25 Human Foods That Are Poison To Pets

25 Human Foods That Are Poison To Pets
Recent alerts about unsafe commercial pet foods sounded an alarm among pet owners. Unfortunately, this problem isn t a first occurrence ” or even extremely rare. Incidents similar to this occur from time to time. Perhaps this is one reason more and more pet owners are opting to home cook for their pets. However, in order to properly home-cook for your pets, you should first have a basic knowledge of canine nutrition; and, even more importantly, a thorough knowledge of human foods that are harmful to dogs. Some foods which are safe for human consumption can be poisonous for our canine companions. E-dog-training.com has put together a list of 25 common human foods that are toxic to dogs. Of course, when in doubt, always check with your vet. Here is a list to get you started:

1. Onions (Both onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate. But onions are more of a danger. Many dog biscuits contain *small* amounts of garlic ” garlic contains less of this toxin so huge amounts would need to be consumed to be toxic. And, by the way, this poison builds up the system ” it can be toxic in one large dose ” or with repeated consumption of small amounts.)
2. Chocolate (Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. This can be fatal to dogs.)
3. Grapes (Grapes are dangerous because of an unknown substance which is toxic to dogs ” affects canine s kidneys)
4. Raisins (See above.)
5. Most Fruit Pits and Seeds (Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning ” though the fruit itself is OK.)
6. Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia nuts contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs.)
7. Bones (Most bones should *not* be given (especially chicken bones) because they can splinter and cause laceration of the digestive system and/or become lodged in your pet s throat ” so they also pose a choking hazard.)
8. Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes (Contain Oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
9. Rhubarb leaves (See above.)
10. Broccoli (Broccoli is only toxic in large quantities.)
11. Green parts of Tomatoes or Green Potatoes (Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)
12. Yeast Dough (Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet s stomach ” leading to rupture of the digestive system)
13. Coffee, Coffee Grounds, Tea, Soft Drinks (Coffee, tea, & most soft drinks are dangerous due to the caffeine.)
14. Beer/Wine/Alcohol of any kind (Alcohol of any kind could lead to coma or even death.)
15. Human Vitamins (Human vitamins, especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining of the digestive system as well as cause kidney and liver damage)
16. Moldy or Spoiled Food (I think this goes without saying.)
17. Persimmons (Persimmons can cause intestinal blockage)
18. Raw Eggs and Raw Fish (Raw eggs and some raw fish can cause Salmonella poisoning.)
19. Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder (In large amounts these can cause an electrolyte imbalance ” and severe electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle spasm or even congestive heart failure.)
20. Mushrooms (Mushrooms may contain toxins which could cause liver and kidney damage)
21. Sugar-Free Foods (Sugar-free foods containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs.)
22. Nutmeg (Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.)
23. Excessive Fatty Foods (Excess fatty foods can cause Pancreatitis.)
24. Avocado (All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.)
25. Diary Products (Dairy products don t usually pose a great danger; but many dairy product have high fat content (see number 23) ” and many pets are lactose intolerant ” some pets more than others. Lactose intolerance leads to gas and diarrhea; though small amounts of yogurt and cheese are usually fairly well tolerated.)

Keep these 25 toxic foods in mind when cooking for your dog. There may be other foods that your dog can not consume; so always ask your vet when you are unsure about anything concerning your pet ” including being sure you include all ingredients necessary for proper pet nutrition. Visit our website at: http://www.e-dog-training.com for more information.

Visit <http://www.e-dog-training.com> soon for the latest free dog training tips and advice. Full article available at: http://www.e-dog-training.com/HumanFoodsToxicToDogs.html Puppy Training Tips: http://www.e-dog-training.com/Top10PuppyTrainingTips.htmlCopyright 2007 Article may be reprinted and/or distributed if credit/link provided to: http://www.e-dog-training.com

Dog Insurance to Keep Your Pet Happy & Healthy
It seems that most of us will do whatever our veterinarian recommends for treatment to get our dogs back to their happy, healthy, lives. Therefore you should give serious consideration to buying dog insurance in case your little love ones get sick or injured. If you really think of your dog as part of your family it is inevitable that certain things will be demanded of you in making your dog’s life as comfortable as possible. As we all know, life is unpredictable and things do not always go as we hope they will. This is why as dog owners we must realize that dog insurance comes with its benefits and therefore not something you can afford to ignore. Unfortunately, when sickness suddenly strikes your dog many times it can cost more money than you ever expected. For this reason you really owe it to yourself and to your dog to carry pet insurance. Good pet insurance plans are easy to find on the internet which offers an array of quality plans with excellent policies. Routine visits to a vet or when unexpected issues like an accident or an illness comes up make it clear the benefits of having dog insurance. The expense of medical bills could really be costly at times, but having pet insurance helps you to handle the medical bills with ease. Contrary to popular belief dog insurance is relatively inexpensive. When you consider the savings in event of an accident or illness and how much it will reduce the burden of the vet care bill you will find dog insurance a life saver. Your sure to feel peace of mind in knowing that if an injury or sickness strikes your dog… you will have pet insurance to help cover the costs. One of the advantages of having pet insurance is that most of the policies available will cover emergency care, vaccinations and routine surgery such as neutering and spaying. Just like with any insurance plan, when purchasing dog insurance must make sure you compare their rates and terms. You will also want to ensure that you get a plan that suits both your finances and your dog. Read the fine print on the policy and don’t assume anything. Ask questions if you don’t understand anything and your vet can also help you in choosing a reliable dog insurance company. You certainly don’t want to sign on with companies that are only interested in taking your money and who will avoid fulfilling their part of the contract. Most people wouldn’t think of going without insurance for themselves or their families, but what happens when a beloved pet suddenly gets sick or has some kind of unexpected accident? Don’t lose your loving pet because you didn’t take the time to buy insurance. There are many affordable dog insurance plans that will offset the high costs necessary to save your companion’s life. When getting dog insurance recognize that some companies will not insure your dog if she has a pre-existing health issue or conditions. Don’t worry, just discuss your interests and desires in a plan with your vet, they should be able to advice you on the policy you should get.

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Doggy odor in Labrador Retrievers
Why does a Labrador have doggy odor?

Like any other animal, dogs will walk, run, and play in areas that might result in their gathering dirt, disease, or odor. The Labrador retriever may begin to produce odor due to a number of factors, such as oily skin, dirt accumulation, ear or anal infections, and dental/plaque buildup. Not only can odor be offensive, it can be a sign of an unhealthy retriever. If a Labrador retriever is not monitored, and the sources of doggy odor are not removed, the Labrador retriever will develop chronic physical problems.

What to do About Doggy Odor?

When a Labrador retriever begins to emit doggy odor, closely inspect the dog from head to tail. Check the retriever s ears for debris, red skin, and odor. If an ear infection is present, it could be the result of the dog s ears not being properly ventilated. Ear infections are common in dogs with ears that are floppy or folded over. If the dog s ears are not properly ventilated, the inside becomes moist and warm, and infection can easily result.

Look in the dog s mouth for plaque buildup on the teeth, and for discolored or missing teeth. In addition to the well-known dog breath, additional odor may be coming from the dog s mouth as a result of food buildup and poor oral hygiene. Check the retriever s feet; there may be a cut or infection on the dog s foot pads. This type of injury should be immediately cleaned and bandaged. Run your fingers through the dog s coat, and make sure you inspect all sides of the coat. There may be a concealed skin injury underneath the Labrador s fur. Also, check for an oily or greasy texture appearing on the retriever s coat. The coat might be producing dandruff or the skin may be flaky.

One of the most prominent areas for odor generation is the retriever s backside. There could be anal infection, a buildup of feces on the dog s coat, or the Labrador might be constipated or have diarrhea, both of which will produce significant odor.

As you are inspecting the retriever s body, take detailed notes on what you see, smell, feel, and hear. These notes will become valuable when you take the dog to a veterinarian. Also, it will document signs or symptoms that you might forget to tell the veterinarian.

If your dog is exhibiting odor and is found to have an infection or illness, take proactive measures to protect your Labrador retriever. Take action and make a dog-care schedule for your Labrador.

Dogs need to be kept clean, but caution must be taken not to give the Labrador too many baths. If the dog is bathed every week, the retriever s coat is deprived of natural oils. As a result, over- bathing a Labrador can increase odor. A dog should be bathed once a month.

Part of maintaining a clean home includes washing animal bedding, play toys, and the dog s collar. After washing the Labrador s bedding, make sure that the bedding is completely dry before allowing the dog to sleep on it. If the bedding has been removed from the dryer or brought in from a clothes line, vacuum the bedding with a small hand vacuum; this will remove any debris that was left by the dryer.

A Labrador retriever should be monitored when it goes outside, especially if your home is in a rural and/or wooded area. The dog might be picking up odors from discarded garbage or a dead animal carcass. Odors from rotting food or meat are extremely pungent. Also, they can induce vomiting if eaten. If your Labrador is allowed to go into wooded areas or alleys, follow the dog to see if he is eating carrion or miscellaneous garbage.

When dogs have odor emitting from their teeth or gums, it can be treated with a professional brushing which can include removing plaque from the dog s mouth. Ask the vet about dog treats that are designed to help keep teeth and gums clean. Make teeth inspection a regular part of your dog s cleaning schedule.

When your retriever has been playing in dirt or mud, keep two or three old towels ready to clean the dog s coat. One towel can be put in water and used to clean the dog s coat, and the other towel can remain dry and used to dry the dog s coat. Dogs enjoy physical attention and respond well to having their coats cleaned.

Brushing the retriever on a daily basis helps to reduce smell, remove excess fur, and stimulate new hair growth.

Finally, ask your veterinarian about changing the Labrador s diet. Dog food that contains solid meat promotes healthy skin, teeth, gums, and stools. High-quality food is available through a veterinarian or at large-scale pet shops. When shopping at a pet store, ask the store staff for recommendations.

Animal odors can result from a number of different sources. To make sure that your Labrador retriever is free of odor, it is necessary to perform regular visual checkups. The doggy odor will be removed when the dog s body is inspected thoroughly, cleaned regularly, and taken to the veterinarian for regular checkups.

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If you are searching for odor, learn the reason.

Nancy Richards has been a dog lover for the past 12 years. She has owned and handled dogs of different ages and have helped many fellow owners in training their dog

dog adoption costs
Before you decide to bring a dog home, it is absolutely essential that you give some thought to the costs that you will be incurring in the process. It s not the purchase alone, though even that is likely to be expensive in the case of some superior breeds of dogs, but also the cost of the equipments you will have to buy to make your home habitable for your pet. Then there are the visits to the vet, which have to be regularly made, and the expensive vaccinations, which the puppy has to be given. So, all in all, you will have to make pretty sure that your wallet can take the beating before you bring your doggy home.

What then, are the costs, and how much are they? Let s start at the beginning. You have to buy the dog unless you are lucky enough to have it presented to you by a friend or a family member and the cost of this initial purchase can vary very widely. The variance will firstly depend on the type of dog you are buying. A purebred companion only puppy usually starts from around $800 but can go up to astronomical amounts for rare or exotic breeds. If you prefer to adopt a non-purebred variety from a shelter, it will cost you from around $150 to $300.

Costs also differ in different geographic locations so it is difficult for us to tell you of one fixed sum that you will have to pay for any given variety of dog. Visit the sources in your locality from where people normally buy dogs and check on the prices. And this includes the internet. After some queries on your part, you will be able to come to a fix on what your desired dog costs.

Now that you ve got your dog, it s time to look at the other costs you will have to start to incur. Let s start with the one - time costs.

One Time Costs Average Cost
Fence $300 - $1500
Bowls $25
Collar $6
Training Collar $10
Leash $12
Bed $40
Crate $100
Brush/Grooming tools $20
Shampoo/ Coat care $15
Neuter/ Spay ( Based on weight ) $300
Microchip $50



Then there are the annual costs, which you have to be prepared for. I enumerate them below:

Vaccinations $185
Heartworm Test $35
Heartworm Preventive $65
Flea/Tick Preventive $120
Food $480
Toys/Treats $45
Tag $5

And then there are other costs:

Boarding ” per day ( with 2 playtimes ) $25
Grooming ” per time $50
Training classes ( Per 6-8 classes ) $100
Individual training ( Per session ) $100



And remember, this list is for grown up dogs and not puppies. If it s a puppy you are adopting, the costs increase. There s a check up, a series of 4 sets of vaccines, worming, heartworm tests, all of which will cost you close to $300. Then there is puppy food, which will set you back around $450 and toys/treats, which will cost approximately $65.

So, as you will have counted up from the figures given above, in the first year, you will be spending approximately $1500 to $2500 over and above the cost of buying your dog. After the first year, you will spend less per year ” about $1000. Smaller dogs cost a bit less and larger dogs cost more.

Apart from all this, your dog will have lifelong healthcare needs. There will be shots and medicines you will be administering as preventive care and there will almost certainly be unexpected accidents, injuries or illnesses, however well you look after your dog.

It is therefore utterly essential that you objectively evaluate your budget and come to a decision as to whether you can really afford a dog. He will look to you for your support in all things and you owe it to him to give him, not only your love, but proper care, food and medical attention. These don t come free ” so ask yourself whether you can afford to get that dog you always wanted. If you realize that you can t, it s best to do without, both for your sake and his.

Anybody is free to use the article in their website as long as an acknowledgement is given Nancy Richards' and a link to the site www.traindogsandpuppies.com

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