Worst Foods for Your Dog
Social distancing is prompting people to get pets more than ever. Staying at home isn’t so bad when you have a furry companion to play with all day and night. If you’re one of the many who has decided to jump on the bandwagon and get yourself a dog, you need to read this brief list about what you shouldn’t feed them.
Why Should You Be Careful?
Dogs will eat just about anything they can get their paws on, including your dinner scraps. It’s okay to feed them “human food” from time to time, but you have to be careful about what you give them.
Eating the wrong thing could make your precious pup very sick.
Another reason why you should be careful is that a surprise vet bill will be expensive, which can be devastating when you’re living on a tight budget. A single mishap could have you panicking about your finances.
When you don’t have the funds to cover the vet bill, you’re going to feel like you’re between a rock and a hard place. You can’t let your dog go without treatment, but you can’t pay.
If you’re ever in this position, it’s time to research your borrowing options. Start by going to a website like Moneykey.com/payday-loans-online/ to understand online payday loans and how they different from online installment loans. Knowing your options may help you choose the best personal loan for your needs.
In the future, you should set aside a small emergency fund for your dog. That way, you’ll be prepared for situations like this. You could also try signing up for pet insurance if you can fit the payments into your budget. And, of course, you should watch what you feed them.
What Are the Wrong Foods to Feed Your Dog?
Xylitol
One of the worst things to feed your dog is xylitol because it can lead to insulin spikes, low blood sugar and liver failure. What is xylitol? It’s a common sweetener used in sugar-free gum, candy, and pre-packaged baked goods. Even a beloved treat like peanut butter can contain xylitol and be harmful to your dog. Before you give them any form of processed or packaged food, look at the list of ingredients to see if it contains this dangerous sweetener.
Garlic
Just like onions, leeks, and chives, garlic ibelongs to the Allium family, and it is generously more toxic to dogs than the rest of the Allium family. It can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapse. Poisoning from garlic and onions may have delayed symptoms, so if you think your dog may have eaten some, monitor the dog for a few days because the reaction is not usually spontaneous .
Chocolate
Chocolate contains two things that are very bad for dogs: theobromine and caffeine. If your dog eats any chocolate — even white chocolate — they could experience vomiting, diarrhea, heart palpitations, and seizures. In the worst-case scenarios, it can be fatal.Chocolate contains toxic substances called methylxanthines, which can stop a dog’s metabolic process. A little bit of chocolate, especially the dark chocolate, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. It can also cause seizures, irregular heart function, and even death if taken in large amount. .
Dairy Products
You’ve heard of the trick of hiding a dog’s medicine in a chunk of cheese to trick them into taking it. The one problem with that advice is that most dogs are lactose intolerant, so giving them any dairy products could backfire. It could lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other stomach problems.
Here are some other foods that you should not give to your dog:
- Macadamia nuts
- Cooked bones
- Garlic
- Onions
- Leeks
- Chives
- Raw Dough
- Bacon
- Avocado
- Citrus fruits
- Coconut
- Anything containing alcohol
Don’t panic. All human food isn’t dangerous for your pet. Talk to a veterinarian about incorporating different things into your dog’s diet. With their help, you can make the safest and healthiest choices for your furry best friend.
