13 Household Items Toxic to Dogs

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1. Xylitol

Xylitol is a low-calorie sweetener that is derived from birch trees. It was first created in Finland during World War II, when sugar supplies were interrupted. Xylitol has a lot of dental benefits for humans, including the prevention of cavities, dental plaque, dry mouth, and bad breath. It also has the unique ability to remineralize tooth enamel. You can find xylitol in candy, nasal sprays, mouthwash, gum and as an artificial sweetener. Dogs, however, should not consume xylitol. In dogs, xylitol causes a rapid drop in blood sugar. This can cause seizures in dogs, which sometimes lead to death.

2. Chocolate

While the rule that the darker the chocolate, the healthier it is may be true for people, the opposite is true for dogs. Chocolate's problem ingredients are theobromine and caffeine, which dogs absorb through their gastrointestinal tracts too fast and put damaging stress on the liver. In dark chocolate, these naturally occuring ingredients are more concentrated and are likely to lead to serious problems, death included.
Note: Cocoa powder, in some cases, can be as concentrated as dark or baking chocolate. Even cocoa bean shell mulch, a popular garden product, can be toxic when swallowed by chocolate-craving chow hounds.

3. Grapes and Raisins

The toxicity of grapes to dogs is still not really understood by scientists. Reactions vary from dog to dog. Some dogs can eat grapes regularly and never have problems. Accidentally eating a few grapes probably won't affect a dog of any size. But when ingested in siginificant quantities - as little as 2.5 ounces - this fruit can cause kidney failure.

4. Onions

Onions and their cousins, garlic, are rich in a compound called thiosulphate, which is toxic to dogs. Being much more thiosulphate-potent than garlic, onions pose a threat to dogs if they eat just a single serving - about one good-sized onion. Thiosulphate causes hemolytic anemia ("Heinz factor") in dogs, a condition that bursts red blood cells.
Symptoms of hemolytic anemia can develop  in a range of time -  generally within a few hours, but can be after a few days. Signs of hemolytic anemia include depression, weakness, no interest in food, vomiting and diarrhea. In a progressed case, the dog's urine will become red from damaged blood cells. As oxygen-carrying red blood cells die off and leave the dog's body, the dog becomes suffocated.

5. Garlic

Garlic is a tricky one because when used topically and sprinkled over food, it is great for dogs. It fights ear infections, internal infections, boosts immune systems and lowers blood sugar. But it also contains thiosulphate.
Many holistic veterinarians and health care experts believe that feeding doses up to 1 small clove of garlic per 20 pounds of body weight per day are not likely to pose problems for dogs. When uses topically for wounds or ear infections, it is harmless. If your dog were to eat a whole head of garlic, on the other hand, see Onions above.

6. Macadamia Nuts

The good news is that we have no documented cases of macadamia nut poisoning that has led to death. It alleviates after it passes through the dog - in around 12 to 36 hours. The bad news is symptoms are dramatic. Hind-end weakness, lethargy, depression, vomiting, and diarrhea all come after eating as little as 1 gram of macadamia nuts per pound of a dog's body weight.

7. Unbaked Yeast

Raw yeast cells multiply too quickly for dogs' gastrointestinal tracts. When dogs swallow unbaked dough, it can continue to rise, creating a risk of blockage or even rupture of the dog's GI tract. In instances when a very large amount of yeast is eaten, the yeast also ferments inside the dog, producing alcohol, in which case alcohol poisoning can occur.
If you bake breads from scratch, or have yeast in your kitchen for any other reason, remember to keep it - rising dough in particular - in a safe, dog-proof location. And if your dog swallows any, call your veterinarian immediately.

8. Zinc

Dietary zinc is an important mineral, but dogs don't need very much at all - about 80 to 120 parts per million on a dry weight basis. Dogs can suffer acute zinc toxicity through eating pennies, topical medications like zinc oxide, and other zinc-coated objects around the house. Things like these contain large amounts of zinc - much more than anyone should ingest. Zinc toxicity in dogs can lead to gastroenteritis, hemolytic anemia, inflammation, and possible necrosis (destruction of tissue) of the liver, kidney, and pancreas.
Zinc toxicosis is often confused with acute gastrointestinal episodes because the dog may be rejecting food or lethargic, while having vomiting and diarrhea episodes, either of which may be bloody. If the object swallowed is too small, it might not be visible in X-rays. Also depending on size and consistency, you may not be able to tell whether the dog vomited the object or passed it in feces. Zinc-medicated ointments and shampoos aren’t visible in X-rays the way pennies are.

9. Vitamin D Ointments

Not just ointments, but Omega-3 supplements, multivitamins, and other topical creams are full of Vitamin D, which, when ingested in toxic amounts, cause a rapid buildup of calcium and phosphorous in dogs' bodies. Too much calcium and phosphorous lead to the mineralization (hardening) of internal tissue, most often in the kidneys, heart or gastrointestinal tract. At best this causes kidney stones; at worst it brings acute kidney failure. If your dog has eaten any kind of topical ointment, call your animal hospital and Poison Control.

10. Wild Mushrooms

In the U.S., toxic mushrooms are divided into categories based on the severity and nature of poisons they contain. Mushrooms in the Amanita family, the most dangerous category, for example, will cause the thorough destruction of cells in the liver and kidneys, often before any visible symptoms arise. But the syndrome-inducing portfolio of various fungi is diverse, and it is worth it to know what mushrooms are prevalent in your area. Inspect your property for mushrooms in the spring and fall, and keep a particularly curious dog leashed on walks through nature.

11. Nutritional Supplements

This one relates to #9. Any supplement or health product marketed for humans was not manufactured with dogs in mind. Fat soluble vitamin capsules - A, D, E - are toxic to dogs because their bodies do not process these substances in the same way and because dogs are a lot smaller than humans. The 500mg pill of Vitamin D, for example, has a lot more room to spread in a 165 lb. human than in a 35 lb. dog.  

12. Prescription and OTC Drugs

Sure, some veterinarians prescribe Alprazolam (generic Xanax) or Tramadol to dogs with severe anxiety. The effects of these human benzodiazepines on dogs is more or less the same. What about all the other drugs sitting around an average household? Some people will say NSAID pain killers are fine for dogs, but Aleve and acetaminophen drugs like Tylenol have sent countless dogs to the hospital. Antidepressants like Prozac can cause serious sedation and seizures. Amphetamines like Ritalin cause circulatory collapse, heart arrhythmias, and seizures. Opiates will do what they do to any living thing who's overdosed: shut down the respiratory system and the heart.

13. Toothpaste

A common ingredient in toothpaste is xylitol, but there are other dangers presented here for dogs. As children, we were probably all warned about swallowing the toothpaste when we brushed our teeth. The fluoride, we were told, was good for teeth but toxic to our stomachs. It is no different in dogs, except they never get the memo to not eat it. They just see us putting it in our mouths everyday. Fluoride poisioning can be fatal to dogs if it's severe, attacking the stomach and intestines.

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Always keep potentially harmful items in closets, drawers, or cabinets that your dog can’t open, not on a table or countertop or in a bag left on the floor. Make sure your kids understand these rules. And always supervise your dog’s play indoors and out.

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Let's go for a walk! Dog walking etiquette

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Our dogs love to go for walks. We enjoy spending time out with our four-legged companions, and they love the sights and sounds and smells. It should be a pleasant and safe experience, but like anything else, there are rules. Follow them and all is well. Ignore them….well, things could get ugly.

What sort of rules, you ask? Just what is proper etiquette when walking your dog in a public area? Let’s take a look at the guidelines we all should follow when walking with our best friends.

First of all, most communities require two things: 

• 1.       Your pet must be on a leash at all times
• 2.       You must clean up after your pet when they leave “presents” behind.

Those two should be easy, but you’d be surprised how many dog owners don’t follow those basic rules. Even those of us who love dogs don’t want other people’s pets leaving messes on their lawn. Make sure to always carry an adequate supply of plastic bags to pick up the poo. 

Most cities have leash laws, requiring all pets to be on a leash when out in public. This serves a couple purposes. It keeps your pet under control (or should) at all times. Even the most obediently trained dogs can react to something sometimes that might make them leave your side. You certainly don’t want your dog running up on people. You risk your dog biting someone, or at the very least, scaring someone or knocking them down. If they run up on another dog, a fight could ensue. The leash not only protects people from unwelcome contact with your dog, it also protects your dog from situations where he might be injured or lost. An unleashed dog could bolt into traffic, with tragic results, or run away and become lost. 

Always, ALWAYS leash your dog.

If your dog makes a mess, clean it up. It’s that simple. Many cities have regulations regarding this as well, but, even if they don’t, it’s just common courtesy. No one wants to walk out in their yard and step in dog poo (especially on your front lawn where your own dog does not go). 

Some of your neighbors might take issue with your dog going potty on their yard even if you do clean it up. Always be considerate of those who don’t welcome strange dogs on their lawn, and keep to the sidewalk if needed. 

Those two issues aside, there are other things to be aware of.

One of the most important things is, simply, know your dog. Know what he or she likes and dislikes. Does he hate the mailman? Does she go bonkers over squirrels? Does he want to pick a fight with other dogs he sees? Knowing your dog’s behavior is essential. Don’t put your dog in a situation that causes you to lose control of him. Don’t walk your dog in areas that might be trouble spots for him. A properly socialized dog is crucial. Otherwise, you will spend the whole time trying to control an unruly pet and the experience will be stressful and unpleasant for both of you. 

If you notice another dog walker approaching who does not have their dog under control, it might be best to change course or step aside and allow them to pass at a safe distance. Even if the other dog is under control, be cautious. If it is a dog you aren’t familiar with, avoid letting the two run up on each other. Even the friendliest dog can have a negative reaction to another dog at times.

Don’t forget, not everyone loves dogs. Don’t let your leashed dog run to or jump on other people you pass. They may not welcome the contact. Keep your dog close to you. If they want to pet your dog, be sure your dog is welcome to the attention of strangers before allowing it. Never risk your dog biting someone. 

Lastly, if you don’t have the time or energy to walk your dog, consider hiring a dog walker. There are many services out there. An Internet search for dog walking services in your area should turn up quite a few options. Do your research and make sure it is a reputable service before hiring a dog walker. 

Following a few basic rules will create a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

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Grains . . . Good or Evil?

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Grains . . . Good or Evil?

Excerpted from Raw Dog Food by Carina Beth MacDonald

Dogs are not engineered to gain a significant portion of their nutrition from grains. This explains the large, soft stools excreted by most kibble-fed dogs. It is clearly processed poorly by the dog. Many vets agree that corn, wheat and soy may cause allergies, skin and coat problems. Overfeeding grains may be a big factor in the frequency of canine obesity today. This in turn may cause or aggravate many other health problems.

Grain-based diets promote bad dental health and that can lead to systemic infections and weakening of all major organs. I have seen that 85% of all dogs over the age of three suffer from periodontal disease, largely from feeding a soft mushy kibble diet. One of the first benefits of a raw diet, often noticed within a couple of weeks, is improved breath and whiter teeth. I always gave my dogs plenty of raw chew bones when I was feeding kibble, thinking that was enough. It wasn't. Once I gave my kibble away and went 100% raw, my older dogs' breath became sweeter within days, and their teeth steadily became whiter and cleaner.

Yes, there are decent kibbles on the market. You are probably feeding one now. However, all contain grain in one form or another, and a cornerstone of the raw feeding concept is that grain is wholly unnecessary for dogs. Grains are often used as fillers, and are the "glue" that holds the other ingredients in those little pellets. They provide, at best, an inexpensive, low quality protein source. Most grains are poorly digested, hence the large smelly poops they produce. Dogs did not evolve to eat grain, yet this is mainly what we have been feeding them for the last sixty years or so. Kibble contains cooked, often low quality ingredients that have had most of the nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants "boiled" right out of them. These nutrients are then often replaced by synthetic supplements. Dogs have absolutely no need for such a high carbohydrate diet. A wolf eats very few carbs. Added to this, most run-of-the-mill kibbles are often so laden with Preservatives and salts that the dog has to drink tons of water.

Where there are allergies, yeast infections, GI upsets, poor dental health, obesity, and cancer, grain may be the major culprit.

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11 Ways You're Shortening Your Dog's Life

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       Help Your Dog Live Longer by Avoiding These Things            by Nicole Pajer

 

As pet parents, we like to think that we are providing a healthy, happy life for our dogs. We feed them top quality food, give them lots of love, and toss the ball around the backyard whenever we have the time. But there is a lot more that goes into raising a healthy pup. And sometimes, our busy lifestyles cause us to overlook some simple measures that could help to extend the lifespan of our canines.

The good news, however, is that all of this is repairable and it’s never too late to bump up the level of care that we put into raising our pets. Pets360 tapped the minds of several experienced veterinarians across the nation to get their input on ways we may inadvertently be shortening our dog’s lives.

 Letting your dog gain too much weight

 According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 53 percent of dogs were overweight last year. In addition to that, the association found that 95 percent of the owners of these obese dogs incorrectly identified their pets as being at a normal weight. As Dr. Shari Brown, a veterinarian in Chesapeake, Virginia, notes, letting your dog get too heavy can not only reduce his life span but also his quality of life. “People do not realize that dogs do not process or break down food like we do,” she explains.

 For example, when a dog eats 1 ounce of cheddar cheese, it is equivalent in calories to a human eating 1.5 hamburgers or 3 chocolate bars. And it’s not just people food that presents the issue—some dogs are simply being fed too much dog food or treats. “I tell owners to treat each treat like a candy bar. Would you give your child 8 candy bars a day? I’m guessing not,” Dr. Brown adds.

 Solution: Dr. Brown advises limiting the amount of people food you give to your pup and making sure that you are correctly monitoring his intake of kibble. She also recommends that pet parents increase their obese pets' exercise routines, even if that means getting creative. “If it is cold outside or the owner is unable to exercise much, put a leash on your dog and take them for a few laps around your backyard or house. Or put a leash on them and take them for a tour around the inside of your house,” says Dr. Brown. “Anything to get him moving.”

 If the weight still isn't coming off, consult your veterinarian, as they may want to put your pet on a dietary program. Your vet may also be able to help identify an underlying disorder, like hyperadrenocorticism or hypothyroidism, that may be contributing to weight gain.
  
Neglecting canine dental care

 Periodontal disease (gum disease), is a common problem in dogs. As the American Humane Society reports, veterinarians estimate that 85 percent of dogs over five years of age suffer from the condition, which develops after food and bacteria collect along the gum line and form plaque in a dog’s mouth. A build-up of oral bacteria can ultimately lead to all sorts of health problems for your pet, including heart valve problems and infections within the kidneys.

 Solution: Dr. Jeff Werber, owner of Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles, CA, recommends grabbing a toothbrush and scrubbing your dog’s teeth as often as you can.

 “It's not that difficult to brush your dog's teeth (the finger brush works great) and there are chew toys and bones that assist in reducing plaque, as well as water additives that help maintain oral health,” he explains. It’s also a good idea to schedule a visit with your veterinarian for a professional cleaning session at least once each year, says Dr. Werber.

 Skipping annual check ups

While it may be a pain to cart your dog into the veterinarian on an annual basis, doing so may save his life. “Simply getting your dog seen once or twice a year by a veterinarian can help improve life span,” says Dr. Brown, who stresses the importance of annual physicals even for seemingly healthy dogs. “Even if your dog is acting normally, something could be brewing inside,” she explains. And in the case of a dog’s heath, time is of the essence. “In some cases, by the time symptoms appear, there isn’t much we can do. But if we get treatment started early, that can help to improve a dog’s quality and quantity of life,” Dr. Brown adds.

 Solution: Experts, including Brown, recommend taking your pup in for an annual or bi-annual physical (especially for dogs over the age of 7). If there have been underlying conditions in the past, pet parents should ask for yearly blood work to follow up on such ailments. Dr. Werber also urges dog owners to keep their pets up to date on vaccinations to protect them from rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and bordatella.

 Not providing daily exercise   
Just because your pet played hard at the dog park on Monday doesn’t mean that you can forgo giving him any exercise until Thursday. According to Dr. Kim Smyth, Petplan staff veterinarian, exercise not only helps to keep the weight off, it also provides mental stimulation for your pup. She also explains that keeping up your pet’s fitness routine gives him a healthy way to expel energy.

 Solution: “Find an activity you and your dog both enjoy and work it into your daily routine,” says Dr. Symth. “As an added bonus, people who exercise with their pets tend to lose more weight themselves; it’s a win-win!” And if you don’t have time to drive to the dog park five days a week, mix up your routine. Take your dog on walks around the block, toss the ball in the backyard, or play a game of hide-and-seek in your house.

 Exposing your dog to second-hand smoke

Just like humans, canine lungs are not equipped to handle smoke being blown at them all day. According to Dr. Werber, second-hand smoke can be extremely detrimental to pets, causing all sorts of ailments, such as an increased cancer risk and harmful respiratory issues.

 Solution: Obviously the ideal way to tackle this situation is to abstain from smoking yourself. But if the habit is important to your lifestyle, then it’s a good idea to make sure that you do it away from your dog. Keep your dog in the house while you go outside on the patio to have a puff.
  
Forgetting about heartworm and flea and tick prevention                    These measures are just as important as remembering to keep up with your dog’s vaccinations. “Flea, heartworm, and tick control is critical,” says Dr. Patrick Mahaney, of California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness (CPAW), Inc. These tiny critters spread diseases, some of which are life threatening. Fortunately there are many prevention options available from your veterinarian—from collars and topical spot-ons to oral medications.

 Solution: Dr. Mahaney urges pet parents to purchase only veterinary approved products and to follow the recommended dosage guidelines. Dr. Werber also suggests that dog owners set reminders in their calendars for when their dogs are due for their next dose of preventive treatment.

 Pushing certain breeds too hard


 Small and toy dog breeds, as well as brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, have very different exercise requirements than other types of dogs. For instance, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pekingese, and Boxer types should not be exercised in extreme heat, says Dr. Mahaney, as it can be life threatening to them.

 Solution: Make sure to speak to your veterinarian about how much and what type of exercise is best for your breed. And if you feel like your dog is trying to tell you that you are overdoing his workout, listen to him. Symptoms such as excessive panting, dropping to the ground in the middle of a workout, or lethargic (weak and tired) tendencies mean that you should stop and let your dog rest immediately.


 Feeding your dog table scraps

 “In addition to adding extra (and unnecessary!) calories to your dog’s diet, pet parents risk inducing pancreatitis by feeding their dog fatty table scraps,” says Dr. Smyth. Many foods that humans consume are extremely high in fats and sugars compared to what our pets should be exposed to. In addition, certain human foods—including garlic and chocolate—can be toxic to pets if consumed.

 Solution: If you have a hard time saying no to those pleading eyes, offer your dog a healthy treat like baby carrots or apple slices. If your dog begs at the table, feed him his meal in another room while the family eats dinner to cut down on under-the-table handouts. 
Pet parents should also take a moment to familiarize themselves with what foods are considered dangerous for dogs.
  
Letting your dog outside unsupervised                                                           Letting your dog roam free without you watching opens the door for a whole world of possible tragedies. “Cars, coyotes or other predators, unscrupulous people—they're all out there,” says Dr. Werber. “Don't let your dogs roam the streets unattended, even if they are tagged and microchipped.”

Solution: Keep your dog on a leash at all times when walking him outside. If you take your dog to the park, be a responsible pet parent and make sure to monitor his play sessions, says Dr. Werber. And if you notice a coyote or a potential predator, remove your dog from the situation immediately.
   
Not socializing your dog                                                                                               Dogs who fail to get socialized don’t get the same “bite” out of life as their happy, socialized counterparts, says Dr. Werber. “They often develop anxiety and fear-related issues, even dermatologic issues, and they don't enjoy walks in the same way,” he explains. “Similarly a dog that has no human interaction, no fun, no playtime, can get depressed.”

 Solution: Take your puppy at a young age (once he is fully vaccinated and cleared by your veterinarian) to training classes and puppy meet-ups where he can get to know other dogs. Let your dog stop and greet other dogs while out on a walk or host other dogs in your yard for puppy play dates.

Not spaying or neutering                                                            Experts like Dr. Mahaney agree that forgoing spaying and neutering can be dangerous to your dog’s health. “Spaying and neutering is still the best way to guarantee reducing the risk of several cancers, let alone the behavioral issues you can see with intact dogs,” he explains.

 Additionally, each heat cycle that a female dog goes through makes her more prone to the development of mammary cancer, says Dr. Werber. Intact males are also more likely to develop prostatic diseases and testicular cancer than their neutered counterparts.

 Solution: You can arrange to have a spay or neuter procedure done at your local veterinary office. If cost is an issue, there are many clinics that offer low cost procedures; call your local pet clinics and shelters to find out when they are having a special on the procedure. And as far as when to have the procedure done, there are different guidelines for different breeds. “There have been many modifications made with regards to large breed dogs [and] when is the best time is,” says Dr. Mahaney. “For this reason, you should discuss and plan the procedure out with your vet.”


 

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