Food that are lethal to dogs

Few people realize the danger in giving grapes or raisins to their pet dogs. According to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, as few as 7 raisins or grapes can prove toxic.

No one knows exactly why grapes, raisins and dogs are such a lethal combination. Indeed, these foods are not harmful to every dog in every situation; but for some unlucky dogs, these foods can cause acute kidney failure, which may lead to their eventual death.

In the article, Raisins and Grapes Can Be Harmful to Dogs, Dr Laurinda Morris DVM, an Danville,Ohio vet, recounts a tale of a patient who lost her male Labrador mix after eating half a canister of raisins. After Dr Laurinda struggled to treat the dog , he had to be euthanized due to acute renal failure, caused by consuming such a large quantity of raisins.

Dangerous foods for dogs,like grapes or raisins are often given innocently as treats, without their owners being aware of the risks. Whilst many dog owners these days are better informed about the potential dangers of feeding chocolate to their pets (Theobromine found in coco beans is toxic to dogs, cats and horses), many do not realize the problems that a few grapes or raisins may cause. Linda Bonney of bestanimalloves.com, states in her article,Your Pet Versus Raisins and Grapes (09/20/07), “Many people I know give their dogs grapes and raisins as treats, including our ex-handlers.”

Why Raisins and Grapes are Toxic Foods to Dogs

Grape or raisin toxicity can cause acute kidney failure. Dogs are unable to pass urine, which means their systems cannot filter the toxins from their bodies.

However, what is puzzling is that some dogs are affected, whilst others do not experience any problems. In 140 such cases handled by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, one third of the dogs developed toxic poisoning from eating grapes or raisins; of which 7 died.

Read more: http://dog-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/danger_of_grapes_raisins_in_dogs#ixzz0M40mg1OP

The following foods are considered to be dangerous to your dog and should not be fed:

• chocolate


• grapes


• raisins


• onions


• garlic (in large quantities)


• macadamia nuts


• walnuts


• dairy and dairy products


• coffee or coffee grounds


• tea or tea bags


• bones from poultry, fish or other meat sources


• fat trimmings


• citrus oil extracts


• cat food


• hops


• supplements containing iron


• yeast or yeast dough


• moldy or spoiled food


• pits or seeds from apples, cherries, pears, persimmons and other fruits


• mushrooms (some varieties)


• potato, rhubarb or tomato leaves


• potato or tomato stems


• raw eggs


• raw fish


• liver


• sugary foods


• salt (in large quantities)


• xylitol-containing foods

Read more: http://pet-nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/dangerous_foods_foods_to_avoid_feeding_to_dogs#ixzz0M41G2LP5

There are also a few other items which you should avoid feeding your dog or allowing your dog to eat and these include:

• alcohol


• tobacco, cigarettes, cigars


• marijuana


• string


• cat food


• plants (many types of plants are toxic)


• prescriptions issued for people or other pets

Some of these items can be threatening for your dog in the short-term, causing symptoms ranging from mild digestive upset to life-threatening, potentially fatal reactions. Others can cause more long-term problems with your dog’s health. None are safe to offer to your dog.

Read more: http://pet-nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/dangerous_foods_foods_to_avoid_feeding_to_dogs#ixzz0M41Q9bSZ

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