He may be your best friend,
but you run the risk of becoming his worst enemy. When it
comes to your dog, beware the familiar adage about killing
with kindness—for too many of us the temptation to make our
canine pals happy extends to feeding them foods that we
enjoy but that may prove deadly for them.
“The most common is chocolate poisoning but I've also seen
onion, marijuana, and acetaminophen (Tylenol). The latter is
a cat problem. Except for onions, these are acute
poisonings,” reports Dr. Jeff Grognet, a veterinarian, dog
writer and online instructor with a practice in Qualicum
Beach, British Columbia, Canada. Except for a finicky
handful, dogs tend to be indiscriminate consumers and highly
motivated beggars, obsessed with human food—they have a
gourmand’s appetite, equating quality with quantity.
So while your pet may get away with occasionally gulping
down an errant tiny piece of chocolate for example—a healthy
chunk containing the problematic ingredient, theobromine—could
cost your dog its life. Dark cooking chocolate is
particularly dangerous and contains high theobromine
content.
The size and weight of your dog are important factors to
consider.
“I don't think breed is an issue but size certainly is—it’s
easier to poison a small dog than a big one,” says Dr.
Grognet.
If your dog suddenly and without warning begins to vomit or
salivate excessively, if he appears lethargic or depressed,
begins to convulse or hemorrhage—consider the possibility of
poisoning.
“…Any sign that causes concern—vomiting (intestinal
blockage, chocolate), convulsions (chocolate), red urine
(onions), delirium (chocolate), lethargy (grapes), drinking
excessively (grapes), vomiting blood (painkillers),” advises
Dr. Grognet.
Even some foods designed for canine consumption warrant
monitoring according to Dr. Grognet.
“I'm not a fan of rawhide because it can get stuck and cause
blockage, requiring surgery. The same can be said for any
treat if a large piece is swallowed. Some imported rawhides
have been found to contain toxic ingredients. There have
been cases of certain treats being recalled due to bacterial
problems but this is rare.”
Common Canine Food Perils:
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Coffee
- Onions, onion powder
- Garlic
- Yeast Dough
- Salt
- Products featuring xylitol—sugarless
candies
- Moldy, spoiled or fatty foods
- Alcohol
- Macadamia Nuts
- Turkey skin (can cause acute
pancreatitis)
- Raw salmon
- Broccoli (in large amounts)
- Mushrooms
Human medications such as pain killers,
(especially: ibuprofen and paracetamol), cold medicines,
vitamins and many prescription drugs can also be lethal to
your pet, as can common household cleaners, including
automatic toilet bowl cleaners.
Outdoor hazards include cocoa mulch, citronella candles,
insect baits, antifreeze, mothballs, post-1983 pennies,
batteries, potpourri oils, and fabric softener sheets.
Ethylene glycol (EG), a toxic component of antifreeze is a
common lethal form of poisoning. In British Columbia alone
there were more than 1,000 cat and dog deaths as a result of
EG toxicity in one year, reports Dr. Grognet. In order to be
successful, treatment must begin within an hour of
ingestion.
As an alternative to antifreeze, Dr. Grognet suggests using
propylene glycol, which, though more costly, is less toxic
and less tasty than EG. |
