We think of our pets as family members. They enjoy walks with us, share family road trips, and sometimes even eat our food. What you may not know is there are certain foods that are harmful, or even poisonous to pets. Do you even know what foods could be fatal for your dog? In an article Beth Sissons on Medical News Today, here's a list of foods the can be eaten, should be eaten with caution or moderation, or foods that should be completely avoided. Which people foods are safe for dogs? Foods that can be eaten, but with moderation Chicken - when your pet has stomach issues, feeding them cooked unseasoned chicken may actually help them feel better. Fish - as long as it's cooked, fish is great to feed dogs. Other Meats - pork, beef, and turkey can all be eaten by dogs. It's important to only allow your dog to eat these in moderation, as these contain high amounts of salt and fat. Side note: If your dog is a possible foodie, you might want to consider some of the recipes from Blogger Kimberly Gauthier. Her blog "Keep the tail wagging" is a great resource for nutritious raw meals for your dog. One item that really caught my eye was the raw recipe for emu bone broth. I'd never thought about using emu, but from the sounds of it, dogs just eat it up (quite literally). You can check out her full post and recipe here: Easy Raw Dog Food Recipe with Emu & Bone Broth Foods that can be eaten, but with caution These will give your dog a stomach ache. Though not fatal, these foods may cause stomach issues or cause your dog to become ill. Carrots - it's important to note that too many carrots can actually become toxic. When feeding your pet carrots, it's important to exercise moderation. Apples - be careful when letting your dog eat apples. While apples themselves can be a healthy treat, allowing your dog to eat fermented apples can lead to alcohol poisoning. White rice - In general, rice is great for a dog as it can be digested easily. It might be worth talking to a veterinarian in the event your dog has diabetes or blood-sugar issues, as rice can cause a spike in sugar levels. Dairy products - in small quantities, dairy products are safe to give your dog. Be sure to consult a veterinarian to determine if your dog might be lactose intolerant and has diarrhea after eating any foods that contain dairy products. Peanut butter - while peanut butter can be a great treat for your dog it's imperative to check the ingredients. Some peanut butter contains xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs when ingested. Blueberries - interestingly enough, blueberries are actually quite good for dogs. They contain high amounts of antioxidants, which can actually help the aging process. Bananas - in small amounts, bananas can be a sweet treat for your dog. Cucumbers - cucumbers are a great treat for dogs is there a source of vitamins and minerals. Watermelon - another sweet treat, watermelon is a great summertime treat for dogs. Toxic foods for dogs
These are a list of foods that your dog should NEVER eat, as they can cause severe indigestion, diarrhea, or can even be fatal. in the event that your dog consumed any of the items below, it's important to call an emergency veterinarian and seek medical attention immediately. Avocado - avocados contain a chemical known as persin, which can cause a variety of dangerous conditions for a dog including vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Cherries - in addition to having pits that can be choking hazards, the seeds of cherries contain cyanide. Obviously, this can be fatal. Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine - these can cause vomiting, abnormal heart rate, and in some cases seizures or death. Tomatoes - while the fruit part of the tomato plant is ok for your dog to eat, the stems and leaves can be poisonous to dogs if ingested. Potatoes - the solanum alkaloids in potatoes can cause stomach issues and vomiting when eaten raw. Raisins and grapes - these items are easily choked on and can cause irreversible kidney damage. Onions, garlic, and chives - depending on the amount your pet ingests, serious medical conditions can arise. In some cases, ingestion could result in irreversible kidney damage. Raw or undercooked meat - bacteria and parasites can often be found in raw or undercooked meats. Xylitol - this sugar substitute is found in a number of human foods, however, for a dog, eating xylitol can lead to liver failure Alcohol - pets can get alcohol poisoning easily. Alcohol can also cause stomach issues, diarrhea, and vomiting. Interestingly enough, the craft brewing market has found a niche when it comes to dogs. There are now "beers" that do not contain alcohol, hops, and are not carbonated, making them ok for dogs. For more on this booming industry, read this article by Cat Wolinski on Vinepair. The marriage of beer and mans-best-friend have also resulted in an increase in alcohol-friendly dog parks. Owners can grab a beer, hang out, and bring their dog to play in a dog park setting. At first, this sounds quite appealing. After all, wouldn't this offer something more inclusive than just leaving your dog at home? Karen B. London, Ph.D. and columnist at the Bark, has mixed feelings about alcohol-friendly dog parks. She raises questions about whether this is a good decision or is it just something that sounds good in theory. She is concerned that people may become distracted: "Who will be monitoring the dogs? What if they don’t get along? Dog parks are famous for the issues that happen there between dogs, and the best prevention is responsible for supervision by all the people. Adding in distractions and potential intoxication is hardly likely to improve upon the typical concerns of a dog park." Read the full article here. It's an interesting notion that clearly deserves discussion, does introducing alcohol at a dog park put others' safety at risk? Or, do these types of specialty dog parks offer new social opportunities for pet owners and dogs alike? Conclusion Hopefully, understanding what foods your pet should and shouldn't eat will help prevent unnecessary health issues. Additionally, if you are taking your pet to a more social dog park, be aware of any foods that could be lying around. Knowing the signs of ingesting toxic foods could save the life of an animal. Additional resources:
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It's an unfortunate reality of being a pet owner: you will most likely outlive your pet.
As a responsible pet owner, you will be faced with some very tough choices that may include medical treatments, such as acupuncture, or in some cases euthanasia. I know this is a difficult subject to discuss. With the rise of specialty insurances, such as pet insurance, it makes one wonder if these services are helpful or a scam. NBC columnist, Herb Weisbaum weights in on the pet insurance trend: Pet Insurance: A Good Deal? Or A Rip-Off? Is insurance the answer? When people ask me that question my answer is always the same: It depends. Buying pet insurance is both an economic and an emotional decision that needs to be based on your personal financial situation and what you’re willing to pay for peace of mind.
This is a bit disheartening and probably not the answer you were looking for.
Whether a pet policy is good, depends. Unfortunately, most people considering pet insurance find themselves in a difficult situation to begin with. When most pet owners begin their search for insurance types, they've already experienced some kind of medical issue or problem with their furry friend. For many, having to choose between the comfort of their pet and additional expenses can be a difficult choice to say the least. Pet Insurance Policies Compared Canine Journal did a lot of heavy lifting to provide the top 11 pet insurance providers. Here's a list outlining the rankings.
You might be wondering what were the pet health providers ranked on. That's a great question. Here's what was listed on Canine Journal:
Conclusion If you're interested in purchasing a pet insurance policy, you may want to read the reviews and understand the limitations of each policy. That could save you a lot of headache and heartbreak in the long-run. Additional Resources: |
AuthorHi I am Darleen Hunt from Newton, MA. I am 28 years old, I am housewife and a working woman too. ArchivesCategories |
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