Most people consider a pet a member of their family. We don’t stop at giving our pet dogs and cats a place in our homes, beds and sometimes even in wills; we also share with them our foods. But this is not a good idea because the diet that we feed them can directly impact their health, exposing them to or keeping them free of sickness, allergy and obesity. Here are a few things that you should not share with your pet dogs or cats:
Chocolate & coffee
Caffeinated drinks and foods can cause your cat or dog to become restless, have rapid breathing, heart palpitations and muscle tremors. That is because these products contain substances called methylxanthines. When pets ingest it methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate.
Raw meat & eggs
Raw meat and eggs always carry the risk of Salmonella or E. coli associated with these foods. There will be vomiting and diarrhea for some animals. Consult your vet before you add them to your pet’s diet.
Milk and dairy products
Like people, pets can be lactose-intolerant too. Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other dairy-based products in significant quantities might cause some of them gastrointestinal distress. There will be abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in some while some may not have any discomfort at all.
Grapes & raisins
Cats won’t eat these but if you feed them to your dogs they can suffer acute kidney failure.
Citrus plants
Pets show obvious revulsion for citrus plants. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals considers lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit to be toxic to dogs and cats. The offenders in the citrus fruits include essential oils and psoralen, a naturally-occurring compound in some plants. The essential oil, limonene, is toxic to pets. Citrus oil extract can be particularly dangerous, causing depression, drooling, falling, weakness, hypothermia and low blood pressure.
Onions & garlic
A staple in many human diets, onions and garlic can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage in pets. Cats are more susceptible but if consumed in significant quantities dogs are also at risk.
Despite all the precautions that you take, you might just miss a treat your pet has sneaked from the table or counter. If they show restlessness, are vomiting or whining or have diarrhea, call up your vet immediately.
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