Source: Pexels.com
The Pet Food Institute shares a list of
uncommon toxic treats for pets
Nowadays, pet owners are more conscious of their pet’s diet and overall wellbeing. Many are aware that chocolates, caffeine, and grapes are highly toxic to their pets and must never be given out as treats. However there are several common food around the house that pose a danger to a pet’s overall health that pet owners are unaware of. These toxic treats can cause gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, problems, and other serious health issues like liver disease and death.
Committed to educating the Filipino pet community on proper pet nutrition, the Pet Food Institute (PFI) shares a list of treats that are unhealthy or toxic to pets.
Alcohol
Most pet owners know not to give their pets alcohol however alcohol poisoning in pets is actually quite common within the pet community. Much like grapes and chocolates, alcohol is highly toxic to both dogs and cats and it does not take much to wreak havoc on a pet’s body. Alcohol contains ethanol which can cause intoxication that leads to vomiting, disorientation, high body temperature, restlessness, excessive panting, and serious health issues such as muscle tremors and seizures.
Despite pet owners’ awareness on the threat alcohol pose on their pets’ health, they are encouraged to be cautious of spilling alcohol when around their pets. In order to avoid alcohol ingestion, pet owners may opt to move to a secluded area of their living space – away from their pets – when consuming alcohol or immediate cleaning in case of spillage. If alcohol intoxication is left untreated, this will cause organ failure which may lead to death.
Avocado
Several pet owners will argue that avocado is a fruit and therefore is healthy for their pets. However, several components of avocado such as its leaves, fruit, seeds, and bark contain a toxin that will trigger vomiting and diarrhea in most animals, including cats and dogs.
Avocado also has high fat content that may lead to a significant weight gain which can lead to obesity. In more serious cases, regular intake of avocado’s high fat content may lead to gastrointestinal issues such as pancreatitis. Pet owners are advised to properly store avocado in a place away from their pet’s reach to avoid accidental ingestion.
Fat Trimmings and Bones
Fat trimmings and bones are common treats pet owners hand their beloved four-legged companions. Though these ingredients are more often harmless, under certain circumstances these pose a threat to the overall health and wellbeing of many household pets.
Fat trimmings is closely associated to pancreas and liver problems among pets while leftover bones may end up splintering and tearing a dog or cat’s organs. This may lead to internal bleeding which if left untreated will result to internal damage and even death.
To avoid these types of accidents, pet owners may opt to hand their pets commercially available treats that are often sold in pet stores. These are scientifically-mixed to ensure a pet’s nutrition and safety.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic, an ingredient common in most Filipino dishes, are highly toxic to pets and must never be given to them as treats. Onions and garlic contain thiosulphate, an ingredient that damages a pet’s red blood cells. Red blood cells are an important part of every living creatures’ body as it carries oxygen to different organs to ensure these function properly. When ingested, thiosulphate will cause dogs and cats to be anemic and in severe cases will lead to internal organ failure and death.
Signs of thiosulphate ingestion include: lethargy, weakness, pale gums, red or brown urine, hyper-salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. If one suspects their pet had ingested this toxic substance, immediately rush one’s pet to the nearest veterinary clinic and seek immediate treatment.
Pet owners are reminded to be cautious of what they give their pets. Though they do not directly give them alcohol, avocado, fat trimmings, bones, or onions and garlic, certain dishes may have these ingredients that may cause their pets to fall ill. If they suspect their pets have ingested any of the toxic treats, immediately bring pets to the closest veterinarian and seek treatment.
Pet Food Institute (PFI) is committed in educating pet owners about proper pet nutrition to keep pets healthy and happy. Through its local initiative, Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured campaign in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP), PFI seeks to advocate responsible pet ownership to the ever-growing Filipino pet community.
About the Pet Food Institute
Since 1958, the Pet Food Institute has been the voice of the U.S. pet food industry. PFI is the industry's representative before Congress and state legislatures, as well as state and federal agencies; public education and media relations resource; organizer of seminars and educational programs; and liaison with other organizations. PFI represents the companies that make 98 percent of U.S. dog and cat food, an industry with more than $20 billion in U.S. retail sales and $1.3 billion in exports in 2015.