Dangerous foods for dogs | Bangkok Post: learning

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Chocolate, coffee, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, beer & table scraps can all be dangerous for dogs. A list of foods that might be dangerous.

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PET SOCIETY

Food dogs should Avoid

What's good for you is not good enough for your dog
Taling Chan Animal Hospital

Dogs are often treated like members of the family, their well-being regarded as nearly as important as that of one's partner or children. But good nutrition is essential to maintain a dog's physical and mental health, so it's vital that you educate yourself about what is best for your four-legged friend.

For some pet owners, commercial dog food - instant wet, dry or canned - is the most convenient option since it doesn't require preparation or cooking and it tends to make canine faeces more solid and thus easier to manage.

But some owners give their canine companions the exact same food as they eat themselves. If it's good for humans it must be good for dogs, right? Wrong! Think again. Your dog is not a human being and its nutritional needs are different. Food that is healthy for you may not be at all suitable for your dog, and sometimes could even put its life at risk. And what is best for one dog, may not be appropriate for another.

The following are things you should not feed your beloved pet under any circumstances.

No chicken or fish bones. Never feed your dog bones from chicken or fish - or similar items like shrimp tails - because these can get stuck in the throat - necessitating an emergency trip to the nearest vet - and often have sharp edges that can slice into the oesophagus. While bones are indeed rich in calcium, an essential ingredients in your dog's diet, it is far safer to supply this by giving your dog the occasional bowl of milk or some calcium tablets.

No onion and garlic. These can make dogs (and cats) very sick because they contain a poisonous substance called thiosulphate which at toxic levels can cause haemolytic anaemia, where the animal's red blood cells burst.

No chocolate. Some owners think of this as a treat to reward their pet, but it is a proven scientific fact that chocolate is poisonous for dogs and can sometimes even cause a fatal reaction. Why? Chocolate contains two substances which are toxic for dogs: caffeine and theobromine. Symptoms vary depending on the quantity eaten. The most common effects are restlessness, increased urination, rapid heart rate, asthmatic attacks, bloating, gastro-intestinal distress, severe thirst and increased body temperature. It has been reported that as little as 400mg of theobromine can be toxic if ingested by a dog weighing below 5kg. Dogs are hypersensitive to theobromine because, unlike many other animals, they are unable to excrete it rapidly from their systems. Commercial brands of sweetened chocolate contain approximately 1.5mg of theobromine per cubic centimetre (cc) while unsweetened varieties can have as much as 13mg/cc.

The best thing to do if your dog is exhibiting symptoms of chocolate toxicity is to induce vomiting. But, prior to doing that, give your veterinarian a ring and ask for advice on what steps to take; he or she will make recommendations based on the severity of the animal's reaction.

No wine, beer, spirits or foods containing alcohol. Alcohol is poisonous for dogs. Common symptoms of toxicity include diarrhoea, vomiting, decreased rate of breathing and decreased heart rate. This can progress to loss of consciousness, coma and even death.

No instant baby food. This generally contains onions which, as noted earlier, are poisonous for dogs.

No mushrooms. Some types of mushroom can be very dangerous for dogs and can result in the death of your pooch within a few days of ingestion.

COFFEE OR TEA? 

Like chocolate, coffee and tea contain caffeine which can cause dogs to exhibit symptoms like rapid breathing, increased heart rate, excitement, muscle tremors and seizures.

ARE NUTS GOOD FOR DOGS? 

Surprisingly, many types (macadamias, almonds, walnuts, etc) are actually considered dangerous. Macadamias (whether raw, roasted or processed into spread), in particular, are known to be toxic and can cause problems for canine nervous systems, digestive organs and muscles. Even low levels of aflatoxin contamination from nuts can be extremely toxic for dogs.

IS IT OKAY TO GIVE MY DOG MILK OR DAIRY PRODUCE? 

Some dogs have no difficulty digesting dairy products. However, others experience acute intestinal distress like gas, diarrhoea or vomiting. Keep in mind that most dogs do not have the specific enzyme needed to digest nutrients found in milk like lactose. Avoid if at all possible.

IS CITRUS OIL POISONOUS FOR DOGS?

The oil of some citrus fruits (especially lemon and lime) is toxic for dogs.

IS IT TRUE THAT RAISINS AND GRAPES CAN BE BAD FOR DOGS? 

Yes, both have been linked to kidney failure in dogs. They should be avoided just to be on the safe side

CAN I GIVE MY DOG VITAMINS? 

Vitamin supplements taken by people should never be given to dogs. They may contain vitamins in too high a concentration for canine systems to absorb, resulting in serious damage to a dog's digestive system, kidneys and liver

CAN I FEED CAT FOOD TO MY DOG? 

Dogs and cats have different dietary needs and should be fed the appropriate pet food. Dogs should not be given cat food because it is too fatty and does not provide all the essential nutrients a healthy dog needs.

CAN I GIVE MY DOG FATTY OR SUGARY SNACKS? 

Owners should be aware that all high-fat food, sugary snacks and fatty leftovers are actually very dangerous for dogs. Painful and potentially life-threatening diseases caused by a high fat intake include obesity, diabetes and oral health problems.

Your dog trusts you 100% and it is your responsibility to ensure that it does not ingest anything that could harm its health.

This article was based on text suppled by the team at Taling Chan Animal Hospital which can be contacted by phoning 02-887-8321/3

(Source: Bangkok Post, PET SOCIETY, Food dogs should Avoid, What's good for you is not good enough for your dog, 15/02/2012, Taling Chan Animal Hospital, link)

Dog Health Vocabulary

nutrition - providing the materials necessary to your body so it can grow and be healthy, many common health problems can be prevented or alleviated with good nutrition (See Wikipedia)

dangerous foods for dogs - including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol (See Wikipedia)

well-being - quality of life, happiness, welfare, having a good and comfortable life สวัสดิภาพ, สภาพความเป็นอยู่ที่ดี, สภาพที่ดี  (See Wikipedia)
partner - wife, husband or a person you are living with just like a wife or husband

Dogs are often treated like members of the family, their well-being regarded as nearly as important as that of one's partner or children.

essential - necessary and important ที่จำเป็น ที่สำคัญ
maintain - keep in good condition รักษา

physical - real things that can be touched and seen (not just an idea or legal right)
mental health - whether a person's mind is healthy and they are happy and free of mental disorders such as depression (See Wikipedia)
physical health - the health of a person's body and freedom of disease
physical and mental health

vital - very important ที่สำคัญมาก ที่จำเป็นยิ่ง จำเป็นสำหรับชีวิต
your four-legged friend - cute way of saying "your dog"

But good nutrition is essential to maintain a dog's physical and mental health, so it's vital that you educate yourself about what is best for your four-legged friend.

commercial - for business purposes
commercial dog food - the dog food you buy in stores

convenient - an easy way to do something
option - a choice; something that you can choose in a particular situation ทางเลือก ตัวเลือก
convenient option - an easy thing to do (in some situation)
faeces - waste passed out the backside; number #2, poop (See Wikipedia)

For some pet owners, commercial dog food - instant wet, dry or canned - is the most convenient option since it doesn't require preparation or cooking and it tends to make canine faeces more solid and thus easier to manage.

suitable - right for a situation; acceptable or right for someone or something เหมาะสม
appropriate - Same as "suitable"
nutritional needs - the food a person needs (to keep their body healthy)
risk - danger; the possibility that something dangerous or unpleasant might happen ความเสี่ยง
put its life at risk - may cause a person to die

But some owners give their canine companions the exact same food as they eat themselves. If it's good for humans it must be good for dogs, right? Wrong! Think again. Your dog is not a human being and its nutritional needs are different. Food that is healthy for you may not be at all suitable for your dog, and sometimes could even put its life at risk. And what is best for one dog, may not be appropriate for another.

circumstances - situation, conditions in which we live
should not do under any circumstances - best not to never situation (no situation is appropriate) 

beloved - loved by someone
beloved pet - the pet that you love

The following are things you should not feed your beloved pet under any circumstances.

throat - the area at the back of your mouth and inside your neck ช่องคอ
get stuck in the throat - it is in the back of your mouth and you cannot remove it

necessitating - making something needed, must do it
emergency - an unexpected situation involving danger in which immediate action is necessary เหตุฉุกเฉิน

vet - veterinarian
veterinarian - a person with a medical degree trained to take care of the health of animals สัตวแพทย์

sharp - can cut; like a knife 
sharp edges - edges that can cut; like a knife
slice - cut
slice into the esophagus

oesophagus - the tube from mouth to stomach (that sends food to stomach)

calcium -

rich - with a lot of something อุดมไปด้วย
rich in calcium - with a lot of calcium in it

tablet - a small round hard piece of medicine that you swallow
calcium tablets 

essential - necessary and important, needed ที่จำเป็น ที่สำคัญ
ingredients - foods or chemicals used with other foods in the preparation of a particular dish ส่วนประกอบ
essential ingredients - needed ingredients; things that you need to make some dish or food

your dog's diet - the foods that a dog usually eats

No chicken or fish bones. Never feed your dog bones from chicken or fish - or similar items like shrimp tails - because these can get stuck in the throat - necessitating an emergency trip to the nearest vet - and often have sharp edges that can slice into the oesophagus. While bones are indeed rich in calcium, an essential ingredients in your dog's diet, it is far safer to supply this by giving your dog the occasional bowl of milk or some calcium tablets.

poison (noun) - something that will kill you or make you very sick, if you eat it; also called a "toxin" 
poisonous (adjective) - Same as "toxic"
poisonous substance

toxic (adjective) - poisonous and harmful to people, animals, or the environment มีพิษ,เป็นพิษ (toxicity is the level or degree to which something is poisonous)
toxin (noun) - a toxic or poisonous substance
 
thiosulphate - a chemical in foods such as onion or garlic, thiosulfate levels are not affected by cooking or processing, can be a poison for dogs and cats  (See Wikipedia)

anaemia - a decrease in number of red blood cells (RBCs) or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood (See Wikipedia)
hemolysis - the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs) (See Wikipedia)

haemolytic anaemia - when the red blood cells break apart (burst, explode), "a form of anemia due to hemolysis, the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs), either in the blood vessels (intravascular hemolysis) or elsewhere in the human body (extravascular). It has numerous possible causes, ranging from relatively harmless to life-threatening. The general classification of hemolytic anemia is either inherited or acquired. Treatment depends on the cause and nature of the breakdown. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia are similar to other forms of anemia (fatigue and shortness of breath), but in addition, the breakdown of red cells leads to jaundice and increases the risk of particular long-term complications, such as gallstones and pulmonary hypertension." (See Wikipedia)

red blood cells (RBCs) - "the most common type of blood cell and the vertebrate organism's principal means of delivering oxygen (O2) to the body tissues via the blood flow through the circulatory system. They take up oxygen in the lungs or gills and release it while squeezing through the body's capillaries. These cells' cytoplasm is rich in haemoglobin, an iron-containing biomolecule that can bind oxygen and is responsible for the blood's red color" (See Wikipedia)
burst - explode

No onion and garlic. These can make dogs (and cats) very sick because they contain a poisonous substance called thiosulphate which at toxic levels can cause haemolytic anaemia, where the animal's red blood cells burst.

treat - a special and enjoyable occasion or experience อาหารที่น่ารับประทาน
reward - something given in exchange for good behaviour or good work, etc รางวัล
a treat to reward their pet

fatal - causing someone to die ถึงตาย
reaction - the way something responds as a result of something that happens ปฏิกิริยาตอบโต้
reaction - the way you behave or respond as a result of something that happens ปฏิกิริยาตอบโต้
cause a fatal reaction - kills you

rapid - very fast; happening quickly อย่างรวดเร็ว

caffeine - the chemical in coffee, tea and coca cola that is a stimulant making you more alert, waking you up, making you less sleepy (See Wikipedia)

vary - are different

Symptoms vary depending on the quantity eaten.

common - happening often
most common - happening most often
most common effects - the things that happen most often

restless (adjective) - moving continuously; not able to remain still because you are bored, nervous or impatient
restlessness (noun)  

urine - liquid waste from a person's or animal's body
urinate (verb) - the act of passing liquid waste from the body (slang: piss)
urination (noun) - the act of passing liquid waste from the body (slang: piss)
rapid heart rate - when your heart beats fast

asthma - a medical condition that makes it difficult to breathe
asthmatic attacks - when it suddenly becomes very difficult to breathe

bloating - making very large, filled with air (example: bloated stomach)
intestinal - relating to the intestines, the long tubes in your body that process food and carry waste เกี่ยวกับระบบทางเดินอาหาร

distress - a feeling that you have when you are very upset, unhappy or worried ความกังวลใจ
gastro-intestinal distress - a disease or health problem in the stomach, instestine or colon (stomachache, diarrhea) 

severe - very strong; very serious and worrying ที่รุนแรง ที่น่าเป็นห่วง
severe thirst - very thirsty

ingest - eat
toxic if ingested by a dog weighing below 5kg.

theobromine - a chemical found in chocolate, tea, cola beverages, cacao beans, that can be poisonous especially for dogs (See Wikipedia)

theobromine poisoning - chocolate poisoning, a poisonous reaction to chemical theobromine that  can require emergency room treatment in extreme cases, chocolate can be poisonous if eaten in large quantities by humans or sometimes in normal quantities by older people, "Serious poisoning happens more frequently in domestic animals, which metabolize theobromine much more slowly than humans, and can easily consume enough chocolate to cause chocolate poisoning. The most common victims of theobromine poisoning are dogs, for which it can be fatal. The toxic dose for cats is even lower than for dogs. However, cats are less prone to eating chocolate since they are unable to taste sweetness (See Wikipedia)

sensitive - having a big reaction to some small thing
hyper - very much
hypersensitive - having a very big reaction to a very small thing
hypersensitive to theobromine

 Dogs are hypersensitive to theobromine because, unlike many other animals, they are unable to excrete it rapidly from their systems.

brands - products with well-established names that people remember, that create a certain image and expectations about the product

No chocolate. Some owners think of this as a treat to reward their pet, but it is a proven scientific fact that chocolate is poisonous for dogs and can sometimes even cause a fatal reaction. Why? Chocolate contains two substances which are toxic for dogs: caffeine and theobromine. Symptoms vary depending on the quantity eaten. The most common effects are restlessness, increased urination, rapid heart rate, asthmatic attacks, bloating, gastro-intestinal distress, severe thirst and increased body temperature. It has been reported that as little as 400mg of theobromine can be toxic if ingested by a dog weighing below 5kg. Dogs are hypersensitive to theobromine because, unlike many other animals, they are unable to excrete it rapidly from their systems. Commercial brands of sweetened chocolate contain approximately 1.5mg of theobromine per cubic centimetre (cc) while unsweetened varieties can have as much as 13mg/cc.

induce - cause ก่อให้เกิด

The best thing to do if your dog is exhibiting symptoms of chocolate toxicity is to induce vomiting. But, prior to doing that, give your veterinarian a ring and ask for advice on what steps to take; he or she will make recommendations based on the severity of the animal's reaction.

alcohol - the chemical in beer, wine and whiskey that makes you drunk (See Wikipedia)
diarrhoea - a disease in which you pass solid waste from your body in liquid form and too often (See Wikipedia)
vomit - throwing up (See Wikipedia)
rate of breathing - the speed of breathing (breathing fast or slowly)
progress - advance, go forward to the next step in a process ก้าวหน้า how a series of events is developing พัฒนาการ
progress to loss of consciousness, coma and even death

No wine, beer, spirits or foods containing alcohol. Alcohol is poisonous for dogs. Common symptoms of toxicity include diarrhoea, vomiting, decreased rate of breathing and decreased heart rate. This can progress to loss of consciousness, coma and even death.

instant baby food - food for babies in a jar that can be eaten without needing preparation

No instant baby food. This generally contains onions which, as noted earlier, are poisonous for dogs.

pooch - a cute word for "dog"

No mushrooms. Some types of mushroom can be very dangerous for dogs and can result in the death of your pooch within a few days of ingestion.

tremor - an uncontrolled shaking of the body, because you are frightened or sick (See Wikipedia)
muscle tremors - muscles shaking
seizure - a sudden attack of a disease that makes your body shake (example: epileptic seizures) (See Wikipedia)

Like chocolate, coffee and tea contain caffeine which can cause dogs to exhibit symptoms like rapid breathing, increased heart rate, excitement, muscle tremors and seizures.

raw - not cooked; materials in their natural state before being processed or used in manufacturing
processed - treated in some way, e.g., treated with chemicals, cut, etc.
spread (verb) - to gradually cover a larger area แพร่กระจาย
spread (noun) - a food that you put on another food (cover the food with it)
raw, roasted or processed into spread

canine - related to dogs
nervous systems

aflatoxin - (See Wikipedia)
contamination - made dirty and dangerous to use or eat after exposure to dirt, germs, chermicals, or radiation
aflatoxin contamination

Surprisingly, many types (macadamias, almonds, walnuts, etc) are actually considered dangerous. Macadamias (whether raw, roasted or processed into spread), in particular, are known to be toxic and can cause problems for canine nervous systems, digestive organs and muscles. Even low levels of aflatoxin contamination from nuts can be extremely toxic for dogs.

dairy - milk and foods made from milk such as butter, cream, and cheese
acute - very sudden, serious or severe เฉียบพลันและรุนแรง

Some dogs have no difficulty digesting dairy products. However, others experience acute intestinal distress like gas, diarrhoea or vomiting. Keep in mind that most dogs do not have the specific enzyme needed to digest nutrients found in milk like lactose. Avoid if at all possible.

The oil of some citrus fruits (especially lemon and lime) is toxic for dogs.

linked - connected เชื่อมโยง
kidney - one of the two organs in your body that clean your blood and remove waste ไต

Yes, both have been linked to kidney failure in dogs. They should be avoided just to be one the safe side

vitamin - natural substances in food that keep your body healthy (nutrients) (See Wikipedia)
supplement - something that people eat for their health in addition to their meals and the food they eat
vitamin supplements - vitamins that people take, to get nutrients in addition to the food they eat (See Wikipedia)
concentration - a large amount in a small area; a lot of something in one place แหล่งชุมนุม หรือ ศูนย์รวม
absorb - to take in a liquid, gas or other substance form the surface or space around ซึมซับ ดูดกลืน

Vitamin supplements taken by people should never be given to dogs. They may contain vitamins in too high a concentration for canine systems to absorb, resulting in serious damage to a dog's digestive system, kidneys and liver

provide - to give someone something that they want or need

Dogs and cats have different dietary needs and should be fed the appropriate pet food. Dogs should not be given cat food because it is too fatty and does not provide all the essential nutrients a healthy dog needs.

aware - knowing that something exists, or having knowledge or experience of a particular thing ทราบ
leftovers - the food that remains at the end of a meal after you have finished eating สิ่งของที่เหลือ
threat - a danger
life-threatening - a danger for your life (might kill you)
potentially - possibly เป็นไปได้ may happen; possible in the future ที่อาจเกิดขึ้นได้
potentially life-threatening - could kill someone
potentially life-threatening diseases - diseases that could kill someone
intake - food that a person eats (puts inside their body)
high fat intake - eating a lot of fatty foods
obesity - being overweight or fat
diabetes - a health problem with abnormally high blood sugar levels due to a diminished production of insulin, regular injections of insulin have been used to treat the disease since 1921 (See Wikipedia) โรคเบาหวาน
oral -  related to the the mouth
oral health problems - health problems in the mouth

Owners should be aware that all high-fat food, sugary snacks and fatty leftovers are actually very dangerous for dogs. Painful and potentially life-threatening diseases caused by a high fat intake include obesity, diabetes and oral health problems.

responsibility - having to take care of some task as part of your job
ensure - to make certain that something happens or is done รับรอง ให้ความมั่นใจ ให้การยืนยัน 
harm - damage ความเสียหาย

Your dog trusts you 100% and it is your responsibility to ensure that it does not ingest anything that could harm its health

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