Good For You, Not Good For Your Dog

01/06/09

If you have counter surfers in your household like I do, every day is an adventure in keeping pets safe and healthy.� My kids and I work hard to keep medications, plants and household cleaners far out of �the reach of our canine companions, but it's not so easy to dog proof the kitchen for one big potential danger: human food!�� If it's delicious to you, it's most likely delicious to your dog, and sometimes, that's a big problem. There are foods popping up on the poison control lists now that are on the "good" list for humans, but are reportedly a big no-no for our four footed friends.�

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Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. Note that baking chocolate and darker chocolate are more dangerous than milk chocolate.��Overdose can lead to death.

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and death.

Avocado
The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. A definite no no.

Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and candies. However, they can cause fever and heart problems for your canine companion.

Grapes & Raisins
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure.

Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet's digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is baked, pets can have small bits of bread as treats.

Onions, Garlic, Chives
These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed.

Milk
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Salt
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets.

Other organisations add a few extras to the list like fruit pits and seeds.� Experts on About.com claim apple seeds and pits from cherries, peaches and plums are full of cyanide, which can cause vomiting, breathing problems, heart problems and even coma.�� Don't forget the biggest issue with fruit pits is the obvious choking hazard if they are swallowed whole.

Some claim that the dog's digestive tract is so much shorter than a human's, that spoiled or moldy foods won't affect it.� Vets say "not so", rotten food can contain botulism, and ethanol produced by decaying fruit.� Some mold can contain toxins that cause muscle tremors and convulsions.�

Keeping dogs out of trouble in the kitchen is no easy task.� Training your dogs to "stay" when you put them in a down position is a great start, but it's best to keep them completely out of the room when you are cooking or eating.� Keep all food off countertops, and out of lower cupboards when possible. Whenever the trash contains dangerous foods, make sure it's in a securely covered bin, or preferably, get it right out of the kitchen into a place where the dogs aren't allowed. �If your house is like mine, you'll have one talented dog who can break into anything in spite of your best efforts, so make sure you have your vet's phone number, and an animal poison control number right by the phone just in case disaster strikes.��

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