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7 Foods to Be Careful NOT to Feed Your Dog

There are few among us who haven't been tempted to share "human" food with our pets. The important thing to remember is that just because something might be considered healthy for us (or not so healthy, but we eat it anyway), doesn't mean those foods are safe for our furry friends. As a matter of fact, there are several fruits, vegetables and other food groups that are toxic for them. Following is a list of the top toxic "human" foods to avoiding feeding your dog(s).

educational-numbers-kids-posterSALTY FOODS High amounts of salt can cause sodium ion poisoning, excessive urination, and thirst in pets. Indications that your pet has consumed too much salt include depression, diarrhea, vomiting, elevated body temperature, tremors, seizures, and even death. Avoid feeding pets salt-heavy snacks like pretzels, popcorn with salt, potato chips, etc.

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UNDERCOOKED and/or RAW FOODS Raw eggs and meat may contain bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella that's harmful to both humans and pets. Raw eggs also contain an enzyme called avidin that is known to lessen the assimilation of the B vitamin biotin, which can cause coat and skin problems. You should also avoid giving your pet raw bones, because they can end up choking on them. Raw bones can even cause a deadly injury, because splinters of bone can end up getting lodged in and puncturing your dog’s digestive track.

educational-numbers-kids-poster - Copy - CopyCHIVES, GARLIC, and ONIONS These herbs and vegetables are known to cause gastrointestinal irritation, leading to red blood cell damage. Even though cats are more at risk, dogs are as well if they consume a large amount.

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DAIRY Dairy-based products can upset the digestive system. Pets don't have significant amounts of the enzyme lactase which breaks down the lactose in milk.

educational-numbers-kids-poster - Copy - Copy - CopyCITRUS All parts of citrus plants - the leaves, stems, peels, seeds, and the fruit itself contain citric acid which causes, not just irritation, but central nervous system depression if consumed in considerable amounts. Small amounts, like eating a little of the fruit, aren't likely to cause major issues beyond a minor upset stomach.

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NUTS All nuts contain substantial amounts of fats and oils that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly pancreatitis in pets. Macadamia nuts are particularly dangerous for pets to eat, potentially causing tremors, vomiting, hyperthermia, weakness, and depression in dogs.

educational-numbers-kids-poster - Copy - Copy - Copy - CopyRAISINS and GRAPES While the actual toxic substance in raisins and grapes is unknown, these fruits can lead to kidney failure and death in pets. Common early symptoms include vomiting, excessive thirst and urination, and lethargy.



If your pet has consumed any of the foods listed above, try to determine the amount ingested, and immediately contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour hotline: (888) 426-4435 dog wearing food

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