Have you ever wondered why little Fifi…Fofo…Fumfum, or whatever you call your pooch, comes into the house and throws up on your prized Persian rug?
Possible causes: motion sickness, an infection, food allergies or poisoning, heat stroke, or plant poisoning.
It’s interesting what some animals can eat without being affected. Camels eat thorny cacti, seabirds eat plastic from the ocean (source: National Geographic.org), rats eat car cables, and of course, rhinos eat Volkswagens.
“In general, dogs are more affected than cats, partly because they eat pretty much anything, while cats are somewhat protected because they are pickier eaters,” according to researchers from the University of Milan.
Eating the wrong foods can cause pets to vomit, diarrhea, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, rapid breathing and seizures. in extreme cases even death. Of course, it depends on how much is consumed.
Before you offer your furry family member a sample from your plate, make sure you’re not sharing any foods that may cause a serious health problem.
“Several foods perfectly suited for human consumption can be toxic to dogs and cats,” researchers said in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
“Sometimes owners unknowingly give these harmful foods to their dogs and cats, but often pets ingest these foods accidentally.” The researchers found that “…reported cases of pet poisoning include chocolate and chocolate-based products, plant-based foods of the Allium genus (including Garlic, leeks, and chives), macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, foods sweetened with xylitol (e.g., sugar-free chewing gum), ethanol in alcoholic beverages, and unbaked bread dough.” (Raw dough produces alcohol in the stomach.)
However, according to the magazine, not all pets have the same reactions to these foods.
Even with a jackhammer, macadamias are a tough nut to crack. It’s not clear how much of these nuts can cause health problems. Our dog chief frequently found these nuts on the ground and chewed them up lightly. He suffered no obvious side effects. He also ate ground squirrels. He was 200 years old.
Apple, crab apple, apricot, and plum trees are also poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses. Dogs can eat apples, but first remove the poisonous seeds and seeds.
Cherry seeds contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. The stone in peaches and pears also contains cyanide; Cut all the way around the pit first.
While the ripe fruits of the tomato plant are considered harmless to dogs, the green parts of the plant contain a toxic substance called solanine (Pet Poison Hotline). However, the family pooch would have to eat a large amount of the tomato plant to get sick.
Sago palms contain a toxin that can cause liver failure. All parts are poisonous, especially the seeds.
Ingesting just two seeds can cause diarrhea, seizures, and liver failure.
Azaleas and rhododendrons contain toxins that can cause vomiting and cardiovascular collapse.
All parts of the oleander are poisonous and can cause drooling, diarrhea and cardiac dysfunction.
Castor beans contain ricin, a potent toxin.
Chrysanthemums, which contain pyrethrin, and kalanchoe can cause gastrointestinal problems and loss of coordination.
According to the Pet Poison Hotline, asparagus ferns can also cause skin irritation if your pet brushes against it. Consuming the berries can lead to gastrointestinal problems.
The leaves, pit, and skin of avocados all contain the toxin persin.
Citrus fruits contain a lot of citric acid. While lemons, limes, and oranges are safe for humans, they are very toxic to dogs and cats.
Some herbs that are toxic to cats and dogs are borage, chamomile, lavender, spearmint, and oregano.
Other plants that can poison your pets according to humanesociety.org include bird of paradise, carnation, clematis, cyclamen, daisy, eucalyptus, foxglove, gardenia, hemlock, hosta, hydrangea, lobelia, milkweed, nightshade, peony, periwinkle, primrose, rhubarb, Tobacco tree, vinca, wisteria and yucca.
Some poisonous holiday plants include Christmas cacti, holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias.
Common houseplants that can cause problems in pets are aloe, cactus, caladium, English ivy, jade, philodendron, pothos, snake plant, begonia, dieffenbachia, dracaena, geranium, rubber plant, and lantana.
Almost all plants that grow from bulbs or tubers are poisonous to your pet. These include amaryllis, bluebells, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, irises and tulips.
The entire lily plant is toxic to cats: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase, according to the FDA.
To protect your pets, choose your plants carefully. Place them out of their reach. Pick up fallen leaves or petals from around your plants. Consider cat and dog repellent products.
Aspca.org provides an extensive and printable list of poisonous and non-toxic plants for pets.
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA’s 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-426-4435.
Your Persian rug can be replaced. Your pet cannot.
