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Your Kid could have a
negative reaction to the following foods/items. As always, call your Veterinarian
with any concerns or questions!
 People food. Your Kid may look so cute as he sits there begging for a bite of your
chocolate cake or a chip covered in guacamole but not giving him what he wants
could save his life. Animals have different metabolisms than people. Some foods
and beverages that are perfectly safe for people can be dangerous and sometimes
fatal for your Kid.
 Chocolate. Chocolate
products contain substances called methylxanthine that can cause vomiting in
small doses and death if ingested in larger quantities. Darker chocolate
contains more of these dangerous substances than do white or milk chocolate.
The amount of chocolate that could result in death depends on the type of
chocolate and the size of the dog. For smaller breeds, just half an ounce of
baking chocolate can be fatal, while a larger dog might survive eating 4 to 8
ounces. Coffee and caffeine have similarly dangerous chemicals.
Alcohol and Yeast Dough. Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol a seriously toxic chemical compound
that causes central nervous system and respiratory depression. Uncooked yeast
dough also produce ethanol. Even small amounts of ethanol can cause toxic
effects. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in animals are similar to those in
people, and may include vomiting, breathing problems, coma and, in severe
cases, death. So be careful with your cocktail or glass of wine.
Avocado.
Avocadoes have a substance called persin that can act as a dog poison, causing
vomiting and diarrhea.
Macadamia nuts. Dogs may suffer from a series of symptoms, including weakness,
overheating, and vomiting, after consumption of macadamia nuts.
Grapes and raisins. These fruits can induce kidney failure in dogs. Even a small number may
cause problems in some dogs.
Onions. Onions can cause a form of hemolytic anemia
called Heinz body anemia, a condition that causes the destruction of red blood
cells. Kidney damage may follow. Toxicity may occur from similar foods such as
garlic and chives. Poisoning can result from raw, cooked and dehydrated forms.
Avoid feeding table scraps and any foods cooked with onions including some baby
foods. Check your ingredients! Symptoms include pale gums, rapid heart rate,
weakness and lethargy. Other signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody
urine.
Caffeine. Caffeine is quite
similar to the toxic chemical in chocolate. It can damage the heart, lungs,
kidney and central nervous system. Commons sources of toxicity include caffeine
pills, coffee beans and coffee, large amounts of tea, and chocolate. Symptoms begin
with restlessness, hyperactivity and vomiting. These can be followed by
panting, weakness, drunken gait, increased heart rate, muscle tremors and
convulsions. Your vet may induce vomiting or perform gastric lavage. Treatment
includes administration of activated charcoal and supportive care with fluid
therapy and medications.
Fruit Pits and Seeds. Apple seeds, cherry
pits, peach pits, and plum pits contain the toxin cyanide. Signs of cyanide
poisoning include vomiting, heavy breathing, apnea tachycardia, cardiac
arrhythmias, coma, and skin irritation. In some cases, antidotes are available.
Other treatments include oxygen therapy, fluids and supportive care. Also the
leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause
vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Rotten or Moldy Foods. Moldy or rotten foods can cause many problems for your dog, some more
serious than others. Any food that seems "past its prime" should be
kept out reach. Be especially careful to keep your dog away from trash cans. If
you won’t eat it, don’t expect your Kid to eat it! Botulism often from garbage
can cause paralysis, slow heart rate, constipation, and urine retention. An
antitoxin is effective only if poisoning is caught early enough. Rotten fruit
produces ethanol, causing the same effects associated with alcohol or yeast dough.
Moldy foods contain toxins that may cause muscle tremors, convulsions and
drunkenness. Therapy depends on the toxin. Your vet may induce vomiting.
Sometimes, treatment includes activated charcoal. Supportive care with fluids
and medications is often necessary.
Xylitol.
This sweetener is found in many products including sugar-free gum and candy. It
causes a rapid drop in blood sugar, resulting in weakness and seizures. Liver
failure also has been reported in some dogs. Be careful with gum in your purse
or the human kidz placing their gum in the garbage can!
Rat and mouse poison. If ingested by dogs,
can cause severe problems. The symptoms depend on the nature of the poison, and
signs may not start for several days after consumption. In some instances, the
dog may have eaten the poisoned rodent, and not been directly exposed to the
toxin.
Pet medications. Just as we can be sickened or killed by medications intended to help us
cases of pet poisoning by veterinary drugs are not uncommon. Some of the more
commonly reported problem medications include painkillers and de-wormers. Keep
those meds in a safe place and always follow the prescribed directions.
Household plants. They may be pretty but
plants aren’t necessarily pet friendly. Some of the more toxic plants to dogs
include Azaleas and rhododendrons these pretty flowering plants contain toxins that may cause
vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and potentially even death. Tulips and daffodils the bulbs of these plants may cause
serious stomach problems, convulsions, and damage to the heart. Sago
palms eating just
a few may be enough to cause vomiting, seizures, and liver failure. Check the
type of plants you have and the toxicity to animals if any.
Medications for people. Drugs that might be
beneficial, or even life-saving, for people can have the opposite effect for
your Kid and it doesn’t always take a large dose to do major damage. Some of
the most common and harmful medications that poison dogs include Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen,
which can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers or kidney failure, Antidepressants,
which may cause vomiting and, in more serious instances, serotonin syndrome; a
dangerous condition that raises temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and may
cause seizures and, Isoniazid, a tuberculosis
drug, is difficult for dogs to process. Even one tablet can cause problems in a
small dog. Signs of poisoning include seizures and coma. Always keep your meds
from your Kid and never give your Kid medications without discussing with your Veterinarian.
Flea and tick products. Thousands of animals are unintentionally poisoned by flea and tick
products every year. Problems can occur if dogs accidentally ingest these
products or if small dogs receive excessive amounts. Always follow the
directions of the product carefully.
Household Chemical
Ingestion.
Your Kid can eat all kinds of things from common cleaners to detergent to
mothballs. As in any case of poisoning, it is better to prevent it from
occurring in the first place. Nevertheless, if your Kid should consume a
dangerous chemical, be sure to take your Kid and a sample of the substance with
you to the vet immediately. Symptoms differ according to the poisonous
substance ingested, but can include vomiting, shaking, and diarrhea. Treatment
will also depend on the type of poison, but often includes the use of activated
charcoal, vomit inducers, and fluids.
Fertilizer. Products for your lawn
and garden may be poisonous to pets that ingest them. Look for ‘Pet Safe’
fertilizer.
Insecticide Toxicity. This is caused by
overuse and misuse of insecticides, both in the home and yard. Poisoned Kidz will
display vomiting, fever, diarrhea, weight loss, appetite loss, seizures,
depression, trouble breathing and tremors. If you see such signs, or suspect
your Kid has been exposed to an insecticide, go to the vet immediately,
preferably with a sample of the product. Treatment will likely include the use
of fluids and activated charcoal to induce vomiting, or a special external wash
if your pet's skin was exposed to the insecticide. Just be sure to limit
insecticide use in and around your home, and follow the product’s instructions
carefully. Also look for ‘Pet Safe’ products from your home and garden
retailer.
Antifreeze Poisoning (Ethylene
Glycol Toxicity). Your Kid will find the aroma and taste of anti-freeze delicious this is
because of the ethylene glycol, a common ingredient in antifreeze brands.
Unfortunately it is deadly, and only a small amount, a few tablespoons,
depending on the animal’s size, can kill your Kid. It’s best to know the early
signs, since survival depends on speedy treatment. These include vomiting,
excessive thirst, seizures and drunk-like behavior. A vet may suggest giving
your Kid activated charcoal, plenty of fluids and a gastric lavage (stomach
wash) to prevent any more toxin from being absorbed into the Kidz blood stream.
Be careful with antifreeze and watch for any leaks in your garage and driveway!
Gastric Foreign Body. You can't leave Kidz
alone, because there is no telling what they might put in their mouths. Your
Kid dogs will eat anything, including your remote control and cell phone. This
can be very dangerous for your Kid. The presence of a foreign object in the
body can make the Kidz intestine fold in like a fan, leading to complications
and even death from the lack of blood flow. If this occurs, surgery is required
to remove the dead part of the intestine. Symptoms to watch out for include
vomiting, fever, shock, and a refusal to eat. Avoid the worry and make sure you
Kid your home, placing all objects that may be swallowed in a safe and secure
place.
Mushrooms. Mushrooms can be
harmful to your Havanese. Some can even be deadly. Please check the area
regularly where you walk your Havanese and remove any mushrooms that may have
popped up.
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