Common Foods Harmful to Pets

As a responsible pet owners, we must diligently protect our pets from harm. also takes care of their basic security needs and see that they can provide regular veterinary, this should also carefully the food we eat. This is especially true when you are feeding your dog or cat any type of human food.

Some people have always given their pets human food as a reward in addition to their dog or cat chow. But in light of the recent petFood recalls in the United States and some other regions, PET, many parents choose them completely surrender to an industrial production of food.

Although this may provide some peace of mind, it is not necessary, safe food without knowing what you can and can not give you, caress them, as well as learn the exact nutritional value.

Before "head to the cupboard or pantry to prepare the meal after your pet, make it a point to discover which foodsproducts may actually do your dog or cat more harm than good.

Common foods that are harmful to pets include:

Chocolate
Coffee, caffeine
Alcohol
Xylitol
Grapes
Raisins
Avocados
Macadamia nuts
Onions
Garlic
Chives
Milk
Raw or undercooked meat
Raw eggs
Bones
Yeast dough

Many people may be surprised to see milk on the list of foods that can be harmful to our pets. Although they may like the taste, cats and dogs, unlike most humans, do not have enough lactase, which is the enzyme needed to break down the lactose in milk. Milk, as well as other milk-based dairy products, may cause digestive difficulties in pets, particularly dogs. Diarrhea, upset stomach, and even vomiting can occur, especially in younger pets, after drinking milk.

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener commonly used in products labeled "sugar-free," is extremely harmful to animals, especially dogs, although perfectly safe for human consumption. Xylitol, which causes an excess of insulin production in most types of animals possibly leading to liver failure, can be found in snacks such as baked goods, candy, gum, and even in certain toothpastes.

Warning signs of xylitol poisoning include:

Vomiting
Lethargy
Loss of muscle coordination
Seizures

If you think that your dog or cat may have eaten something toxic, immediately contact your veterinarian or your local poison control center without delay.