Even when they're not hungry, dogs will still chew on paper, shoes and whatever is in its path, especially during the puppy phase. Since they don't understand the dangers around them, their owners must take precautions.
Of course, it goes without saying that household cleaning products, insecticides, and human medicines should be kept out of their reach, but there are many things that may seem harmless, that aren’t.
Some "People" Foods Make Dogs Sick
Many dog owners feel they should share at least a bite of whatever they are eating with their dog. But if they understood the risks for their pet, they would change that thinking.The ASPCA has a full list of people food that puts dogs in danger, an example of common ones are:
- Grapes and Raisins
- Avocado
- Citrus Fruit
- Chocolate
- Coffee
They emphasize that chocolate is the worst offender for a dog. Regarding chocolate, the ASPCA states, “if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures”. If a dog ingests any of these foods, a trip to the vet might be needed immediately!
What "People" Food is Okay for a Dog?
There are some “people food” choices that are okay for a dog, but keep in mind that these should not exceed 10% of their diet. The Petco website feels it is okay to feed a dog a bite of lean meat occasionally, as well as a variety of other foods such as carrots, peeled and seeded apples, and even plain yogurt. Their website has a more detailed list of human food that is safe as pet treats.
If a pet owner wants to make homemade pet treats, there are recipes on Petco’s website. Their recipes include peanut butter biscuits, chicken liver cookies and turkey jerky! "People" sweet treats can give pets cavities, just like humans, so they should be avoided.
Dogs Love Them, but Be Careful With Bones!
Petco’s list of bad treats for dogs includes bones and they implore us, “Never offer fish, chicken or turkey bones to your pet. He might choke on small, soft bones, or suffer throat damage from brittle bones.”
Many Plants Can be Harmful to Dogs
The ASPCA's website outlines typical plants that can make pets sick or even cause death. Here are a few:
- Azalea
- Sago Palm
- Lilies
- Schefflera
- Pothos
- Tulips
- Oleander
- Chrysanthemum
- English Ivy
So what plants can a dog owner relax around? There are lots of them! A dog owner should use the ASPCA’s search engine to determine if there is a risk for their dog, based on the types they have in their home or yard.
What if a Dog Eats Grass?
According to an article in Petlibrary.co.uk,”Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?” witten by their Pet Library Editor, Veterinarians aren’t absolutely certain why dogs think those blades are so tasty. They acknowledge that many healthy dogs will graze just like a cow, nibbling on it; but other times a dog will gobble at a grassy area and vomit it right back up. Apparently, many Veterinarians believe that when a dog feels sick, they eat grass to vomit. Overall, grass that hasn’t been recently treated with pesticides won’t harm them, but it can stimulate a dog’s stomach to purge. Broccoli can minimize a dog’s craving for grass chewing.
Think Before Letting Dogs Chew
A pet owner should think twice before allowing their dog to chew on things available in the back yard or home. A dog must be watched around items that might contain lead , zinc or mercury. The blue-green algae found in ponds can be harmful to Fido. Those citronella candles would be harmful if swallowed by their dog. When adding pool chemicals a pet owner should make sure none falls where their dog might snoop. Finally, if toads are prevalent, a pet owner should keep an eye on their dog if he likes chasing them, as some toads are poisonous.
In summary, a dog owner needs to assess a dog’s surroundings, especially at the puppy stage, for anything that might prove to be dangerous and keep it out of the dog's reach. Negligence can result in a sick pet or worse. If an owner suspects their dog may have been poisoned, they should call the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.
Related Reading: Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?
Resources:
ASPCA Website
Petco Website
Petlibrary.co.uk
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