Watch your plates! U.S. News and World Reportrecently released a list of the most toxic foods for cats and dogs. Click through to see which treats that you enjoy are big no-gos for pets. No matter how much our four-legged friends may beg, these are 12 foods it's much better to avoid in both the short and long terms.
CHOCOLATE
This sweet stuff is toxic to dogs. Chocolate contains theobromide, a chemical that can damage a canine's lungs, heart, kidneys and nervous system. Baking chocolate is the most toxic to dogs, but owners should avoid feeding their pooch any kind of chocolate.
SUGARLESS GUM
Sure, dog breath can suck at times, but sugarless gum is not the answer. The sugar-free sweetener, xylitol, found in gum can stimulate a dog's pancreas to secrete insulin. This effect can lead to low blood sugar and severe liver damage.
ALCOHOL
The Ethanol found in alcohol can cause rapid damage to your dog's respiratory and central nervous systems. Because alcohol is absorbed by the body so quickly, it is important to call the vet immediately if you believe your pup has imbibed any alcohol.
YEAST DOUGH
Just like alcohol, yeast dough also contains ethanol. Consumption of yeast dough can have the same effects, including lethargy, weakness and low body temperature. Immediate medical attention should be sought out if your dog ingests any yeast dough.
GRAPES AND RAISINS
It can take just four to five grapes or raisins for your dog to get extremely sick. The reason why the fruit is so poisonous to dogs is still unknown, but it is clear that a small amount can lead to irreversible kidney damage in most dogs.
MACADAMIA NUTS
Not usually fatal, macadamia nuts can still cause your dog to become very ill. A mere handful of these nuts can lead to vomiting, muscle and joint pain, swelling and lethargy.
ONIONS
All forms of this veggie (raw, cooked, powdered, etc.) are unsafe for your cat. A small amount of onion can easily cause onion poisoning. Onion poisoning breaks down a cat's red blood cells, causing anemia, weight loss, lethargy and more.
GARLIC
Similar to onions, a small amount of garlic can quickly cause internal problems for your cat. Feline stomachs are easily upset by garlic, and the ingredient can also cause red-blood-cell damage.
CAFFEINE
While some humans depend on it to get through the day, a large dose of caffeine is usually fatal to cats. Small amounts of the substance can lead to restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations and tremors. For your cat's safety, all drinks with caffeine should be kept out of paw's reach.
FAT TRIMMINGS AND BONES
No matter what kind of sweet face your cat is giving you at the dinner table, you should keep your food scraps to yourself. Fat and bones usually cause a upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting in cats. Bones are also dangerous, because they can lead to choking or create obstructions and lacerations in your feline's digestive tract.
RAW EGGS
Just like humans, kitties can get food poisoning from the salmonella or E. coli sometimes found in raw eggs. Additionally, the avidin found in egg whites can prevent your feline's absorption of vitamin B, leading to skin problems and fur loss.
MILK
This is probably surprising to many, but cats are lactose intolerant. Because cats can't break down milk sugar, dairy products can cause dehydration and diarrhea. If your feline really craves milk, then you should switch to a lactose-free brand that can be found in most pet stores.
Source:http://www.pawnation.com/
