Holiday Food Hazards for Dawgs

Here’s a timely re-post about Holiday food hazards for dogs!

Each year we try to outline some of the holiday-related toxins that dawgs should stay away from. It’s tempting to give our pets lots of treats (especially when we’re getting so many!), but the fact is, certain people foods (and other holiday items) can be hazardous to their health!

The usual dog-toxin suspects we list each year include:

• Bones (no Turkey bones, Ham bones, Chicken bones etc.)  They can lacerate or obstruct your pets insides–use them for making stock, not as a treat for your pet. (The bones that come in certain dog foods have been really softened up by soaking for a long time.)
• Animal Fat (undigestable); plus too many fatty, rich or new types of food can give your pet pancreatitis or gastroenteritis; two medical conditions that can be painful and even life threatening.
• Gravy / Butter / Dairy (a little turkey broth is OK!)
• Chocolate / Nuts
•  Garbage / Tin Foil / Plastic Bags (always tasty but toxic)–they can also cause a bowel obstruction.
• Poinsettas, Holly, Mistletoe, Cedar (trees) – all toxic
• Alcohol / Coffee
• Onions/Onion Powder (often found in stuffings, can destroy red blood cells and cause anemia.)
• Raisins / Grapes contain a toxin that can cause kidney problems in both cats and dogs.
• Also make sure your pet has a quiet retreat during the hectic festivities that may be overwhelming–give him/her a break if they appear stressed. Mental health is important for pets, too!

More detailed info can be found online:

http://www.petclassroom.com/toxictodogs.shtml

http://www.vetinfo.com/dtoxin.html

http://www.dogster.com/newsletter/index.php?i=167

Erica’s Weekly Woof! ~ Dog Food Ratings

Choosing a food for your dog can be an incredibly daunting task. So many of our canine companions have some level of food allergy or intolerance as well.  The main culprits that cause these allergies are the fillers: corn, wheat and soy.  In addition, food fillers are the third largest cause of allergies in dogs. Atopy (inhaled) and flea bites are the only allergies that occur more often than food allergies.

So many of the low level kibbles contain these ingredients, and the reactions within the dog can really run the gamut.  Anything from severe itching, hair loss or thinning, scaly skin all the way to behavioral problems.  It’s amazing what a proper, well balanced diet can do for your dog.  It often times includes a simple protein and a single carbohydrate, free of by-products and fillers.

All major dog food brands make so many claims about their health benefits that it’s hard to wade through all the information.  Especially when you’re watching t.v. and one of those great commercials comes on with the happiest, healthiest looking dog in the world!  I don’t know about you, but it always grabs my attention.

The website www.dogfoodscoop.com is a completely independent information source that rates dog foods and their ingredients.  Check it out to see where your food falls, and  see if you need to make a change or improvement for the health of your best friend.

WOOF!