Some foods may be harmless to human beings but dangerous for pets. Therefore, pet lovers need to identify which foods cause danger and how to protect their pets. Here are some of these items.
Foods Hazards
Pets have a different metabolism from us. While some foods are perfectly safe for people to use, they may be fatal to animals. These are some of the foods dangerous to pets:
- Alcohol
Alcohol can cause kidney and liver damage to pets. Sometimes, it causes acidosis in pets leading to cardiac arrest. If your pet consumes alcohol, it exhibits symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing problems.
- Avocado
Avocados are healthy for humans, but they contain a substance called persin. Persin acts as dog poison. Besides its content, the ample seed poses a choking hazard to pets. Symptoms of avocado poisoning include respiratory distress, fluid accumulation around the heart, and congestion.
- Onions
Onions contain a disulfide that causes the breakdown of red-blooded cells leading to anemia in pets. Pets that suffer onion poisoning include weakness, loss of appetite, reddish urine, pale gums, and sometimes fainting. Seek medical attention immediately once your pet exhibits these symptoms.
- Xylitol
Xylitol is a compound that is used to sweeten candies. When ingested by pets, it may cause a rapid decrease in blood sugar, which consequently causes weakness and seizures. Sometimes, the pet may suffer liver failure.
Over-the-counter Medications
Various medications like antihistamines can lead to vomiting, drooling, convulsions, and wobbliness in pets. Other drugs that have fatal effects on pets include ibuprofen and aspirin, paracetamol, opiate pain killers, caffeine pills, and high-strength iron supplements.
Prescription Veterinary Products
Pets can consume the prescribed animal medication in high amounts. If left unattended, a pet may chew through a plastic container that contains medication pills.
Chemicals
Pets come into contact with chemicals that may harm them. These chemicals include:
- Insecticides
Pets can be easily exposed to pesticides found in households. Most pesticides and insecticides irritate your pet. Other symptoms of insecticide and pesticide poisoning include drooling, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Sometimes, these chemicals combine with other chemicals and are life-threatening to pets.
- Cleaning Products and Detergents
Oven and window cleaners contain ammonia that is an irritant. When inhaled or ingested, it can cause damage to your pet’s organs. Chlorine, present in all-purpose cleaners, also damages your pet’s eyes and skin. Since pets have smaller bodies, they are more affected by the toxic exposure of cleaners’ chemicals.
Preventing Pet Poisoning
Even though most pet poisonings occur by accident, it is essential to protect your pet from potential hazards. Remember to lock cabinets and containers that store chemicals. Avoid leaving possible toxins lying in open places. Instead, store them out of reach and clean any possible spills. Give your pet medication as instructed by the veterinarian.
If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, get professional help immediately. Visit Madison Animal Care Hospital in Madison, Alabama, to get proper treatment for pet poisoning. For any inquiries about pet poisoning, feel free to call us at (256) 461-7575.
