Harmful Food to Keep Away from Pets This Summer

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

The upcoming summer months are usually accompanied by nice weather, outdoor parties and a care free attitude.  During the summer most people have barbecues or outdoor parties, where it can be easy to lose track of your pet which might allow them more freedom to get into some food that may be delicious for us but can be very harmful to them.  It is important to take the proper precautions to prevent your pet from eating a dangerous snack. 

It has become almost common knowledge that chocolate can be harmful to pets, but coffee and caffeine can be harmful for the same reasons.  All of these products contain substances called methylxanthines, which come from cacao seeds.  If your pet ingests methylxanthines it can induce vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.  So it may be smart to keep the desserts in the fridge until everyone is ready to eat and keeping a close eye on your pet during after dinner treats.  Alcohol can be just as common as dessert at a party and there is usually a spill.  It can be very dangerous for your pet to drink alcohol so be sure to clean spills immediately.  Just because a food is healthy for a human doesn't mean it is for your furry friend, foods like avocado, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic and chives.  It is clear that the Persin contained in the leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados is what causes problems for pets, while we can’t pinpoint exactly what part of macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins causes the side effects that include depression, vomiting, kidney failure and more.  Pets can have small bits of bread as treats but too much can cause yeast dough to rise and cause gas to accumulate in their digestive system.  Bones can also be harmful to your pets digestive tract, should they splinter or cause choking.  Raw meat and eggs can carry bacteria that can be very harmful to pets.  Xylitol, which may sound unfamiliar, is actually used as a sweetener in many products like gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste, and can cause and insulin release in most species that can lead to liver failure.  Try to keep your pets out of salty foods as well to avoid excessive thirst and urination and even sodium ion poisoning.  Finally Milk can upset the digestive system of most pets because they lack significant amounts of lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk.  Summer time can be a time for care free living, but always remember that your pet needs constant care.  If you can keep them out of all these foods and maintain your normal routines, it should be easy to avoid any complications with the health of your pet. 

Bregman Vet Group encourages you to enjoy your summer and keep your pet safe in the sun! For more information, visit us on the web at bregmanvetgroup.com.