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Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to take
for granted that are potentially very hazardous to your dog's
health. It is especially important to be aware of this because as
you know, dogs are very much scavengers and will often eat whatever
they can sink their fangs into. I would say that may own dog is
more like a mobile garbage disposal. It is also very important to
be aware of these items since their sense of smell is so well
developed that your pooch will be able to find what you may think
is well hidden.
One of these dangerous household items, it turns out, is simple
chocolate. While chocolate has been reported recently to be high in
human-friendly antioxidants, it appears to be potentially lethal
for our pets, and particularly for our dogs. Cats are mostly
unaffected since they do not care for the taste of chocolate, but
dogs tend to be crazy about it. Certain breeds of dogs react
indifferently to chocolate. The root of the problem is that
chocolate contains various chemicals which are called
methylxanthine alkaloids(sometypes have more of these chemicals
than others)
Sadly, relatively miniscule amounts of these chemicals are
capable of causing such serious problems as constriction of the
arteries and an increased heart rate. Large amounts may cause even
more dire symptoms and a pound of milk chocolate could possibly
kill a sixteen pound dog. If you find that your dog has eaten
chocolate then by all means take note of the it's type and try to
estimate the amount eaten. Then get on the phone with a veternarian
or an emergency facility. Be sure that your children know how
important it is to keep chocolate out of your dog's reach.
If you are not aware that your dog has consumed chocolate, the
consequences could be severe. If consumption is not found within 4
to 6 hours without the right treatment, cardiac failure, seizures,
coma and death could result, according to veternarian Dr. Jane
Bicks. In addition to seemingly innocent chocolate, there are a
number of other common household items that may seem safe for our
dogs but that can be downright dangerous.
Some mushrooms, for example, can produce abdominal pain, liver
andd kidney damage and amenia. So be aware of wild mushrooms when
you are out walking your dog in wooded areas. Garlic may seem
benign but can cause vomiting, liver damage, anemia and diarrhea so
do not give your pet baby food since it can contain garlic.
Anti-freeze can shut down your dog's kidney and they tend to
love the taste. Miscletoe can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and
depression. Onions can causeliver damage, anemia and diarrhea.
Onion can also sometimes be found in baby food. Cats are actually
somewhat more sensitive to this one so keep out of the reach of
both.
Coffee, like cocoa, is especially dangerous, and may cause heart
rate increase, diarrhea, seizures, coma, death. Caffeine just does
not have the same effect in dogs.
When outside be careful around apple and cherry trees. While the
fruit is safe, the leaves and roots are not.
And be very careful about Moth Balls. it's primary chemical
naphthalene is extremely toxic to dogs and can result in tremors
and seizures. Concerning dog food, you should be looking for dyes
and other chemicals, according to Dr. Jane BHA, for instance, which
is one of the main synthetic antioxidant preservatives used to
prevent food discoloration, has been observed to cause cancer in
laboratory rats at certain doses. Small doses are as yet unclear
but since dog food is eaten every day caution is advised. Many
conventional dog food brands have large quantities of sodium to
make them palatable, and this can be quite harmful to a dog. Other
ingredients to wary of are dairy, by-products, chemical
preservatives and artificial colors.
Ryan Joseph is a write and researcher of Pet health issues. For
more information visit: http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/
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