Should I Feed My Cat Milk?

It’s okay to give my cat milk, right? Well….no, not really. Well, can I give my dog ice cream? No...that's not okay either.

From fruit to nuts, there are several foods we humans love to eat that can potentially be toxic to our pets. Sure you might slip your dog  a scrap or two from the dinner table, but it's important to know which foods should always be kept away from your pet and the dangers they can cause.


Milk and Other Dairy Products
It is actually not okay to give your cat or dog dairy products. Although kittens are able to tolerate milk, most adult cats are lactose intoerlant cannot process dairy food causing an upset stomach. And the same goes for dogs. You’ve probably seen a movie with a dog eating ice cream,  but milk and milk-based products can cause diarrhea and other digestive upset as well as food allergies (which often manifest as itchiness).

Onions, Garlic, Chives - Onion in all forms

All forms of the above—powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated— can break down a dog’s and cat’s red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. This also includes onion powder that's found in some baby foods. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, vomiting, little interest in food, dullness, and breathlessness.

Grapes and Raisins

Ever given your dog some fruit? Some are okay but grapes and raisins, even in small amounts, can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats. For cats, vomiting and hyperactivity are early signs while for dogs, vomiting is a first sign followed by lethargy and depression. Be sure to keep grapes and raisins out of your pet’s reach.

Caffeine

Caffeine is something most people have—or need—on a daily basis. But in large quantities, caffeine can be fatal for a cat or dog. Caffeine is found in tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, soda and energy drinks, many of which can be found in homes across America. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits and bleeding so please be sure that your pet cannot get ahold of any.

Chocolate

Most people already know not to give a dog chocolate, but the same goes for cats, too; it can be fatal. The most dangerous include dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. Both contain the toxic agent, theobromine, which is found in all chocolate including white chocolate. If you pet eats chocolate, it can result in abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.

Candy and Gum

What we’re really talking about here is xylitol. It is used as a sweetener and can be found in candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods. When a dog or cat ingests xylitol, it can increase the insulin circulating in their body, which can lead to low blood sugar. Xylitol can also cause the liver to fail.  Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination; seizures can occur soon after ingesting the xylitol, and liver failure can occur within just a few days.

Raw Meat and Fish

Raw meat and raw fish can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning in cats and dogs. For cats, raw fish can have enzymes that destroy thiamine—an essential B vitamin for your cat. Cats can experience neurological problems that can to convulsions and coma. For dogs, certain types of fish, such as salmon and trout, can contain a parasite that causes "fish disease" or "salmon poisoning disease" which can be fatal within two weeks. Signs include vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes.

Yeast Dough

Bread dough needs to rise and if eaten by your pet, it will swell up inside their stomach and stretch the abdomen causing severe pain. Also, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it will produce alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Fat Trimmings and Bones

No doggie bag’s needed here. Table scraps often contain fat trimmed off of meat and bones, both of which can pose a danger to cats and dogs. Cooked and uncooked fat can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Bones can splinter and cause lacerations in your pet’s digestive system and can also cause choking.

Alcohol

We shouldn’t have to tell you this, but we will anyway—don’t give your pet alcohol! No form of alcohol nor any foods containing alcohol should ever be given to a cat or dog. Alcohol has the same effects on pets as it does on humans, but in far less amounts. Alcohol will cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma, and even death.

 

Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts and foods containg the nut can be fatal to dogs. As few as six raw or roasted macadamia nuts can cause poisoning including muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate.

Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums

Seeds found in in persimmons can cause inflammation in dogs. Peach and plum pits also contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs.

Tuna

We’re not saying your cat can never have tuna, but we are saying your cat shouldn’t have a steady diet of tuna which can lead to malnutrition. Too much tuna can also cause mercury poisoning.

Avocados  

Everything tastes better with avocado here in San Antonio, but not for dogs. Avocados contain a substance called persin and large amounts can be toxic to dogs. If you have some avocados growing in your yard, be sure to keep your dog away from the plants because persin is also in the leaves, seed, and bark.

Sugary Foods and Salt

Too much sugar is bad for just about everyone. For our pets, just like for humans, too much sugar (and too many treats) can lead to obesity, dental problems, and diabetes. Salty foods are also not good because too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination and lead to sodium ion poisoning that may even cause death.

As pet parents, it’s important to the dangers that some foods can cause for our pets. We must also ensure that they get well-balanced meals to live a long and healthy life. Have your vet recommend a quality brand of food that will include all the nutrients they need. 

Pets, no matter how hard we try, will still manage to get into our pantrys or on the dinner table and eat things that aren't meant for them. Keep the number of your vet and the closest emergency clinic someone easy to find, like the refridgerator. Also, jot down the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center just in case: (888) 426-4435.




 

Summer Tips: Paw Pad Care

They’re the most commonly used image to depict man’s best friend—paw prints. We see them on bumper stickers, t-shirts, key chains and we instantly think of our four-legged friends.

But have you ever thought deeper into the purpose of a paw pad? If you haven’t, don’t fret. We will do all the explaining here.

Why do dogs have paw pads and what is their purpose?

Paw pads provide extra cushioning to help protect paws from whatever is underfoot, or rather, “underpaw.”  The pads absorb shock, provide traction, and give some insulation from extreme weather. Because of their pads, dogs are able to walk over rough surfaces us humans would find uncomfortable walking barefoot on.

But that doesn't mean that paw pads are armor as it may seem. In fact, there are several types of paw pad injuries including lacerations, punctures, abrasions and most commonly during extreme weather, burned paw pads on very hot days as well as irritation from ice and snow during winter time.

So how do you protect your dog’s paw pads, especially during these hot Texas days?

Avoid walking your dog during the heat of the day when pavement is the hottest. Instead, walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening. A good rule of thumb to follow is this: If the pavement is too hot for you to walk barefoot on, then it’s too hot for your dog, too!

“But won’t my dog let me know if she is in pain?” many may ask. No, most likely she will not. Pet parents must acknowledge a dog’s urge to please; they will do almost anything just to be with their owner. So, no, dogs may not show any signs of pain or discomfort and will keep trotting alongside of you.

Signs of paw burns include blisters, loose flaps of skin and red or white patches and all are prone to infection. If you suspect your dog has a paw pad injury, please seek a veterinarian for assistance.

Also be conscious to your surroundings. When it is a beautiful day to take your dog for a walk, keep a close eye on the ground as foreign objects can become lodged in between a dog’s paws such as pebbles, glass, and other debris...ouch! Always be sure to check your dog’s paw pads after a walk or after yard play. 

For more tips on how to care for your dog’s paws, visit www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/top-10-paw-care-tips-dogs. 

Pet Safety on Fourth of July

According to the American Humane Association, July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters because unlike most people, pets are terrified of firecrackers. And how could anyone blame them? Loud noises, weird smells, bright lights…

It is our job as pet-parents to ensure that Max and Mia are safe and comfortable this upcoming Independence Day, as well as the days leading up to the holiday. Pets don’t associate the noise and smell of fireworks with celebrations, so it’s better to have your pet indoors in a secure area when the festivities get going. The sound of fireworks can cause pets to act erratically, fearful, and go into a panic which can lead them to go to great lengths escape and run as far away as possible.

Since the Fourth of July is a holiday that will always include lively fireworks displays, we've gathered some helpful tips to keep your pet safe and at home, right where he/she belongs.

Never use fireworks around pets.
Not only can fireworks potentially result in severe burns or trauma for curious pets, many unused fireworks contain toxic substances that can be deadly to your pet. If you have fireworks, make sure they’re stored in a pet-free zone. Also, lighter fluid and matches are harmful to pets and should be stored in a pet-free zone.

Going to a firework show? Leave your pet at home.
Loud noises and strangers are a bad mix for scared pets. Leave your pet at home in a safe and secure area.

Create a safe heaven.
Leave the TV or radio on for them to mask the noise from fireworks. Give your pet that large treat you’ve been saving to keep them busy or stuff a Kong with peanut butter  Make sure they have plenty of water and ensure there is no way they can make an escape if they become terrified. Keep the curtains and windows closed at all times.

Have an up-to-date ID tag.
We all hope that our pets will never run away, but fireworks can cause a pet to behave erratically. Make sure your pet has a collar with an up-to-date ID tag. It’s one of the best ways to identify your pet and get them home safe and quick.

Tire them out.
Take them for a long jog during the day before the festivities begin so when nighttime rolls around, they will be too tired to act out. Play fetch or take them out for a swim!

Of course the best thing for your pet would be to have a human companion when the fireworks begin to go off, but this may not always be an option. Please be sure to do whatever you can do to make your pet feel safe and comfortable this upcoming holiday.

 

We hope you and your pet have a fun and safe Independence Day!