Guest Blog from Catherine of Muttleys Dog Walking and Pet Care Service, based in Nottingham with kindness at its heart. 

Did you know that eating inappropriate, human food, lists in the top 5 causes of poisoning in dogs?

Along with poisoning caused by antifreeze, rat and slug pellets and human medication, human food sits right up there in the top 5.  Most of us are already aware that chocolate is toxic to dogs but there are other human foods that are harmful to your pooch that may come as a surprise.

Xylitol is often used in human foods as a sweetener and is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), liver damage, seizures and even death.   It is commonly used in sweets, chewing gum, toothpaste, some peanut butters and chewable vitamins and other sugar-free foods.

Grapes, raisins and currents are also toxic, causing vomiting and diarrhoea and may also result in kidney failure. Avocados can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea and onions and leeks may cause anemia and blood cell damage.

Some nuts such as macadamia and walnuts can cause nervous system and muscle damage, caffeine is toxic to the heart and nervous system and alcohol can cause coma and even death.

Feeding your dog fatty food is also not advisable as too much can cause pancreatitis and never feed your dog cooked bones, as well as posing a choking risk they can also cause lacerations in the stomach.

Prevention is always better than cure

As with everything prevention is always better than cure, avoiding feeding your dogs these foods as well as keeping out of reach in the first instance is obviously advisable, but accidents do happen.  If you know or suspect your pooch has eaten something toxic always seek professional advice.  Getting advice immediately in an emergency is paramount and for any suspected pet poisoning, you may want to consider using the Animal Poison Line.  Originally only available to vets, a dedicated phone line for pet owners has been introduced offering a 24/7, triage service, that will advise if a trip to the vet is required, at time of writing the cost of a call was £30.  The Animal Poison Line number is 01202 509 000.

Interested in Pet First Aid Training?

If you are interested in learning more about pet first aid and lifesaving skills such as pet CPR, I run several courses in Nottingham as well as remote classes via zoom, reaching pet owners nationwide, see more info and how to book here Canine and pet first aid courses

Catherine Smith

Pet First Aid Instructor

07852 241845

Why not order your pooch some fab, healthy, safe dog treats here, unsure what to try first order a selection box and get a variety for your best friend to try.

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