Just about all dogs love to eat, particularly those foods they notice their human companions enjoying. While it is certainly fun to feed dogs the things they relish, it is important for anyone caring for a dog to know which foods pose a real danger to their canine friends. Some of the most serious dietary threats follow below.
Most people have heard that chocolate is not something that should be given to dogs. Sadly, far too many dogs are exposed to chocolate during times of celebration such as Halloween, Easter and Christmas. The danger of chocolate is also part of daily living, since many dog owners enjoy a bit of this sweet treat themselves.
The caffeine and the theobromine found in chocolate, however, can cause toxicosis in dogs, and must not be given to them. Dog owners should note that generally speaking, darker chocolates pose a greater threat to a dog's health than those that are lighter in color. The signs of dangerous chocolate exposure in dogs include high temperature, muscle tremors, vomiting and unusual thirst.
It is also important that dogs are not given raisins or grapes, as they can cause serious health effects that can sometimes prove fatal. While these foods may seem harmless, perhaps even healthy, they can actually cause kidney failure in canines. Dogs suffering from toxicosis due to the ingestion of these foods tend to exhibit lethargy, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea. Death resulting from kidney failure can come as soon as 3-4 days following ingestion, and dogs who survive may end up with lasting damage to these organs.
Dog lovers everywhere should also be mindful of the risks posed by raw bread dough when accidentally ingested by their pets. A dog's stomach is just the sort of damp, warm environment in which bread yeast will thrive, multiply and ultimately produce a large expanse of dough. The growth can cause the stomach to expand to the point where tissue is compressed and circulation is reduced to a dangerous degree. Pressure on the dog's diaphragm can cause breathing trouble that is difficult to overcome. Alcohol production resulting from the yeast growth can also cause dogs to become dangerously intoxicated.
Though every dog lover knows the pleasure of giving their best friend a delicious treat, it is critical for all to become familiar with the threats presented by certain kinds of foods. By taking steps to reduce the risk of exposure to such items, it is easy to keep canine companions healthy and well
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