While we enjoy some of our summer favorite foods, keep in mind that several of these treats are not good for our furry friends.
Below is a list of common foods pets should avoid…
Hot Dogs An American favorite, we know that hot dogs are not the healthiest food because they are packed with salt and preservatives. Dog’s systems are just not used to handling excessive amounts. Hot dogs may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and indigestion. If you do treat your dog with a hot dog, do it in moderation. Cut them into bite-size pieces to avoid a choking hazard.
Bones and Corn Cobs Be careful how you dispose of your left over remains from ribs, steaks, chicken wings, etc. Many dogs are infamous for raiding the trash can. Bones are dangerous to dogs because they splinter easily. If digested they may cause puncture wounds in your dog’s mouth or digestive system. Corn cobs are another cookout favorite that can easily get lodged in your dog’s airway. Make sure they are also disposed of properly.
Snack Foods Chips, pretzels, and other types of snack foods are also full of salt. Too many salty snacks may cause excessive thirst and urination. Depending on the amount and size of your dog, too many snacks can lead to sodium ion poisoning. Again, if you do share snacks with your pet, do so in moderation.
Desserts and Fruits Anything that contains chocolate is a big no-no. Dogs, along with other animals, cannot metabolize a chemical found in chocolate as quickly as we can. This chemical, theobromine, stimulates the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and increases blood pressure. If your dog ingests a large amount of chocolate, immediately take him to the vet. Fruits, especially grapes and raisins, can cause kidney issues when consumed by dogs. Researchers have not been able to pinpoint the exact substances that causes the reaction. It is best to keep raisins and grapes out of your dog’s reach.
We spent all this time talking about what foods pets should avoid, but there are plenty of treats out there they can enjoy. After all, our furry friends deserve to have delicious treats and celebrate the long weekend too!
