Most veterinary experts recommend against feeding dogs scraps and other human foods on a regular basis. While occasional treats are probably okay, certain foods can pose serious risks to your dog’s health. Treats designed specifically for dogs are a safer choice and should be added to your shopping list, along with dog toys and pet place mats. If you wish to give your dog people food, however, here are some foods to avoid altogether.
Pecans, Walnuts and Macadamia Nuts
You should avoid giving your dog tree nuts of any kind. Pecans, walnuts and macadamia nuts are especially dangerous and can cause serious reactions after only a small helping. Macadamia nuts are one of the worst offenders in this category. These nuts may cause vomiting, fever, seizures and shakes, weakness and even death. Any type of tree nut has the potential to cause choking in your canine companion.
Chocolate
The chemicals contained in chocolate can have a severe impact on the nervous system of your dog. Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, shaking and elevated heart rate. If your dog consumes too much chocolate at one time, it could prove fatal. Skip the chocolate and stick to foods that belong on your pet place mats.
Onions
The sulfoxides and disulfides contained in onions cause serious damage to canine red blood cells and could trigger anemia. This is true regardless of the form in which the onions are presented. Making sure that onions are kept safely away is the best course of action to protect the health of these four-legged companions.
Too Much Sugar
Dogs are susceptible to some of the same disorders as people. Excessive sugar will often lead to obesity, which can increase the risk of diabetes in your dog. Cutting back on sugary treats will keep your pet healthier and happier over the long run.
Sugarless Gum
On the other end of the spectrum, sugarless gum is toxic to dogs because of xylitol, which is also found in some candies and sugarless products. Ingesting even a small amount of xylitol could cause seizures, liver failure, low blood sugar and other serious health issues.
At Curtis Wagner Plastics, we offer a full lineup of cork plant mats, clear plant saucers and pet place mats that are designed with the needs of your customers in mind. Our products are proudly made in the USA and offer quality and durability for years of practical use. Call our team today at 713-937-3784 to place an order or to discuss your needs with our representatives. Curtis Wagner Plastics is here to serve you.