Keeping pets safe during the holidays

Toxic Foods for Dogs!
We all know that chocolate is highly toxic to dogs and can in fact lead to death. It's not just the high fat content found in chocolate (which is horrifically bad for dogs) but rather caffeine and theobromine. These two compounds are nervous system stimulants and can be toxic to your dog in high amounts. Levels of caffeine & theobromine vary in different types of chocolate with baking and dark chocolate having the highest levels of these toxic stimulants. Symptoms can start with vomiting and diarrhea but in higher does of poisoning can quickly elevate to restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination & excessive panting. Heart rate & blood pressure levels can also increase and severe cases may lead to seizure. Avoid feeding all chocolate at all times to your pet. With Halloween just passed and Christmas on the way, our homes are most likely to have an abundance of this delectable human treat around - err on the side of caution and don't leave any around where your dog can get into it.

I am guilty of feeding many of the following foods to my dog over the years without realizing how toxic they can be to her kidneys, liver and central nervous system. Toxicity usually shows up immediately, but does not always show up right away and can accumulate and cause internal organ failure down the road contributing to earlier death than necessary.
Do not take chances! Do not feed your dog the following foods:

Alcoholic Beverages - this seems like a no brainer, but many animals die each year of "ethanol" toxicity, the component found in alcohol
Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches & Plums - not the fruit but the stems, seeds & leaves contain a cyanide type compound.
Avocados - avocados contain a toxic compound for dogs called "persin" which is a fatty acid derivative.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda - both of these leavening agents can cause electrolyte abnormalities, congestive heart failure or muscle spasms.
Chocolate - as above.
Coffee (grounds & beans) - Dogs that eat coffee grounds or beans can get "caffeine" toxicity.
Fatty Foods -Fatty foods are the biggest cause of pancreatitis.
High Fat Dairy Products - Another cause of pancreatitis and obesity.
Grapes & Raisins - Both of these foods, in large amounts, will result in kidney failure
Macadamia Nuts - Again, the toxicity is a mystery however it has been noted that as few as six to forty nuts have caused severe toxic signs
Moldy or Spoiled Food -Moldy or old food is no better for your dog than it is for you!
Nutmeg - can be fatal - toxic compound or component is unknown -simply avoid at all times.
Onions- Dogs & cats lack the enzyme to properly digest onions which is likely to result in gas, vomiting, diarrhea or severe gastrointestinal distress.
Xylitol (sugar sweetener) -Dogs that ingest this product may have symptoms including sudden drop in blood sugar, weakness, lethargy, loss of coordination, collapse & seizures
Yeast Dough -Bloat - the deadliest and one of the most hideously painful of all conditions for your dog is highly possible.
Antifreeze Warning This is the time of year when antifreeze comes out in abundance and dogs are attracted to its sweet, syrupy aroma and the taste of "ethylene glycol" the highly toxic chemical component of antifreeze. Although antifreeze is not a "food" that your dog can ingest I thought it prudent to mention how fast & furious small amounts of ingested antifreeze can kill your beloved dog.
Each year more than 10,000 dogs & cats in North America are killed by licking up antifreeze. Death occurs in 88 percent of antifreeze cases, according to the BC SPCA. Early symptoms include staggering & disorientation - trouble keeping their balance, like a bit of a drunken sailor. Besides staggering & lack of coordination, disorientation & vomiting are common. Chances of survival increase with immediate veterinary treatment. Emergency vet clinics can provide the antidote. Keep antifreeze up and out of harm's way - for your dog's sake!