Those eyes that stare at you while you eat are just too cute to want to ignore, but it is at this time where you need to teach your pets that begging for food is not good. The first step is to ignore them while you are eating - even though ignoring might lead to staring or barking. Just do not give in, we know you can do this :) Eventually, your hard work and effort will pay off, because this repeated behaviour (from your side) will help to teach them to not stare at you (with those longing eyes), hoping to get a piece of whatever it is that you have on your plate.
Today we wish to share with you a few crunchy munchy snacks which you can give to your beloved pets, but before we do that, please take note of the most common foods to avoid giving to your pets.
Not only can this cause bad behaviour throughout their life, but it can also cause illness or even be fatal.
Below is a list of the worst foods you can give to your furry friend and we explain why:
1. Chocolate (Cocoa) |
Yes, chocolate is toxic to dogs (and cats!). While rarely fatal, chocolate ingestion can result in significant illness. Chocolate is toxic because it contains a chemical called theobromine, as well as caffeine. Theobromine is the predominant toxin in chocolate and is very similar to caffeine. |
2. Grapes & Raisins |
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. Until more information is known about the toxic substance, it is best to avoid feeding grapes and raisins to dogs. Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. |
3. Garlic & onions |
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, garlic and other members of the allium family, including onions, contain thiosulfate, which is toxic to dogs but not to humans. Thiosulfate causes oxidative damage to red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anaemia. |
4. Macadamia nuts |
Not only do they have a high-fat content that can irritate dogs' stomachs, but also, for unknown reasons, macadamia nuts can be toxic. According to veterinarian Justine Lee, a dose of about two nuts per pound of body weight can result in poisoning that can lead to a temporary inability to walk. |
5. Avocado |
The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs and more serious signs in other animals due to a wide range in sensitivity across species. ... Avocado toxicity can cause serious signs in birds such as weakness, depression, feather pulling and agitation |
6. Alcohol |
Even small amounts of alcohol — not only in drinks but also in syrups and raw bread dough — can have ingredients that are poisonous for them. Both ethanol (the intoxicating agent in beer, wine and liquor) and hops (used to brew beer) can cause dogs alcohol intoxication. Signs of intoxication can include Vomiting. |
7. Raw Bread dough |
Raw bread dough that contains yeast can lead to serious and even fatal poisoning in dogs. The lump of unbaked bread dough will expand in the dog’s stomach causing severe abdominal distention. As the yeast cells ferment, blood ethanol can rise to toxic levels. |
8. Mouldy food |
Mycotoxins can cause profound muscle tremors which raise the body's core temperature to dangerously high levels. Without veterinary intervention, pets can become sick and following consumption of mouldy food and in the worst cases, it can be fatal. |
9. Bones/leftovers |
Be aware that any bone may cause a digestive upset in a dog. Cooked Bones Cooked, brittle bones are more likely to splinter which may cause fractured teeth and possible perforation of the intestine or throat either on the way down or on the way back up if the dog vomits. |
10. Ice Cream |
Since ice cream is made with milk, feeding your pets ice cream could lead to gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, or vomiting. The second problem with ice cream is that it is loaded with sugar, and feeding your pets sugary foods can lead to weight gain, which can lead to other health problems. |
11. Raw fish |
Raw fish is at risk of carrying harmful bacteria like salmonella and listeria. This is problematic for two reasons. One, it can make your dog sick, and two, according to the FDA, it can also make you and other members of your family ill. |
12. Plums, Persimmons and Peaches |
Seeds from persimmons can cause problems in a dog's small intestine. Peach and plum pits also have cyanide, which is poisonous to people and dogs. People know not to eat them. |
13. Xylitol Artificial Sweetener |
Xylitol can cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) as an animal's pancreas will confuse it will real sugar, which makes it release more insulin. The insulin then removes the real sugar in the body, leading to plummeting blood sugar levels. |
14. Salt |
Eating too much salt can make your dog seriously thirsty. That means a lot of trips to the fire hydrant and it could lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, tremors, high temperature, and seizures. It may even cause death. |
15. Sweets |
They become stuck to the teeth, and ultimately the teeth decay sets in remarkably fast. Further intestinal problems develop later on due to the rotting of the teeth.
Sweets, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol, and you might not realise this. It can cause your dog's blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Early symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and coordination problems. Eventually, your dog may have seizures. |
16. Hops | Compounds in the hops can cause malignant hyperthermia, which results in a rapid rise in body temperature. A dog's body temperature, which is normally below 40°C, can rapidly rise to 42°C or higher, potentially resulting in permanent damage to the organs and brain or even death. |
Natural treats that you can give your dog are the following:
1. Carrots and Apples (They are super crunchy)
2. Banana
3. Plain Popcorn
4. Berries
5. Beef/Chicken Strips
6. Chopped Liver
7. Cucumber, Green Beans,
If you found this information useful, please share it with your family and friends to help encourage a healthy happy pet for everyone.
Free Listings: List your South African Pet Service. Click here
Veterinarian Practice | Alternative Healing For Pets | Animal Grooming Services | Animal Training Services | Animal Shelters | Breed Specific Rescues | Breeders | Online Stores | Pet Clothing & Accessories Suppliers | Pet Day-Care Services | Pet Food Suppliers | Pet Kennelling Facilities | Pet Sitting / Walking Services | Other Pet Services