm, elevated body temperature, seizures and death.
CHEESE
Like milk, cheese also has sugars and fatty components that dogs don't have the necessary enzymes to break down.
WHAT CAN IT DO
Cheese, and other dairy products, can cause problems if consumed in excess. Symptoms like gas, diarrhoea and vomiting can all occur if a dog eats too much cheese.
ONIONS
While onions go with pretty much anything savoury, they can do more than just make your dog cry.
WHAT'S IN THEM
Onions contain compounds that can be harmful to dogs if ingested enough.
WHAT CAN THEY DO
Onions can damage red blood cells in dogs causing them to become weaker and move around less. If enough onions are consumed, a blood transfusion might be necessary.
MACADAMIA NUTS
One of the more recent discoveries, Macadamia Nuts can be incredibly harmful to dogs if eaten.
One of the more recent discoveries, Macadamia Nuts can be incredibly harmful to dogs if eaten.
WHAT'S IN THEM
The specific chemicals found in macadamias are still unknown right now, but they are known to cause a toxic reaction to dogs if ingested.
WHAT CAN THEY DO
Dogs will develop weakness and an inability to walk, specifically in their hind legs. Vomiting, staggering gait, depression, tremors and hypothermia.
GARLIC
Like the chocolate rule, the stronger the onion the more toxic it can be. Since garlic is part of the onion family it's even more dangerous to dogs than onions per ounce. Garlic contains compounds that are strong in toxic it
WHAT CAN IT DO
While the effect of garlic consumption to red blood cells won't appear for a few days in dogs, they'll be tired and reluctant to move. The dog's urine will be orange to dark red in colour. Like with onions, a blood transfusion might be required in severe cases.
Like the chocolate rule, the stronger the onion the more toxic it can be. Since garlic is part of the onion family it's even more dangerous to dogs than onions per ounce. Garlic contains compounds that are strong in toxic it
WHAT CAN IT DO
While the effect of garlic consumption to red blood cells won't appear for a few days in dogs, they'll be tired and reluctant to move. The dog's urine will be orange to dark red in colour. Like with onions, a blood transfusion might be required in severe cases.
GRAPES AND RAISINS
While it’s currently unknown what chemicals and compounds are in grapes that cause toxicity to dogs, the results of consumption can be pretty devastating.
WHAT CAN THEY DO
Grapes and raisins can cause rapid kidney failure. While it varies between dogs, symptoms may not show up in them. Other than kidney failure, dogs can also develop vomiting or diarrhoea as well as a lethargic state. Dogs will also develop dehydration and lack of appetite. Death from kidney failure may occur within three to four days. You might want to hold off sharing that guac with your doggy pal. He'll thank you for it later.
WHAT'S IN THEM
Avocado leaves, pits, bark and fruit contain a toxin called persin.
WHAT'S CAN THEY DO
Avocados can have toxic effects on dogs depending on the variety. They can cause upset stomachs in dogs, breathing difficulties, fluid buildup in the chest, but the most dangerous thing for them seem to the be the pit. Since it's slippery, the pit can accidentally be swallowed by dogs, leading to obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.
While it’s currently unknown what chemicals and compounds are in grapes that cause toxicity to dogs, the results of consumption can be pretty devastating.
WHAT CAN THEY DO
Grapes and raisins can cause rapid kidney failure. While it varies between dogs, symptoms may not show up in them. Other than kidney failure, dogs can also develop vomiting or diarrhoea as well as a lethargic state. Dogs will also develop dehydration and lack of appetite. Death from kidney failure may occur within three to four days. You might want to hold off sharing that guac with your doggy pal. He'll thank you for it later.
WHAT'S IN THEM
Avocado leaves, pits, bark and fruit contain a toxin called persin.
WHAT'S CAN THEY DO
Avocados can have toxic effects on dogs depending on the variety. They can cause upset stomachs in dogs, breathing difficulties, fluid buildup in the chest, but the most dangerous thing for them seem to the be the pit. Since it's slippery, the pit can accidentally be swallowed by dogs, leading to obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.
APPLE CORES
While most people try to avoid eating the core of an apple, it's actually much more toxic to dogs. Along with a few other fruits, you should definitely be careful not to leave apple cores laying around for dogs to get their paws on.
While most people try to avoid eating the core of an apple, it's actually much more toxic to dogs. Along with a few other fruits, you should definitely be careful not to leave apple cores laying around for dogs to get their paws on.
WHAT'S IN THEM
The core of an apple (as well as plums, peaches, pears and apricots) contain cyanogenic glycosides which is also known as cyanide.
WHAT CAN THEY DO
Some of the symptoms that come from ingesting the toxin are dizziness, struggling to breathe, seizures, collapsing, hyperventilation, shock and even coma’s
BREAD DOUGH
Bread makes you fat? While having a chubby puppy isn't the worst thing in the world, yeast dough used to make bread should absolutely be kept away from dogs.
WHAT'S IN IT
The raw yeast dough from making bread can ferment in a dog's stomach, becoming toxic
WHAT CAN IT DO
Aside from the toxicity from alcohol being produced in the stomach, yeast dough can also expand in your dog's stomach or intestines and create a large amount of gas in the digestive system. This can lead to severe pain and a potentially ruptured stomach or intestinal tract. Vomiting, abdominal discomfort and lethargy can also occur.
CAFFEINE
Owners should never let their dogs near coffee or any form of caffeine.
WHAT'S IN IT
Coffee contains a stimulant known as Methylated xanthine.
WHAT CAN IT DO
Methylated xanthine stimulates the nervous system in dogs, causing vomiting, restlessness, heart palpitations and even death.
BACON
Foods rich in fat, like bacon, can lead to the disease pancreatitis in dogs. Once a dog has developed pancreatitis, their pancreases become inflamed and stop functioning correctly.
WHAT CAN IT DO
This leads to all sorts of problems with digestion and nutrient absorption.
It should also be noted that the amount of damage these foods can do vary on the specific breeds and sizes of your dogs. Like humans, all dogs are different and can react differently to foods. Though it's better to keep them away from these foods just for good measure.
Winter weather Advice
With temperatures dropping and the first flurry of snow forecast for the coming weeks, let us not forget our four-legged friends need to be ready for winter too. We have some helpful tips to help you keep your canines safe and warm and avoid potentially hazardous winter walks.
Let your dog’s winter coat grow, and particularly if you have a puppy, short-haired or old dog, buy him a sensible winter coat - a high visibility coat will ensure your dog can be seen in the dark.
Keep your dog on a lead if it is snowing heavily. Snow can be disorientating so he can easily become lost.
Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and an ID tag and is microchipped. It is important to ensure your microchipping database is up to date with your address and contact details
Make sure you wipe your dogs legs, feet and stomach when you come indoors after a snowy walk as the grit from the roads can irritate their feet.
Never leave your dog in a car during extreme weather, hot or cold.
Do not let your dog walk on frozen ponds - the ice may not be thick enough to take his weight.
If your dog does fall through the ice never be tempted to go in after him. If possible encourage him to swim back to you and call the emergency services.
Antifreeze is highly poisonous but tasty to dogs. Keep it well out of their reach and mop up any spills!
Canned or pouch foods offer highest palatability and the highest cost per serving when compared to the dry and soft-moist products. However, they are less convenient to use, as once opened any unused food needs to be stored in the refrigerator.
Carbohydrates constitute between 30 percent and 40 percent of dry cat food. Some have been concerned that this unnatural diet is harmful to cats and leads to increased incidence of diabetes. Wet cat food, on the other hand, is high in protein and more similar to a natural carnivore diet.