I was first introduced to pets at the age of eleven when my parents got me a beautiful puppy for my birthday. I have been an avid pet owner ever since. My wife has two cats and I myself have a German Shepherd and just like any other pet owner, I consider my pets to be a part of my family.
Pets are similar to humans in many ways and require the same love and care a family member does. However, when it comes to food, many owners tend to are ignorant of what their pets can and cannot eat. Just because what we eat is good for us doesn’t mean that everything that is good for us will be good for them too. In point of fact, there are certain foods that are extremely hazardous and potentially fatal for animals.
Below is a list of 10 common food items that are disastrous for animals and should never be consumed by pets under any circumstances:
1. Chocolate – As hard as it is to believe, it is true. This sweet piece of candy is potentially fatal. Pet are generally very good at distinguishing food that is good or bad for them. However, chocolate is one food they will never be able to resist. Chocolate contains Theobromine which can cause cardiac arrest, particularly with dogs. Other symptoms include hyperactivity, vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Onion and Garlic – Depending on which part of the world you live in, onions and garlic are considered anywhere from essential cooking ingredients to optional toppings. However they can make your pet very sick. If consumed by dogs, they can cause the red blood cells to burst. Therefore as a precaution, never feed your pet leftover food such as pizza, Chinese food or anything spicy in general.
3. Grapes and Eggplants – While they offer numerous health benefits to human beings, grapes and green eggplants are bad for cats and dogs. Grapes can severely damage the kidneys of your pet and lead to increased thirst, urination and vomiting.
4. Alcohol – Keep the pets well clear of alcohol beverages. While consuming alcohol is part of our lifestyle, it can lead to a serious depression of the nervous system among pets. Possible symptoms include seizures, disorientation, vomiting and diarrhea.
5. Bread and Yeast – Consuming bread and yeast causes gas in the pet’s digestive track and alcohol poisoning respectively. This is particularly common in dogs.
6. Macadamia Nuts – Nuts are an excellent source of protein for humans but for pets it’s exactly the opposite. Consuming macadamia nuts will cause dogs to lose muscle and experience nervous system problems.
7. Avocados – Avocados are harmful for pets because they contain large quantities of persin, which damages the heart muscle. Birds are especially sensitive to them.
8. Sugarless Gum – Sugarless gum, while harmless to humans, can increase insulin secretion and lower blood sugar levels in pets. This is because gum contains Xylitol, an ingredient that can cause pets to experience vomiting, seizures, diarrhea and jaundice.
9. Coffee – Both dogs and cats are severely allergic to liquids high in caffeine. It affects their central nervous system and could lead to seizures.
10. Tobacco – The surgeon general’s warning is not limited to human beings only. Tobacco or nicotine is equally fatal in pets over time. Pets can sniff out cigarette butts on the floor or from the ashtray. Nicotine gum and patches are also toxic for pets.
Taking care of a pet is similar to taking care of a baby. You need to double check everything you feed your pet to make sure it is 100% safe so that you may avoid any possible veterinary emergency.