With Valentines approaching we are all looking forward to getting together with loved ones and enjoy each others' company with merriment and food. Gifts of chocolate are favourites at this time.At this time our dogs may become involved especially with the food and left overs. A few precautions are in order. Some foods may in fact be harmful to our dogs.
The most dangerous of foods is chocolate. Dogs are especially sensitive to a group of chemicals called methylxanthines. Caffeine and theobromine, which are present in chocolate, are methylxanthines. Dogs cannot metabolize and excrete these substances as we can. What happens is that these substances are taken up by the dogs' liver, transported via the bile into the intestine were they are converted back to the original methylxantines, instead of being excreted. This circuit maybe be repeated several times, in the mean time re-poisoning the dogs.
Symptoms of methlyxantine poisoning include vomiting, hypersensitivity, restlessness, very rapid heartbeat and breathing rate, a loss of leg muscle control, muscle tremors, leading to seizures, general weakness, coma and death.
The type and formulation of the chocolate varies with regard to the amount of caffeine and theobromine present. Sweet milk chocolate has the least amounts with the dark bitter baker's chocolate having the most and therefore is the most harmful to the dogs.
A fifty-five pound dog could die from the methlyxantines in five ounces of baker's chocolate, whereas this same size dog would have to ingest fifty ounces or close to three pounds of the milk sweet chocolate. One ounce of baker's chocolate could kill an eleven pound dog. Remember all dogs are different and all react differently.
Whatever the size of our dogs or the particular type of chocolate that we have, it is not worth the risk to let our dogs have any kind of chocolate. Either by giving them a little treat now and then or by leaving it out, so that it can be broken into when we are not looking, it is not worth the chance of our dog being poisoned.
If we suspect our dog has been poisoned with chocolate, immediate medical attention is necessary if the dog's life is to be spared. The chocolate must be cleared from the dog's digestive system as quickly as possible and the dog treated with other supportive therapy.
Other foods that may end up in the dog's dish around Valentines time might be such things as ice cream and cookies.
Milk products, such as ice cream, may lead to diarrhea as most dogs have lost the lactase enyzme soon after weaning. Lactase is necessary for the digestion of lactose or milk sugar.
Candy, cookies and cake from a nutrient stand point only supplies energy or empty calories which we all know. A little wouldn't hurt but let's not make it a habit. The dog may not get enough of the good foods that it requires.
Valentines is a time to show our love to those dear to us including those dog members of our families so to keep this time happy for all. Especially guard the chocolates.
Instead of chocolates give this Valentine Canine Treat. Liver - lamb, mutton, beef or pork 1 lb 1/2 kg. Kidneys - lamb, mutton, beef or pork 1 lb 1/2 kg.If we are worried about the freshness of the liver and kidneys these can be lightly fried, in butter to destroy any harmful bacteria that may be present.Portion out the liver into equal parts. The proportions will vary with the size of the dog. A large tablespoon for small dogs and up to 1/2 cup for a large dog. Do the same with the kidneys and fat. Put either into egg cartons that you have cut the tops off or onto a cookie sheet and freeze. Later these can all be kept in a plastic bag in the freezer.
Feed as a treat, warmed or right out of the frig. Alternate liver and kidney.
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