Veterinarian explains how some foods can be dangerous for pet dogs and cats
Easter is a special time to gather family, friends and pets. Normally, on that date, people have lunch with typical foods and exchange chocolates, one of the most consumed products at this time of year. However, if you are the owner of a pet, you should avoid offering some of these foods to them, as they can harm their health and safety. Below, the veterinarian Flavio Lopes lists the main precautions with feeding animals during the celebration. Check out!
1. Chocolate must not be offered to the pet
According to Flavio Lopes, the most toxic food for dogs and cats present at Easter is actually chocolate, and dogs are more sensitive when compared to cats. Chocolate is composed of a toxic substance for the pets, known as theobromine (also found in coffee and açaí). It can cause intoxication even when consumed in small amounts. “The more bitter the chocolate, the higher the concentration of theobromine”, stresses the veterinarian.
Even with the care of guardians, pets can end up eating chocolate away from their presence, so it is important to be aware of some gastrointestinal reactions such as vomiting, which may or may not contain blood, polyuria (increase in urinary frequency), in addition to neurological signs such as disharmonious movements when walking and convulsions. When there is a large intake of the product, the case can become even more serious, with the pet showing signs of more rigid muscle contraction, increased respiratory rate and low body temperature.
two. Keep an eye out for lunch
It’s not just chocolate that brings risk to the little bug. You have to be very careful with other foods served at Easter lunch, such as cod, garlic and onion, as they contain substances that can damage red blood cells (blood cells), causing anemia in the pet, which can be acute or chronic. “Many of these foods that we are used to eating at Easter are toxic and are very harmful to animals”, says Flavio Lopes.
The specialist advises that the information should always be obtained with the veterinarian of trust, to explain the consequences of offering foods that may cause adverse reactions. But, according to him, pieces of raw meat can also be dangerous due to the risk of being contaminated with bacteria, protozoa or helminths.
3. Pay attention to pets being treated
Animals that use adjuvant feeds need some extra care. Nothing other than the prescribed food should be offered. “If we already have to be careful with healthy animals, those receiving therapeutic foods need to be monitored even more closely. As they are eating a prescriptive diet, it must be strictly followed”, explains Flavio Lopes.
As evidenced by the veterinarian, these foods contain nutritional levels and ingredients that are specific to the disease of the animal being treated. In case something gets out of control, any other edible product that is offered may aggravate the illness or make the therapeutic diet not have the desired effect.
4. Be careful with packaging
In addition to food, another important care that the tutor must observe are the packaging and the small toys or components of these packages that can be swallowed by pets, especially puppies. Some Easter eggs contain toys that have very small parts, which can generate curiosity in the animal, which uses its mouth as a way of understanding what the object is. “This represents a greater danger for puppies, as they are, by nature, more curious, and the chance of them swallowing something is much greater”, warns the veterinarian.
If the tutor suspects that the pet has ingested a piece of packaging or a toy, Flávio Lopes advises taking it to the veterinarian, who may or may not indicate the performance of image tests, such as an x-ray. Depending on the case, the pet may undergo surgery to remove the foreign body, as it may obstruct the gastrointestinal tract or even perforate an organ.
5. Provide pet treats
Today there are, in the Brazilian market, special snacks for animals that refer to our custom of offering chocolate at Easter. Flávio Lopes cites the chocolates suitable for dogs that do not have theobromine in the composition and that can be offered. He also warns that the idea is always to use food and toys that are intended for the animal.
Prevention and awareness guided by veterinarians are the best ways to avoid poisoning. “The professional should always be contacted by the tutor when there is any doubt about which food can or cannot be offered. If you’re not sure, don’t offer.” One complete and balanced diet it contains all the essential nutrients for the pet and, if you want to give a snack, it should not exceed 10% of the daily amount of food.
6. watch the pets
If the tutor notices unusual behavior, it will be easier to understand if there is something wrong. According to Flavio Lopes, a lack of appetite can appear if there is something strange with the pet, since not eating is usually the first symptom. Shapeless stools or vomiting can also be easily observed as these are not common conditions. Stools need to be well formed, without being dry or too wet. Finally, staggering is another symptom that is easy to identify, but there is always a need to let the veterinarian know that he is trusted by the family.
By Alex Cabral
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.