We all know that at this time we are more likely to give a treat to our dogs, a little chocolate at Christmas, a little champagne in the New Year and the list of mistakes we make in the feeding of our pets around continues, is not out of malice, but is rather, for lack of knowledge! That's exactly why I write this article in order to avoid food poisoning in our pets!
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol can cause problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, ranging from drowsiness to even the animal's coma, difficulty breathing, tremors and sometimes leading to death. Therefore I recommend that you in no way let your pet drink alcohol.
CHOCOLATE, CAFEINE
All of these foods contain a substance called methylxanthin, which has a high central nervous system stimulating power, found in cocoa beans, the fruits of the plant used to make coffee, nuts and extracts used in some soft drinks and teas. When ingested by our pets, methylxanthins can cause vomiting and diarrhea, gasping, excessive thirst and urine, hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures and even death.
CITRUS
The branches, leaves, peels, fruits, and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid, essential oils that can cause irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression if ingested in large quantities. Small doses should not cause damage to the gastrointestinal system of the pet but are to be avoided in any way.
GRAPE, PASSENGERS
Pay attention to the raisins in the New Year, the toxic substance inside grapes and raisins is unknown, These fruits can cause kidney failure. Until more information is known about the toxic substance and its toxicity, it is best to avoid feeding, especially dogs, grapes and raisins.
NUTS, AMENDMENTS
As mentioned earlier, walnuts are toxic to our animals and can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs of walnut poisoning usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last between 12 and 48 hours.. These products have a large amount of oils and fats and can also cause pancreatitis in our dogs.
MILK, MILK
These products cause diarrhea or other digestive disorders to the pets because they do not have significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk).
RAW MEAT, EGGS AND BOGS
Raw meat and raw or undercooked eggs can contain pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which are harmful to our pets and also to us humans. Raw eggs can cause skin and coat problems. Feeding the animals raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option, simulating the feeding that the animal would have in the wild. However, this type of feeding can be very dangerous for your pet, causing it to choke on the bones, or suffer from a serious injury if the bone splinters and lodges or pierces the animal's digestive tract.
CEBOLA, ALHO, CEBOLINHO
These vegetables, so used in traditional Portuguese cuisine, can cause gastrointestinal irritation and lead to damage to red blood cells. Although cats are more susceptible, Dogs are also at risk if they eat a large amount of these foods.
SAL, SALT
Large amounts of salt can cause thirst and excessive urine, or even lead to sodium ion poisoning. Signs that may be presented by the dog who has eaten large amounts of salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. As such, you should avoid the consumption of snacks, fries and salted popcorn by your pets.
GOMAS, DOCES
The substance xylitol is used as a sweetener in many foods, including gums, sweets, biscuits and even toothpaste. The substance leads to the release of insulin in most species, which can cause liver failure and hypoglycaemia (decreased sugar levels). The initial signs that the intoxicated animal will present include vomiting and loss of motor coordination. These signs can progress to seizures.
LEVEL MASS
It can cause gas to accumulate in the digestive system sometimes causing pain and discomfort for the animal and can also cause stomach bloating and potential twisting, thus becoming a life-threatening clinical emergency for your dog.
CONCLUSION
If you suspect that your dog has eaten any of the foods mentioned above, contact your veterinarian immediately so that everything runs smoothly and the state of health of your faithful friend does not worsen!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This article was written for VOST Portugal, by André Serol, student of the 3rd year of the Veterinary Medicine course of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Lusophone University of Humanities and Technologies, at the invitation of VOST Portugal.
English