| I didn't mean to scare you, but as a passionate care | | | | Other things we consider safe food may not be |
| taker of all dogs I felt obligated to bark out a loud | | | | healthy and down right lethal for dogs. Some |
| wake up call because if you can save yours or a | | | | mushrooms, for example, could cause (liver, and |
| friends dog my job to protect and warn you has | | | | kidney damage, or abdominal pain) plus while garlic is |
| been accomplished. | | | | especially good for us, it can cause vomiting and |
| Their keen sense of smell, and what we may | | | | diarrhea in poor Fido. |
| consider "rotten foods" (yesterdays garbage, for | | | | Little known common household toxins/poisons |
| example), even food you thought was out of reach | | | | 1. Artificial Sweeteners |
| is easily hunted down and accidentally eaten. You're | | | | Xylitol, a sugar substitute, can cause a -SEVERE- |
| dog will get into places thought impossible, track the | | | | sudden drop in blood glucose - look for signs of insulin |
| source and consume it guaranteed! | | | | overdose and low blood sugar; like staggering, |
| Dogs don't care what food it was, all they know is if | | | | weakness, seizures and even coma. Some products |
| it smells good to them it's fair game. | | | | containing this sweetener is Sugar-Free gum, some |
| Usually, knowing your dog is smart and having a well | | | | baked products and toothpaste. |
| thought out plan will prevent this. However, you can't | | | | 2. Fabric Softeners |
| watch them every minute and the occasional chicken | | | | The reactions can be extremely DANGEROUS to |
| or tasty side dish will mysteriously disappear. The side | | | | them. The chemical substances to stop clothes from |
| dish may be okay but cooked chicken bones can be | | | | clinging. Do not dry dog toys using softeners, as dogs |
| very dangerous. Raw bones on the other hand do | | | | and puppies may chew on these...plus a tiny piece of |
| not splinter like cooked ones. | | | | fabric softener if ingested can cause vomiting, muscle |
| Everyday foods we consume, and are healthy for us, | | | | twitching, and excessive drooling. |
| can be deadly to your dog. | | | | 3. Grapes/Raisins |
| Did you know a piece of chocolate that is dropped | | | | Only 6 or 7 grapes (or raisins) can cause some |
| or unknowingly feed by a child might potentially be | | | | terrible side effects... |
| very hazardous? This could become a disaster, as | | | | One of the biggest is Kidney Failure - but it varies |
| most dogs love chocolate just as much as most | | | | from dog to dog and even today vets DON'T KNOW |
| humans do, I wouldn't dare deprive you of this | | | | what causes this. It's certainly a little known |
| delicious treat, just be extra cautious. | | | | substance in grape skins and/or possibly chemical |
| Reports show it is high in human antioxidants, for | | | | sprays used in growing grapes. |
| your dog chocolate contains some chemicals, | | | | 4. Lilies |
| considered extremely dangerous, if not deadly. | | | | A popular flower grown in the USA and in our homes |
| Unfortunately, even small traces of these chemicals | | | | and gardens. There are toxic Easter Lilies, also Tiger |
| can cause your dog very serious medical conditions | | | | Lilies, Japanese Show Lily, Stargazer, and Rubrum. |
| such as higher heart rates, palpitations etc. Larger | | | | LILIES equal TOXINS |
| chunks can lead to cardiac arrest, seizures, coma and | | | | Leading to kidney problems, vomiting, diarrhea, and |
| ultimately death. | | | | heart conditions. |
| Be aware that various breeds of dogs show | | | | To recap, please don't assume because it's safe for |
| different levels of resistance to harmful chemicals in | | | | humans to eat, it may not be for dogs. |
| chocolate, and a dogs size and weight should also be | | | | Often dogs may eat things we find disgusting, |
| factored in... | | | | understanding how you're dog digest foods may help |
| While a pound of chocolate might kill a smaller dog, it | | | | to prevent very serious and even deadly health |
| may merely cause a 100lb dog a couple days of an | | | | issues! |
| upset tummy, and a smelly accident or two! Be kind | | | | Please jump over to our dog food reports |
| when cleaning the mess they can't tell you they ate | | | | (remember the huge 2007 dog food recall) I've put |
| it. Err on the side of caution, be sure any chocolate is | | | | together a comprehensive list and easy to follow |
| stored "out-of-reach" and that all family and friends, | | | | health plans, plus how to buy dog foods that are |
| especially younger kids, know "beware of dog" don't | | | | safe and can add 6-8 happy years to your dogs life! |
| feed them you're chocolate bars! | | | | |