Toxic Foods and Plants for Animals
With our warm weather, we have a very outdoor way of life in Australia.
Our Springers share this lifestyle with us.Nothing better than nibbling on left over food or sharing of food from the BBQ, helping in the garden or tearing up the Christmas decorations or wrapping paper during the festive season. Yet how many actually take the time to consider exactly what is in that little bit of left over food or snack that we share with our furry friends, or acknowledge the plants we put into our gardens or exactly where decorations are placed to create the festive mood let alone what they are made of.
We spend so much time considering what we eat and what feed our own children, do we really stop and consider what we are actually feeding our furry friends or allowing them to frolic around amongst in our gardens.
There are various foods that are toxic to dogs. Unfortunately, there are many we are not often aware of that are just as dangerous. Below is a list of common foods that are harmful to dogs.
Toxic Foods:
Chocolate/Caffeine:
Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. After an animal has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, many pet owners assume their pet is unaffected. However, the signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours, with death following within twenty-four hours.
Symptoms include Staggering, labored breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, fever, heart rate increase, arrhythmia, seizures, coma, death.
Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms. A 10-kilogram dog can be seriously affected if it eats a quarter of a 250gm packet of cocoa powder or half of a 250gm block of cooking chocolate. These forms of chocolate contain ten times more theobromine than milk chocolate. Thus, a chocolate mud cake could be a real health risk for a small dog. Even licking a substantial part of the chocolate icing from a cake can make a dog unwell. Semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate are the next most dangerous forms, with milk chocolate being the least dangerous. A dog needs to eat more than a 250gm block of milk chocolate to be affected. Obviously, the smaller the dog, the less it needs to eat.
Onions/Garlic:
Onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Onions are more of a danger. Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop haemolytic anaemia, where the pet’s red blood cells burst while circulating in its body. Symptoms include Hemolytic Anemia, labored breathing, liver damage, vomiting, diarrhea, and discolored urine. The poisoning occurs a few days after the pet has eaten the onion. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic. Left over pizza, Chinese dishes and commercial baby food containing onion, sometimes fed as a supplement to young pets, can cause illness. While garlic also contains the toxic ingredient thiosulphate, it seems that garlic is less toxic and large amounts would need to be eaten to cause illness.
Mushrooms:
Mushroom toxicity does occur in dogs and it can be fatal if certain species of mushrooms are eaten. Amanita phalloides is the most commonly reported severely toxic species of mushroom in the US but other Amanita species are toxic. Symptoms include abdominal pain, drooling, liver damage, kidney damage, vomiting diarrhea, convulsions, coma, death.
Grapes/Raisins:
As few as a handful of raisins or grapes can make a dog ill; however, of the 10 cases reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), each dog ingested between 9 ounces and 2 pounds of grapes or raisins. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy.
Macadamia Nuts:
Macadamia nuts are another concern, along with most other kinds of nuts. Their high phosphorus content is said to possibly lead to bladder stones. Dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated.
NOTE: Pets owners should not assume that human food is always safe for pets. When it comes to chocolate, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts, such foods should be given in only small quantities, or not at all. Be sure that your pets can’t get into your stash of chocolates, that food scraps are disposed of carefully to prevent onion and garlic toxicity and that your dog is prevented from picking up macadamia nuts if you have a tree in your garden.
Baby Food: Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. Can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.
Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources: Although a great source of calcium and a great way to clean the teeth, they can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system. Use with caution.
Cat Food: Cat food is generally too high in protein and fats. Whilst not toxic, it is formulated differently to dog food and contains different nutrient levels. Feed it to your CATS..
Fat Trimmings: Can cause pancreatitis.
Milk and other dairy products:
Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
Raw Eggs:
Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Raw Fish: Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.
Toxic Plants
As we let our dogs roam freely in and out of the house, we need to be aware of what we are exposing our pets to. There are various plants that are poisonous to dogs both inside and outside of our homes. With the warmer months and some rain around, plants are thriving and growing and we tend to like to decorate our gardens and homes with attractive additions. During the holiday season, we often get caught up in the festivities and don't realize that we may be bringing something very dangerous into your home for your pets. Be aware that holiday decorations may be toxic; this will avoid turning a happy occasion into a tragic one.
Poinsettias:
These plants are probably the most popular holiday plant and are easily recognizable by their large red, white, pink, or mottled leaves. These plants also contain a thick, milky irritant sap. In general, it would take ingestion of a large amount of this plant to see possible clinical signs in your pet. Signs could include vomiting, anorexia and depression. The symptoms are generally self-limiting and treatment is rarely needed. Your Vet may recommend limiting food and water intake for 1 or 2 hours if your pet is suspected of becoming sick after ingestion of poinsettias.
Easter Lilies:
Some members of the Lilly family of plants can result in serious illness in cats. Specifically, Easter Lilies, tiger lilies, Japanese show lilies, rubrum lilies, many lily hybrids and day lilies have been known to cause kidney failure.
Below is a chart of some of the more common plants our dogs may come in contact with.
Heat Stress/Heat Stroke
Heat stress can occur at any time or anywhere and very quickly, due to our climate here in Queensland.
It is of utmost importance that IMMEDIATE attention is given to the animal to lower its temperature. The immediate reduction of the body temperature and the head temperature is vital to the survival of the animal. Heat stress can be caused by any number of factors.
The Signs excessive panting, agitation, salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse and loss of consciousness.
What to do IMMEDIATELY
- Put the animal in the shade (make temporary shade if necessary)
- Massage the 4 legs to increase blood flow to allow better cooling
- Fan the dog with whatever is available
- Place cold towels or cloths on the head and between the back legs
- Cover the whole body with wet towels and fan
The towel over the body should be removed once the dogs temperature has dropped to 39 degrees, this will avoid the body temperature dropping too low.
Once the dog is improving immediately take it to your vets. But remember DO NOT place the dog in a hot car you could kill the dog.
Heat stroke can have many effects on many of the dog’s organs and these may not be apparent for a few days after the incident. These may include: kidney failure, liver failure. Severe gastrointestinal problems and brain seizures.
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR UNATTENDED IN EITHER WINTER OR SUMMER, QLD TEMPERATURES CAN BE DEADLY
Toad Poisoning
In the early 1900’s we brought toads into Queensland to eradicate the Cane Beetle, which was destroying the cane. Unfortunately, humans created a state wide problem, which is also now in northern NSW.
Toads are a great toy for dogs and puppies to play with, and if the dog or pup catches or mouths one the toad will squirt poison into the animals mouth or eyes, causing enormous problems and even death.
CANE TOADS CAN BE DEADLY
The Poison – The poison that the toad emits come from the glands at the back of the toads’ head. When the toad is agitated or grabbed the poison is quirted at the dogs mouth and eyes. This poison is then absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream.
What are the signs of Toad Poisoning?
Mild poisoning will be seen with profuse salivation (caused by the irritant of the poison) the lining of the mouth and possibly the tongue could be bright red. In very severe cases irregular heartbeats, convulsions, the dog may lay on the floor prostrate and paw wildly at its’ mouth, dilated pupils and even sudden death. Death can occur within 15 minutes of the poisoning, but usually longer. These signs can be confused with other types of poisoning, immediately contact your Vet.
These can vary according to the age and breed of dog. The presence of the disease, the length of time since the incident and also the amount of toxin, which has been absorbed in conjunction with the weight of the dog. The most vulnerable dogs are those under 4 years of age, small dogs, terrier breeds and of course baby puppies.
What to Do – Immediately wash the dog’s mouth out with water for 10 minutes (a hose pipe is ideal) this will reduce the level of toxin, which has been absorbed in the dogs’ mouth. Check the eyes to make sure that the poison has not been squirted in there also, if necessary wash the eyes also. THIS STEP IS LIFESAVING
CONTACT YOUR VET AND TRANSPORT YOUR DOG IMMEDIATELY
TICKS
Spring through to autumn is the time of year most us who live in tick prone areas dread. Ticks can be found in most areas, however, are more common along the coastal areas.
The Paralysis Tick and the Brown Dog Tick are the two most common ticks on dogs. However, it is the Paralysis Tick that is by far the most dangerous. It causes paralysis in a variety of forms but a ‘typical’ case starts with weakness of the hindquarters that progress to total paralysis of all four legs. Other typical early signs include an altered bark or meow and vomiting. When the chest muscles and muscles of the throat become affected, the dog or cat is in serious trouble.
The Paralysis Tick
The Paralysis tick is found mostly along the eastern coast of Australia, but has been reported in Western Australia as well. It can also be found inland in suitable habitats. Ticks need humidity and mild weather to develop and will not survive and breed in cold climates. In northern parts of Australia paralysis ticks may be found all year round, while in southern areas the season goes from spring through to autumn.
If you live in a tick-infested area, you should examine your dog or cat for ticks on a daily basis. If you have taken your pet for a walk through the bush or have been camping with your dog then examining it when you get back home is also a good idea. Don’t try to look for ticks, try to feel for them instead. Ticks are a lot easier to find if you rub your fingertips through your pet’s coat rather than if you try to look for them. In 70% of cases ticks are found in the head and neck region but it is important to search the entire dog (including inside ears, around eyes, under the collar, under lips, between toes, under the tail, chest, belly etc.) The ticks are often grey in colour and all of the legs are bunched towards the front of the tick, not spread along the side of the body.
Removal of the tick is vital, as the residue of the tick’s toxin under the skin can really cause a problem. Although the tick has been killed or removed, the animal can still become paralysed from this residue of poison. The poison is slowly absorbed and may cause paralysis hours or even a day or two later.
Female Paralysis Tick Adult Male Paralysis Tick
Tick First Aid
Removal of the tick can be achieved in many different ways. Never grip the sac and pull! This may squeeze more venom in, or break it off leaving the head and 'torso' firmly stuck, which is likely to get infected. These days most people recommend gripping the tick as near to the head as possible with a very pointy pair of tweezers or forceps. Ordinary eyebrow tweezers are not much good because the points are too wide. You can make eyebrow tweezers much more useful by filing the tips away to a sharp point. For larger ticks I personally like making a 'loop' or 'noose' from a piece of cotton thread with a single throw knot (half of a reef knot). This is placed at the base of the body, then slowly and gently closed until it won't slip over the body. Then I gently pull on the free ends of thread with a 'to-and-fro' rocking motion until the whole tick comes out. Nothing entertains children more than seeing the little wriggling legs of the removed tick - except the satisfaction of finally squishing them!
Snakes
The warmer weather also entices snakes in to the open to search for food, water and a mate. Our fury friends will find them, be they in your backyard, park, or out hunting.
If bitten typical symptoms include the sudden onset of pain. Depending upon the type of snake, you dog could experience very little or become seriously ill with the possibility of death. Immobilise your dog as much as possible and take straight to the vet. Spend some time and research the types of snakes most common to your area. Prevention is always better than cure.
CONTACT YOUR VET AND TRANSPORT YOUR DOG IMMEDIATELY
Fussy Eaters!
(yes some spaniels can be)
There are various reasons for a dog which is a picky eater (just like children) but it must be stopped immediately or the dog will have problems.
In young puppies it is generally because they have left the litter and there is no competition feeding, this generally rectifies itself as the pup settles into its new home. With an older dog it could be that its buddy is no longer with the family or you have purchased the dog from another family. There is no challenge of competition feeding, but there are also other factors to consider:
- Infestation of worms (dog is not hungry or can be ravenous with a pot belly)
Some other reason to consider are:
- Boredom of the same diet. (change the product)
- Domination from another dog (separate at meal times)
- Object lodged in the mouth (check to see)
- Blockage in the stomach (see the vet if you suspect)
- Fed from the table at your meal time
If you can dismiss all these problems then a trip to the vet is a good idea, if nothing is wrong then you may just have a fussy eater.
What can you do?
Each time you feed your pup or dog, only leave the bowl down for 15 minutes at the most. If the food is not eaten by then take the bowl away and wait until the next meal time, but this time only put half the amount down, if the food is refused again after 10 minutes take the bowl away again, and continue this routine until you put an empty bowl down, make sure there is some scent of food left in the bowl. The dog will think another dog has eaten its food. Wait one hour then put the bowl down again with a small amount of food in, as small as it is the dog will race this down. Wait then until a normal mealtime and give the dog the usual meal. No dog will starve itself, but if this fails then you must have your dog checked by the Vet immediately
