Fruits, Veggies & Nuts That Are Toxic To Your Dog - Part 1

There's very little we won't do for our little fury loves, including giving them pieces of our food. However, there are some things your dog should never get his or her little paws on.

Here's a list of fruits and veggies that may be toxic to your dog...play it safe, keep it away.

Grapes & Raisins can cause kidney failure and irreversible kidney damage within 24 hours of being eaten.
Symptoms: Vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, noticeable abdominal pain, little urination, and wobbly and almost weakened movement.

Tomatoes - parts of tomato plants, like the vines, stems, and leaves contain a harmful alkaloid called atropine (tomatine poisoning), which can cause serious problems if eaten. Green or unripened fruit has less of the toxin but can still cause stomach upset. Although ripened red tomatoes are not as likely to make your dog sick, they should not be part of a regular dog food diet.
Causes: Tremors, seizures, and heart arrhythmia.
Symptoms: Unusual drooling, overall weakness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dilated pupils, and even paralysis.

Garlic, Onions and Chives - There are mixed thoughts about feeding dogs garlic. When fed in small amounts, garlic is said to be beneficial for your dog because it's considered one of nature's antibiotics. On the other hand, when injected in larger amounts, both garlic and onion (in fresh, dried, or powdered form) can cause anemia and stomach upset due to the destruction of red blood cells.
Symptoms: Rapid heart rate, weakness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the urine, pale and thin gums.

Avocado - All part of the plant and seed-pit should NOT be eaten by dogs. If they do, dogs could experience painful oxygen deprivation leaving to possible death and pancreatitis. It is still being debated by the scientific community if the actual avocado meat and oils are poisonous, so it may be best to void all of it.
Symptoms: Trouble breathing or loss of breath, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, congestion, fluid build up in the chest are.

Macadamia Nuts - Generally consumption will not be fatal, but can cause your dog to become extremely ill. The toxin in the nut is not know. Ingestion of just a handful of nuts can cause adverse effects. As little as six macadamia nuts can trigger locomotory difficulties in dogs. Toxicity will typically happen within 6-24 hours.
Symptoms: Vomiting, weakness, depression, lack of energy, drunken walking, joint/muscle pain, joint swelling, tremors, ataxia, hypothermia, and abdominal pain.

Immediately take your dog to the nearest Veterinarian if your dog ingests any of these items.

(Part 2 of this post will go live next week)

DIY Pet First Aid Kit

You probably have a first aid kit for the humans in your household so why not have one for your furry family member? Seriously, it's important.

Whether you're going on a road trip or just taking a trip to the beach, it's important to be ready for emergencies. My advice? Buy a little extra and make two; one can stay at home and the other (maybe a bit smaller) can be stashed away in your trunk.

Remember, your first aid supplies don't have to be placed in anything special, an old backpack or small lunch box will do...however, waterproof is definitely preferable (hint hint: Ziploc bag).

Here's a list of the basics needed* for a doggy first aid kit:

• Dog first aid book (The First Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats is a pretty good one, even if it is a bit large.)
• Disposable gloves (latex or non-latex)
• Emergency documents/contact numbers (vet info, closest animal hospital, poison control number, emergency family contact info, copy of pet medical records and registration).
• Tweezers (flat slant clamp & tick removal tweezers)
• Scissors (dull ended)
• Cotton Balls
• Gauze pad, squares and roll (PawFlex bandages are great!)
• Disinfectant (such as Hibitane)
• Wound Spray - Simply spray it on to help clean and heal hot spots, bites, scratches, cuts, burns, ulcered skin and more. (such as Vetericyn)
• Saline solution (fyi - contact solution can work too, in a real emergency)
• Antihistamine - May be used to calm itchiness, swelling, and hives caused by bee stings or insect bites. (ask your vet for dosage based on your dogs size)
• Hydrogen Peroxide - while not recommended for wounds, it can be used to induce vomiting in case of accidental ingestion.
• Bulb syringe or small Turkey Baster - to flush wounds or eyes or for administering medicine.
• Antibacterial wipes or Skin soap (dish soap is also helpful in removing oil & such from dog fur)
• Skin & Paw Cream
• Rectal thermometer (a dog's average temperature is 101°F)
• Petroleum Jelly (when using the above...it's just considerate)
• Muzzle (fitted to your dog; so they don't hurt themselves or others)
• Sugar packets - For diabetic emergencies
• Small container of flour or cornstarch - To stop bleeding of nails that have been broken or cut to the quick.
• Dry dog food
• Dog treats and rawhide bones
• Blanket - Can be an old one you have laying around the house or foil emergency blanket
• Ice pack
• Pen light or flashlight
• Splints or tongue depressor
• Extra dog tag (with your contact info)
• Extra leash & harness
• Prescribed medicine
• Bach's Rescue Remedy - provides natural stress relief and works wonders for dogs that have been through a traumatic situation.

*feel free to add anything that may be specific to your dogs needs. And remember, never give your dog any human drugs or prescriptions without talking to vet first.

Natural Ways To Soothe A Dog's Upset Stomach

The other day G woke up with what seemed like an upset stomach. Her poo was runny, she was mopey, and wouldn't eat (something that very rarely happens).

If she had been a human, I'd of made her some chicken soup and served it with saltines. Crazy thing is, it's not too far from that, according to many vet websites. Here are a few food items that may help soothe a dog's tummy:

Plain Rice

Boiled Chicken (boneless, no salt)
*save the broth & you can pour over the rice

Banana Baby Food 
(if you can get your dog to eat it. G hates bananas.)

100% Pure Pumpkin
(NOT the pie filling stuff)

Plain Yogurt
(try mixing a bit of the pumpkin into the yogurt...yum)

and ALWAYS provide plenty of

If your dog has serious diarrhea it may be a good idea to have them fast for 10-12 hours, depending on their size. After this, stick to a light diet for a few days. 

Important: If you're dog is showing serious signs of illness, call the vet or take them to the nearest pet hospital. Also, don't give your dog any meds without speaking to your veterinarian first.