Food for human consumption are not safe for pets. Local veterinarians say that pets should eat only food that is formulated for pets. Foods that are especially dangerous for four-legged friends are chocolate, grapes, caffeine, onions and the drugs for humans.
Sheffield resident Michelle Ray loves her dogs dearly, but she knows not to kill with kindness.
- Pets
“One thing I do is feed them table scraps,” he said. “They might get the occasional French fry as a gift, but that’s all we do. Many people think it’s okay to give table scraps, but really is not healthy for them.”
Local veterinarians want more pet owners to follow in the footsteps of Ray. He said many people are surprised to learn that certain foods are dangerous – and potentially deadly – for dogs.
Ray, who help with local rescue efforts of animals, said dogs should not eat onions, chocolate or anything containing caffeine. “People do not realize artificial sweeteners are not good for dogs,” he said. Dr. Randall Davis, Animal Clinic Tennessee Valley in Tuscumbia, said the artificial sweetener xylitol, which can cause liver damage and bring a fatal fall in blood sugar in dogs.
Candy is not the only substance with xylitol. Toothpaste and some baked goods containing the ingredient. Davis said it’s best to avoid feeding dogs table scraps and other foods for people.
“If you feed a dog dog food, you will not have many of these issues,” said Davis. “Keep it simple. Dog food is nutritionally complete. The extra is extra.
“Most dogs are overweight because they eat what you give them. It makes people feel good to see the dog eat.”
As Dr. Matthew Connolly of Connolly Animal Clinic in Florence, put it: “If it does not label a dog or cat, do not give them.” “The problems we see are people who give up meat and things to eat,” said Connolly. Davis said the chocolate, grapes, macadamia nuts and avocados are dangerous for dogs.
“People can let your dog end up with a bowl of guacamole and not know it’s bad for them,” he said.
Connolly said that foods high in fat are also a major problem. Warns against feeding pets that medicine is for people. “One of Tylenol can kill a cat,” he said. “We have a lot of problems when people go ahead and medicate their dogs and call a couple of hours later to ask if it’s okay.
“Dogs and cats do not metabolize drugs just like we do. Some of the medicines we use are covered with a layer of sweet taste, and animals to get off the ground if dropped. That coating is dangerous for them. “ And the drug is dosed by weight of a person.
“If you give a dog a cat 45 pounds or 10 pounds, common sense should tell you that it will be too expensive,” said Connolly. Davis often gives pet owners an information sheet about the offending foods. There is also the issue of weight gain in animals.
Connolly said that feeding a cat 10 pounds of a chip is the equivalent of a person who eats a hamburger.
Some foods to avoid giving the dogs, according to information from the Poison Help Line pet include.
