What vets never let their dogs eat

Dog owners often treat their pets like family, and sometimes that includes giving them a seat at the dining room table. It can be absolutely impossible to say no to your pup’s eyes pleading for that last piece of chicken bone, but vets say you should resist the urge.

It is essential for owners to be aware of foods that are harmful or toxic to dogs. Veterinarians often see dogs for avoidable health emergencies related to their diet.

doctor. Sarah HoganCalifornia-based medical director VCA Animal HospitalsAnd doctor. Nikki Cohen, an associate veterinarian at dupont veterinary clinic in washington, dc, shared their never-ending no-brainer when it comes to dog food. Here are their best tips on which foods to avoid if you love your dog.

“The number one thing I would never feed my dog ​​was a raw diet,” Cohen said.

Studies of raw food diets show that many contain harmful bacteria, some of which are multidrug resistant. the Food and Drug Administration He said a two-year study “showed that compared to other types of pet food tested, raw pet food was more likely to be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria.”

Not only are dogs at risk of contracting diseases from raw food, but they can also pose a threat to humans. Children and adults who are immunocompromised can become infected if they handle raw food or dogs [raw food diet] Cohen said.

As an alternative, she recommends brands like Royal Canin or Hills Science Diet because “these companies invest heavily in research and development and hire veterinarians to develop their foods. They follow [Association of American Feed Control Officials] standards, investing in nutrition trials, and also creating all the nutritional prescriptions for our patients.”

Cohen said she often prescribes these types of special diets to canine patients with various ailments.

Hogan said the No. 1 culprit to watch out for is human food. “If there’s a meat and cheese tray or appetizer, dogs can definitely eat it and eat things that are too rich to digest,” she said.

In fact, meat fats can cause pancreatitis in dogs, and cheese and other dairy products can lead to digestive problems. Either way, the immediate effect is likely to be diarrhea.

Chocolate is another food for humans Avoids. cChocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, chemicals that dogs can’t metabolize, according to an article by veterinarians Dr. Renee Schmid and Dr. Anna Brutlag. “Although eating chocolate is rarely fatal, it can lead to serious illness. symptoms It can include vomiting, diarrhea, fast heart rate, excessive urination, and increased thirst. Dark and bitter chocolate contains a high concentration of theobromine, and the severity of symptoms varies based on the amount and type of chocolate ingested. But your dog’s size and health can also affect their reaction.

It is better to Avoid foods that may contain xylitol sweeteners, according to Cohen. xylitol It is a common sugar substitute in chewing gum, candy, and sugar-free baked goods. “Some signature peanut butter added that,” she noted. “Xylitol can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia as well as liver damage.” Symptoms can include vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and even liver failure.

Grapes and raisins It can lead to kidney failure in dogs, Cohen explained in her blog. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Even small amounts can be dangerous, so avoid these treats at all costs.

Onions and garlic can damage a dog’s red blood cells. IHigh amounts of these foods can cause hemolytic anemia, Cohen said. Symptoms may not appear immediately, but watch for weakness, vomiting, and breathing difficulties that may develop over time.

Avocado can also cause adverse effects. tA fungus toxin inside avocados, called percin, has caused health problems and death in animals, according to the American Kennel Club. Although dogs are more resistant to persin than some other animals, it can cause dogs to vomit and have diarrhea. Plus, the pit of an avocado is a choking hazard, and dogs can easily gnaw their teeth or swallow them.

Cohen noted that avocados are also very high in fat. And she warned, “Foods that are high in fat and grease can lead to painful inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or just lead to diarrhoea.”

The last one may be hard to believe, but bones, especially chicken bones, should be avoided. “Cohen noted that foods such as uncooked bones can cause tooth fractures. Dogs can choke on it, and the bones can also splinter and cause intestinal blockages or tears.

You will want to avoid sharing any beverages other than water with your dog.

Hogan said dogs should not contain alcohol, including high-alcohol cocktails or spirits that may have a sweet and milky component that overpowers the aroma of the alcohol. Dogs may be attracted to the smell, but “alcohol is still a poison,” she explains.

Even in small amounts, alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, coma, or worse.

A well-fed dog is a happy, healthy dog. If your dog accidentally eats any of the above, time is essential to seek veterinary care. The earlier treatment is done, the better the chances of a full recovery.

It is best to stick to a balanced and complete diet of dog food. Avoid foods and drinks that people eat. Stick to dog-friendly foods or snacks. And when in doubt, consult your vet for the best advice.