Protect Your Pet from Toxic Foods

Some foods that are perfectly safe for humans to eat are toxic to your pets. It's important to know what foods can be dangerous to your pet's health so that you avoid a trip to the animal emergency room and the need for pet urgent care. Our veterinarian and team of technicians offer Baton Rouge pet wellness care to keep your pets as healthy as possible. Keep an eye out for the following foods to protect your pet.

Pet Wellness Care Includes Avoiding Toxic Foods

Chocolate and food that contain caffeine are dangerous to pets. Caffeinated foods and drinks contain chemicals called methylxanthines. If your dog ingests these foods, he may experience nausea and diarrhea, requiring a trip to the animal clinic. Other symptoms of methylxanthines ingestion include an abnormal heart beat and seizures.

Our veterinarian recommends not feeding your pet uncooked, yeasted bread dough. Since the yeast is still alive, the dough can continue to rise in your pet's digestive system, causing stomach upset. In some cases, the stomach or intestine can even rupture. You may feed your pet cooked bread, but only in very small amounts. If you are unsure, check with our team at Jefferson Animal Hospital.

Some fruits, such as grapes and avocados, are poisonous to pets. Persin, a chemical in the skin and flesh of avocados, can make your dog very sick. A chemical in grapes can cause kidney failure, especially if your pet already has health problems. If your dog or cats ingests any fruits you are unsure about, bring him to our animal clinic in Baton Rouge right away for care and treatment.

Other foods that can be dangerous to pets include onions and garlic, alcohol, and macadamia nuts. Just as you wouldn't eat raw meat or eggs, avoid feeding them to your pet. You should also avoid giving your pets salty foods or foods that contain artificial sweeteners such as xylitol.

Pet wellness is essential your pet's overall health. What do you do to protect your pet from toxic foods?