Human Foods that Can Be Fatal For Dogs

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Human Foods that Can Be Fatal For Dogs

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Some foods that we eat as humans are not safe or even fatal for canines. So before you give your dog anything that you eat, make sure that it’s safe. Here are some of the foods that humans often eat which can be life-threatening for dogs.

• Chocolates. Even an ounce of chocolate (especially dark chocolate) can be fatal for dogs. Symptoms like vomiting and seizure may not show up right away but it can lead to comma and even death.

• Ham and bacon. Both contain too much salt and fat which can cause pancreatitis. Eating salty foods can also lead dogs to drink too much water which can cause bloating and death.

Onions and garlic. Both can destroy a canine’s red blood cells and may cause anemia.

• Grapes and raisins. Even a few pieces of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure on dogs.

• Avocado. Avocadoes contain persin which can be damaging to the heart, lungs and other body tissues in animals. It can also lead to pancreatitis and cardiovascular malfunctions.

• Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain tomatine and atropine- enzymes that when ingested by dogs, can cause diarrhea, constipation, lethargy, difficulty in breathing, seizures, comma and death.

• Nutmeg, walnuts and macadamia nuts. For dogs, these nuts can cause diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting, trembling and paralysis.

• Caffeine. Coffee, tea and other beverages that contain caffeine are harmful for dogs. These can cause heart palpitations, cardiac arrest, and death.

• Artificial Sweeteners. These food products contain xylitol, which can cause hypoglycemia or excessively low blood sugar levels in dogs.

• Fruit pits. Pits from peach, pear, apples, cherry, plum, apricot, etc. contain cyanide. When ingested in large doses, it can be poisonous for dogs.

• Too much salt. Just like in humans, excessive salt intake can lead to kidney problems for dogs.

• Raw liver or too much cooked liver. In dogs, it can lead to bone deformities, excessive bone growth and anorexia. Watch out how frequent you feed your dogs with dog foods that contain liver. Always read the label.

• Wild mushrooms. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, abdominal pain, liver and kidney damage, coma and death.

• Raw eggs. The protein called avidin in egg whites can drain your dog’s biotin (vit. B). Biotin is essential for dogs as the lack of it can cause weakness, hair loss, bone deformity, and growth retardation. Raw egg yolks also contain salmonella, which is harmful for both dogs and human.

• Cooked chicken bones. When ingested, these can splinter and tear a dog’s internal organs.

Also, check out these 17 Common Poisonous Plants for dogs and pets by the Animal Poison Control Center.

Mitral Valve Disease and Dogs

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Mitral Valve Disease and Dogs

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What is  mitral valve disease?
It is a heart condition where the mitral valve (the valve on the left side of the heart) fails to function properly.

Who are most commonly affected?
Studies show that this disease are common in adult dogs or older dogs that are small to medium sized breeds. High prevalence of the disease were found in King Charles spaniel, Chihuahua, miniature poodle, miniature pinscher, terriers and miniature schnauzers.

What causes mitral valve disease in dogs?
This condition is caused by the accumulation of plaque in a dog's heart valve. Because the mitral valve is unable to function properly, blood is leaked back to the atrium (upper chamber) of the heart. As a result, the heart tries to pump harder to deliver blood to the atrium which can lead to congestive heart failure.

What are the symptoms of this condition?
Symptoms may not be obvious right away but as the condition worsens, a dog with this condition may have difficulty breathing and may experience frequent coughing. Clinical examinations on dogs may show heart murmur, a weak pulse and an increased heart rate.

How can this disease be prevented?
Although the exact cause of plaque accumulation cannot be specified, studies show that a dog's diet and physical activity plays a big role in preventing complications. Medical experts suspect that genetic predisposition is also a major factor in acquiring the disease.

What tests are needed to diagnose this condition?
A complete blood count(CBC), urinalysis, chest x-rays, electrocardiogram, and ultrasound heart examination are usually conducted to diagnose the problem. Regular check-up with your veterinary is a must since early detection can help improve your dog's condition.

What is the treatment for mitral valve disease?
As of yet, there is no cure for this disease. Although mitral valve replacement is done in humans, mitral valve surgery or mitral valve repair is not done in dogs. Presently, medications are available to help improve the dog's heart and alleviate some of its symptoms. A low sodium diet can also help prevent further complications.