Poisonous Foods to Keep Away From Your Pet

March is Pet Poison Awareness Month. Cats and dogs have an entirely different digestive system than ours and it is important to know what foods to keep out of their reach. To keep you pet safe, we’re breaking down some of the most toxic foods to keep away from your furry friends:

Alcohol 

If your cat or dog ingests alcohol they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and possibly death. If you keep liquor or other alcoholic beverages in the house it is a best practice to keep them in a cupboard or a location where your pet cannot knock bottles or cans over.

Chocolate 

Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs.  Just a few ounces of chocolate can cause illness in a small dog including symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, rapid or irregular heart rate, restlessness, muscle tremors, and seizures. In large quantities, death can occur within 24 hours so it is important to get your pet to an emergency center if they have ingested chocolate.

Grapes and Raisins 

Although many fruits are safe for pet consumption, grapes are not one of them. It is unknown why grapes are toxic to cats and dogs, but they can cause sudden kidney failure in both cats and dogs. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

Garlic and Onions 

Both garlic and onions damage red blood cells in cats and dogs if consumed. They will rupture or lose their ability to carry oxygen. It doesn’t matter whether the bulbs are cooked or raw - both are potentially toxic. Experts advise pet owners to check for garlic and onions in products such as baby food, which is sometimes given to sick animals.

Products Containing Xylitol 

Xylitol is a sweetener used in many products such as gum, candy, baked foods, and toothpaste. In most species xylitol causes insulin release, leading to liver failure. Signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, and possible seizures. Liver failure is possible within a few days.

Cherries 

Although the flesh of cherries contains vitamins, fiber and antioxidants, cherries can give a dog an upset stomach. And worse, the fruit’s pit, stem, and leaves contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs in large quantities. Ingested pits can also create intestinal blockages. Dog owners should look out for constipation, decreased appetite, and vomiting. However, not all berries are created equal. Blueberries are a great, safe treat for your canine.

What to Do If Your Pets Consumes These Foods 

Playing it safe and checking in with your vet, an emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center - (888) 426-4435 - is always the right decision. Also, you always want to be careful and keep your pantries and refrigerators closed to avoid potential consumption.

Maintaining Your Pet’s Dental Hygiene

From the time we are young, we are told how important it is to brush your teeth at least two times a day. However, proper dental care is often overlooked in canine and feline care. Just like humans, poor dental hygiene in dogs and cats can result in periodontal disease, which leads to chronic bad breath, tooth loss, and even organ failure. These health issues can start when your pet is only three years old. Brushing your pet’s teeth will not only keep your pet at peak health, but help you avoid various surgeries for extractions and other treatments.

Train Them Young 

Cats and dogs are creatures of habit. Whether it be their diet or their exercise routine, they get accustomed to schedules and activities at a young age. With that in mind, it is important to start brushing your pet’s teeth when they are a kitten or a puppy. You should start the process like other types of training: slowly and with lots of positive reinforcement. This will prevent them from becoming aggravated from a sudden invasive addition to their daily routine.

Buying the Right Supplies 

While brushing your pet’s teeth is important, it is also important to make sure you’re using the most effective supplies. Many pet toothbrushes and toothpastes vary in style and ingredients, which impact how effective their brushings are.

Toothpaste 

According to veterinary practice, you should never brush your pet’s teeth with human toothpaste. The toothpastes we use daily contain abrasives and high-foaming detergents that pose a danger to a pet’s health. However, toothpastes made specifically for pets can be found in all pet stores and come in appealing flavors like poultry and seafood.

What about Baking Soda?

You may have heard friends or family recommend using baking soda as a substitute for toothpaste. Baking soda, with its high alkaline content, can - if swallowed - causes an upset stomach.

Brushes 

There are specific toothbrushes designed for pets. Like brushes for humans, there are a variety of styles for pets including:

• Angled handles
• Multiple heads (which brush the inside, outside, and top surfaces of the teeth)
• Small brushes for easy access
• Finger toothbrushes to protect your fingers from your pet’s teeth

You can even use a soft toothbrush designed for human babies for some breeds of dogs and cats. However, what brush you choose mainly depends on the size of your pet and how well you’re able to maneuver different brushes.

Many vets suggest starting out with a finger brush for puppies and kittens, which is one of the easiest to use. However, no matter which brush you choose, you should always be gentle and take it slow while brushing. Accidentally poking your pet’s gums with the brush can cause irritation and give the routine a negative association.

Toothbrush Training: A How-To Guide

The general guide of brushing shared by many veterinarians includes the following steps:

1. Put a pea-sized morsel of toothpaste in your pet’s mouth and instantly reward them with one of their favorite toys or treats. 
2. Then, the next day, increase the amount of time between giving your pet the toothpaste and the reward.
3. Gradually increase the amount of time each day.
4. Introduce the brush with a small amount of the toothpaste they’re now familiar with to your pet’s mouth and immediately reward them after. 
5. Continue brushing every day.

Pet Dental Hygiene Check-Ups 

It’s always a good idea to bring in your dog or cat for regular check ups. Veternarians, like the teams at Bregman Veterinary Group, will check your pet’s teeth for any signs of issues. If they notice any signs of problems like gingivitis, they will likely recommend a professional cleaning. For these cleanings pets are typically sedated with general anesthesia in order to remove any built up plaque, which will help relieve swollen gums. If any teeth are beyond saving they may need to be removed during the same procedure.

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Overall, maintaining your pet’s dental hygiene at home and keeping them up to date with vet check-ups will keep your pet happy and healthier over the years.