Common Foods Harmful to Pets

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As responsible pet owners we must be diligentabout protecting our pets from harm. Besides taking care of their basicsafety needs and seeing that they get regular veterinary care, thisshould also include closely monitoring the foods they eat. This isespecially true if you are feeding your dog or cat any type of humanfood.

Some people have always given their pets human food as atreat in addition to their own dog or cat chow. However, in light ofthe recent pet food recalls throughout the United States and some otherregions,many pet parents are opting to make their own, completelyforgoing commercially made pet foods.

While this may offer peaceof mind for some, it may not be safe without knowing what foods you canand can't give to your pet, as well as learning their exact nutritionalneeds.

Before you head to the cupboard or pantry to prepare yourpet's next meal, make it a point to learn what foods and products mayactually 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

Manypeople may be surprised to see milk on the list of foods that can beharmful to our pets. Although they may like the taste, cats and dogs,unlike most humans, do not have enough lactase, which is the enzymeneeded to break down the lactose in milk. Milk, as well as othermilk-based dairy products, may cause digestive difficulties in pets,particularly dogs. Diarrhea, upset stomach, and even vomiting canoccur, 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 perfectlysafe 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
incertain toothpastes.

Warning signs of xylitol poisoning include:

* Vomiting
* Lethargy
* Loss of muscle coordination
* Seizures

Ifyou think that your dog or cat may have eaten something
toxic,immediately contact your veterinarian or your local poison
controlcenter without delay.

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