The Final 10 Things You Should Not Feed Your Dog - Part 4

 

The Last 10 Things You Should Not Feed Your Dog - Part 4

 

 

This is the final list of 10 things that could be harmful should you dog eat them. Always remember how developed the sense of smell our dogs possess -- so even though you may think these foods are well hidden, our beloved dogs can sniff them out!

 

First and most importantly everything you feed your dog should be in moderation; yet, these are 10 food items that you should not give your dog.

 

Yes, I am sure that some dogs have eaten some of the above items and lived to tell about it. . .without harmful side effects. However, purpose of this article to help dog owners become aware of the items that should not be given to our beloved buddies and the reasons why! We believe it safest to err on the side of caution, that is why our lists are so stringent. Always, always check with your vet first!

 

1. Raw eggs
2. Garlic
3. Liver
4. Dough
5. Caffeine
6. Human vitamin supplements containing iron
7. Popcorn
8. Anti-freeze
9. Mushrooms
10. Oranges

 

 

Raw eggs - because raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which is known to decrease the absorption of biotin (a Vitamin B) it can lead to problems with skin and hair coat. Also, raw eggs could possible contain Salmonella. Dogs generally do not get e. coli or salmonella poisoning but be aware it can happen in rare instances. Should your dog have a partial blockage in their intestine where food becomes trapped, e coli or salmonella will have a breeding ground.

 

Garlic - raw, cooked or powdered, garlic (like onions) contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Make sure garlic powder is not listed as ingredients in anything you are feeding your dog or cat (this includes dog or cat food). Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic may seem benign but can cause vomiting, liver damage, anemia and diarrhea.

 

Liver - large amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affect muscles and bones.

 

Dough - dough can ferment in the stomach and cause alcohol toxicity. Dough expands and produces gas in the digestive system which causes pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

 

Caffeine -coffee, tea, or any other caffeine contains theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic affecting the nervous system and heart. Caffeine may cause heart rate increase, diarrhea, seizures, coma, and death. Coffee, like cocoa, is especially dangerous. Caffeine just does not have the same effect in dogs.

 

Human vitamin supplements containing iron - these can be toxic to the organs such as the liver and kidneys as well as damaging the lining of the digestive system.

 

Popcorn- Unbuttered, unsalted popcorn is not known to contain components that could make pets sick, but popcorn could potentially become lodged in the throat, creating an upper airway obstruction. Owners who wish to offer their pets popcorn should consider this risk beforehand

Anti-freeze - is very dangerous to animals causing the kidneys to shut down. Use extreme care because our pets love the taste of anti-freeze.

 

Mushrooms - can produce abdominal pain, kidney and liver damage and anemia due to toxins. These toxins may cause shock and result in death. Don't forget to beware of mushrooms when walking and hiking with your dog.

 

Oranges - It's true that the stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid, limonin and oils, and these can cause irritation and possibly even central nervous system (CNS) depression if they are ingested in significant amounts. However, if your dog eats one segment of an orange here and there, it shouldn't cause her any problems beyond a possible minor stomach upset.

 

Debbie Holte is a frequent contributor of articles on dog health to www.buddybeds.com -- unique orthopedic memory foam dog beds not found in stores.