Whats good/bad for dogs?

boxermad

I feed my dogs food scraps like what ever is left after dinner but am wondering what foods i shouldnt feed them, i no sausages are bad for them as well as gluten and wheat products. do ye no what would be ok to feed them? Also is dairy products bad foor them eg cheese?

Our man in Havana

Moved from pre-moderated forum.

adser53

taken from here: http://www.irishdogs.ie/community-forum.html


This list was compiled using extracts from all the different information given in threads posted by various members.
Thanks to everyone who contributed.
If anyone becomes aware of more ingredients or substances which could be added to this list, please post a thread in this forum and the relevant info can be copied to here.


Everything mentioned below on the list is harmful, dangerous, poisonous, toxic, and potentially fatal to your dog.



Substances / Chemicals

Rodenticides
Most rodenticide poisonings are the result of careless placement of baits, overuse of baits, failure to discard poisoned rodents, and malicious poisonings.

Anticoa Gulant Rodenticides
* The most commonly used rodenticides - used by the lay person, professional exterminators and for agricultural rodent control.
* Clinical Signs: There is a latent period of two to five days before clinical effects are observed. The poisoned animal may be found dead with no history of illness as a result of haemorrhage in vital areas. Less acute cases exhibit depression, lethargy, pallor, anaemia, and weakness. Haemorrhaging is often noticed through a bloody nose.


Strychnine
* It is the primary toxicant in malicious poisonings. Strychnine is used as a pesticide. Commercial formulated baits are often pelleted and dyed green or purple.
* Clinical Signs: The onset of strychnine effects occur within ten minutes to two hours after ingestion. Affected animals appear nervous and apprehensive, developing a tense abdomen and saw-horse stance. This progresses to violent, intermittent seizures. Death occurs in one to two hours after onset if not treated.


Sodium Fluoroacetate (1080)
* Dogs are very susceptible to poisoning by 1080. 1080 is used to control rodents such as rabbits. Dogs are usually poisoned by eating contaminated rodents.
* Clinical Signs: There may be an initial period of restlessness, followed by hyperesthesia and vocalization. Repeated defecation and urination are characteristic. Dogs die of convulsions or subsequent respiratory paralysis within one to four hours of eating a lethal dose.


Warfarin
* Commonly found in rat and mouse baits. Generally a slow acting poison.
* Clinical Signs: Causes internal bleeding, leading to anaemia, depression, difficult breathing, convulsions and death in severe cases.


Cyanide
* Extremely poisonous chemical compound. Used in New Zealand in the form of a paste to kill possums, and is usually used in conjunction with a lure of flour or jam. Dogs are usually poisoned by eating a contaminated possum carcass.
* Clinical Signs: The poisoned dog may be found dead for no apparent reason. Cyanide is very fast acting and in most cases, without an immediate emetic. the dog will die before veterinary attention can be sought.



Insecticides


* Intoxication has occurred from a variety of compounds. Exposure is usually the result of improperly stored or disposed of preparations, spilled mixtures or containers left open where dogs may have access to them. Dogs have been poisoned by applying preparations intended for another species, an overly aggressive control program for internal/external parasites, and by oral ingestion of insecticides such as snail bait. Other common insecticides include sheep dips, flea powders and flea washes.

* Clinical Signs: Each animal may not exhibit all possible effects. Early in the poisoning symptoms are uneasiness and apprehension, progressing to licking, chewing or swallowing motions (associated with increased salivation) and muscular twitching around the face and eyes. As the poisoning progresses abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, defecation, end frequent urination commonly occur. Wetness around the lips, froth and slobbering are noticed. Muscular twitching progresses to whole body muscle fasciculations that become evident over the back of the animal. Death occurs within minutes to hours after onset of clinical signs and results from respiratory failure.


Heavy Metals


Arsenics
* Inorganic arsenicals are used in insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, insulation, paint pigments, wood preservatives and detergents.
* Clinical Signs: Arsenic is a severe gastrointestinal irritant and commonly produces initial signs of vomiting, restlessness. and abdominal pain evidenced by whining and a defensive abdominal wall. A profuse, often bloody diarrhoea results. This leads rapidly to weakness, dehydration and anaemia. Signs occur within 30 minutes of ingestion and death occurs in a few hours.


Lead
* Lead is commonly found in old paints, toys, lubricants, gasoline, batteries, galvanizing, improperly glazed dishes, and many other sources. Lead accumulates in the body as do other heavy metals.
* Clinical Signs: Often vague and non-specific. Occasional vomiting, depression. constipation, anorexia, colic, a wasting syndrome, dehydration, diarrhoea and thirst. Nervous effects observed later include chomping of the jaws, hysteria, epileptic form of convulsions, partial paralysis end blindness. The overriding prominence of nervous signs has often lead clinicians to diagnose distemper in young dogs suffering from lead intoxication. If untreated, death may occur several weeks after clinical signs begin, due to respiratory arrest.



Herbicides & Fungicides

Herbicides
* In addition to toxicity from arsenic herbicides, dog toxicity is also occasionally observed from the phenol containing herbicides and from the chlorate salts. The low cost of both these materials makes them popular with local agencies for weed control. Only rarely are toxicities observed from 2,4,5-T and paraquat. No specific antidotes are available for these chemicals.
* Clinical Signs: With few exceptions, clinical signs associated with herbicides are non-specific and include loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea. progressive muscular weakness and possible death.


Fungicides
* Although the various solvents used for currently employed fungicides may be toxic, by and large the chemical fungicides themselves are of limited hazard. Methyl bromide, captan, dinitroorthocresol, carbamate fungicides and organotin materials are potentially toxic.
* Clinical Signs: Usually similar to those observed in herbicide intoxication, but may include greater involvement of the nervous system.



Environmental Contaminants


Household Products

The potential for household products to cause toxicity in dogs is significant because dogs are often confined to the home. Among cleaners disinfectants, strong acids and alkalis are often used.

A variety of household compounds are potentially toxic:

* Dry cleaning fluid
* Fertilizers
* Furniture polish
* Matches
* Mothballs
* Laundry bleach
* Perfumes
* Shampoos
* Window cleaner

To name just a few!!
Clinical Signs: These can range from vomiting and diarrhoea to pneumonia.

* AntifreezeEthylene Glycol is found in antifreeze (up to 95%). It is odourless, colourless, and sweet tasting water-soluble liquid.
* Clinical Signs: The first clinical stage occurs 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion and is characterised by vomiting, depression, abnormal righting reflexes, generalized or focal seizures and coma.


* FuelsFuels consist of a variety of hydrocarbon compounds. They are widely used in household and commercial products, such as charcoal lighters, cooking fuels, lighter fluid and fire kindlers. Kerosene, diesel oils and house heating oils are included.
* Clinical Signs: Depending on the fuel, level of exposure and time since exposure. Exposure is an emergency. Signs may include: Irritation to skin and mouth, diarrhoea, coughing, tremors, depression, seizures and coma.


Prevention Of Poisoning

Dog Owner Education Is The Most Effective Method To Prevent Toxicosis In Dogs. Remember - Prevention Is Better Than Cure.

* If A Dog Has Access To A Poison, So May A Child
* Always Keep Poisons Out Of Reach Of Both Children And Animals, Either On A High Shelf Or Locked Away In A cupboard.

If You Suspect Your Dog Has Been Poisoned

1. Transport the dog to a Veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you are able, take with you the poison container, or a sample of the suspected source of poisoning and/or vomitus in a clean plastic container or jar.
2. Try to induce your dog to vomit by:
(Note: Do not induce vomiting if it appears the animal has ingested corrosive material e.g. Kerosene, Acids or Alkalis)
* Crystal of washing soda on the back of the tongue.
* Mix 1 teaspoon Mustard and 1 teaspoon Salt in 1 tablespoon of water - this mixture will sometimes induce vomiting.



===============================================

Poisonous Plants

The accessibility of a numerous variety of plants around households, coupled with the tendency for dogs to play with and chew on foreign objects, presents the constant hazard of pet poisoning due to the existence of poisonous plant materials. Since the dog has a physiology basic anatomy similar to mans, plants that are toxic for human beings should also be considered toxic for dogs.

The specific plant, amount eaten and the part of the plant consumed are vital in evaluating the potential toxic effect.

Numerous toxic principles and syndromes are associated with contact or ingestion of a wide variety of plants.

Some of the most commonly observed plant poisonings in dogs are those producing mechanical injury, digestive tract irritation, and specific toxicity resulting from consumption of algae, mushrooms and fungi.


A-B

Aloe Vera
Amaryllis
Apple (seeds)
Apricot (pit)
Arrowhead
Asparagus Fern
Avocado
Autumn Crocus
Azalea

Baneberry
Begonia
Bird of Paradise
Black Locust
Black Walnut
Bleeding Heart
Boston Ivy


C

Caladium
California Poppy
Calla Lily
Carnation
Castor Bean
Ceriman
Cherry (seeds, wilting leaves, and pit)
Chinese Evergreen
Chives
Christmas Rose
Chrysanthemum
Clematis
Corn Plant
Crocus
Croton
Crown of Thorns
Crown Vetch
Cyclamen


D-F

Daffodil
Daphne
Delphinium
Devil's Ivy
Dicentra
Dieffenbachia
Donkey Tail
Dumb Cane
Dutchman's Breeches

Easter Lily
Elderberry
Elephant Ears
English Ivy
Eucalyptus

Fiddle-leaf Fig
Flax
Florida Beauty
Four O'Clock
Foxglove
Foxtail
Fruit Salad Plant


G-I

German Ivy
Gladiola

Hemlock
Holly
Honeysuckle
Hurricane Plant
Hyacinth
Hydrangea

Iris
Ivy


J-L

Jack in the Pulpit
Japanese Yew
Jerusalem Cherry
Jimson Weed
Jonquil

Kalanchoe

Lamb's quarter
Lantana
Larkspur
Laurel
Lily
Lily of the Valley
Lobelia
Locoweed
Lords-and-Ladies
Lupine


M-N

Marigold (Marsh Marigold)
Marijuana
Mayapple
Mexican Breadfruit
Milkweed
Mistletoe
Monkshood
Morning Glory
Mother-in-Law plant
Mother-in-Law's Tongue
Mountain Laurel
Mushrooms

Narcissus
Nephthytis
Nightshade


O-P

Oak Tree (buds and acorns)
Oleander
Onion

Peace Lily
Peach (wilting leaves and pits)
Pencil Tree
Philodendron
Pigweed
Poinsettia
Poison Ivy
Poison Hemlock
Poison Oak
Poison Sumac
Poppy
Potato (all green parts)
Pothos
Precatory Bean


Q-S

Rhododendron
Rhubarb
Ribbon Cactus
Rubber Tree

Sago Palm
Schefflera
Shamrock Plant
Snake Plant
Snow on the Mountain
Sorghum
Star of Bethlehem
Stinging Nettle
Stinkweed
Swiss Cheese Plant


T-V

Taro Vine
Toadstools
Tobacco
Tomato Plant (entire plant except ripe fruit)

Umbrella Tree


W-Z

Water Hemlock
Weeping Fig
Wisteria

Yew


===============================================
Food / Ingredients


Chocolate - contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.

When affected by an overdose of chocolate, a dog can become excited and hyperactive. Due to the diuretic effect, it may pass large volumes of urine and it will be unusually thirsty. Vomiting and diarrhoea are also common. The effect of theobromine on the heart is the most dangerous effect. Theobromine will either increase the dog�s heart rate or may cause the heart to beat irregularly. Death is quite possible, especially with exercise.

After their pet has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, many pet owners assume their pet is unaffected. However, the signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours, with death following within twenty-four hours.

Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms. A 10-kilogram dog can be seriously affected if it eats a quarter of a 250gm packet of cocoa powder or half of a 250gm block of cooking chocolate. These forms of chocolate contain ten times more theobromine than milk chocolate. Thus, a chocolate mud cake could be a real health risk for a small dog. Even licking a substantial part of the chocolate icing from a cake can make a dog unwell.

Semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate are the next most dangerous forms, with milk chocolate being the least dangerous. A dog needs to eat more than a 250gm block of milk chocolate to be affected. Obviously, the smaller the dog, the less it needs to eat.

Onions & Garlic are other dangerous food ingredients that cause sickness in dogs, cats and also livestock. Onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Onions are more of a danger.

Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop haemolytic anaemia, where the pet�s red blood cells burst while circulating in its body.

At first, pets affected by onion poisoning show gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhoea. They will show no interest in food and will be dull and weak. The red pigment from the burst blood cells appears in an affected animal�s urine and it becomes breathless. The breathlessness occurs because the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body are reduced in number.

The poisoning occurs a few days after the pet has eaten the onion. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic. Left over pizza, Chinese dishes and commercial baby food containing onion, sometimes fed as a supplement to young pets, can cause illness.

Onion poisoning can occur with a single ingestion of large quantities or with repeated meals containing small amounts of onion. A single meal of 600 to 800 grams of raw onion can be dangerous whereas a ten-kilogram dog, fed 150 grams of onion for several days, is also likely to develop anaemia. The condition improves once the dog is prevented from eating any further onion

While garlic also contains the toxic ingredient thiosulphate, it seems that garlic is less toxic and large amounts would need to be eaten to cause illness.



Macadamia Nuts are another concern. A recent paper written by Dr. Ross McKenzie, a Veterinary Pathologist with the Department of Primary Industries, points to the danger of raw and roasted macadamia nuts for pets.

The toxic compound is unknown but the affect of macadamia nuts is to cause locomotory difficulties. Dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated.

Dogs have been affected by eating as few as six macadamia kernels (nuts without the shell) while others had eaten approximately forty kernels. Some dogs had also been given macadamia butter.

Luckily, the muscle weakness, while painful, seems to be of short duration and all dogs recovered from the toxicity. All dogs were taken to their veterinary surgeon.

Pets owners should not assume that human food is always safe for pets. When it comes to chocolate, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts, such foods should be given in only small quantities, or not at all. Be sure that your pets can�t get into your stash of chocolates, that food scraps are disposed of carefully to prevent onion and garlic toxicity and that your dog is prevented from picking up macadamia nuts if you have a tree in your garden.


Others:

* Pear pips, the kernels of plums, peaches and apricots, apple core pips (contain cyanogenic glycosides resulting in cyanide posioning)
* Potato peelings and green looking potatoes
* Rhubarb leaves
* Mouldy/spoiled foods
* Alcohol
* Yeast dough
* Coffee grounds, beans & tea (caffeine)
* Hops (used in home brewing)
* Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)
* Broccoli (in large amounts)
* Raisins and grapes
* Cigarettes, tobacco, cigars
* Avocados - They contain a toxic component called persin, which can damage heart, lung and other tissue in many animals. This fruit is very toxic to dogs, cats and most animals.

===============================================


Human Medication

Poisonous Medication

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrum IB) are toxic to both cats and dogs, even in small doses. Pepto Bismol is also highly toxic when used in treating cats. In general, it's never a good idea to just assume a human medication will be a safe and effective treatment for your pet.


Non-poisonous medication Thumbs%20Up

KAOPECTATE: Can be given to dogs and cats (1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds) to help ease vomiting and diarrhea. This dosage can be repeated every four hours or until your pet is resting comfortably.

bodyOffer2() PEPTO-BISMOL: Can be administered to dogs with stomach problems. Give one teaspoon per twenty pounds of weight every four to six hours. Again, Pepto Bismol should never be given to cats.

ASPIRIN: Can be given to dogs (never cats!) to help relieve inflammation, arthritis pains and general suffering. Buffered Aspirin will be much easier for your dog's system to tolerate, but if you must, regular (non-coated) aspirin can be used with a small amount of food. Give one-quarter of a 325-milligram tablet for every ten pounds of dog, once or twice daily.

DRAMAMINE (or Dimenhydrinate): works well at preventing motion sickness in both cats and dogs. Medium to large dogs can take 25-50 milligrams safely, an hour before traveling. For cats and smaller dogs, give 12.5 milligrams.

TAGAMET (or Cimetidine): Can be dispensed to dogs suffering from ulcer pains or to help reduce the amount of acid irritation in the stomach. It's best to discuss a proper dosage with your veterinarian.

ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENTS: Are helpful in the treatment of small wounds, bites or minor infections. Since animals instinctively lick their wounds in an attempt to heal themselves, it's important to bandage the injured area with gauze after applying ointment, and then use clear tape to keep the gauze in place.

BENADRYL(or Diphenhydramine): Helps to relieve allergy suffering. One to three milligrams for every pound of animal is enough to relieve allergic skin irritation and respiratory discomfort.

bodyOffer3() ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP: Can help to treat ringworm and acne problems. Canine acne generally appears on the chin and cheeks, and can be washed daily with a mild antibacterial soap. Wash ringworm infected areas on dogs and cats with a mild soap twice daily to prevent further spreading and infection.

HYDROCORTISONE: Will help to relieve itchy, raw or irritated skin. It's perfect, applied in light coat directly on the animals skin, for treating hives, hot spots, and insect bites and stings. Apply a small amount up to two times daily.

ALOE VERA: Is a proven method of relieving flu symptoms in cats. Dip towlettes in Aloe Vera and use to moisten and clean mucous deposits from your cat's nose and eyes. (Cats can also be given saline nasal drops-two in each nostril-to help loosen phlegm and encourage healing.)

MOISTURIZER: Will help ease your pet's discomfort when suffering from skin irritations like dandruff. Apply a small dollop of moisturizer to your palms and then spread evenly through the animal's coat, paying special attention to problem areas of itchy, dry, irritated skin.

VAPORIZERS: Much like humans, dogs and cats do suffer colds and flus that leave them just as miserable as you and I during flu season. A vaporizer (positioned in a safe place where curious pets aren't likely to get at it) will help to relieve congestion and the discomfort of kennel cough and asthma symptoms.

GAS-X: Used if you suspect bloat. Call the vet ASAP if symptoms indicate possible bloat!!

PEROXIDE: 1 - 2 capfuls to induce vomiting.

IMODIUM AD - This anti-diarrhea medication is useful in both dogs and cats. It seems to work better with small intestinal diarrhea, and is available in both tablet and liquid form. Check with your veterinarian if your pet could take this drug, and at what dosage.

PEPCID AC- Now available over-the-counter as 10mg tablets, Pepcid AC is a useful drug for vomiting in the dog. Designed as an antacid, Pepcid AC decreases the acid secretion in the stomach, thereby alleviating associated discomfort and nausea.
MELATONIN - Often used for noise phobias (thunderstorms, fireworks, etc.) You may find Melatonin in health food stores, pharmacies, and some supermarkets. When selecting the Melatonin make sure to examine the labels carefully and select a product that contains the proper dosage for dogs. Make sure that it does NOT contain other herbs or nutrients. The usual dosage is 3 mg for a dog that weighs over 30 pounds. In a few cases, very large dogs weighing well over 100 pounds needed 6 mg, but that's unusual. For dogs that weigh less than 30 pounds, give 1.5 mg. For a tiny dog, reduce the dosage even further.

morganafay

I give my dogs scraps and try to only give them healthy things. Rice (preferably brown), potatoes, meat, vegetables, olive oil. Actually I'm not sure if potatoes are good, but they like them cos they can play fetch with them and then eat them!

lorebringer

Adser53 has a very concise list! Scarey how many things can cause problems!

Generally I avoid - Grapes (and raisins), chocolate, ice cream, pips and cores (peaches etc.), chewing gum, onions and garlic, raw (sometimes give them a little if it is cooked in with meat, but very small amount), nuts and any decorative plants. I keep them very clear of any cleaners or chemicals in the house or garden (and other peoples gardens - slug pellets everywhere at the moment and antifreeze on drives in the winter).

I wouldn't give my dogs anything I wouldn't eat myself (eg. green leaves of tomatoes) - they get meat (always cooked), some veg (cooked and raw), rice, potatoes, some fruits (apples etc), natural yoghurt in small amounts and general bits and bobs that we eat.

Cherry Blossom

I'd also avoid all dairy products, dogs are lactose intollerant (they lose the ability to digest it after they are weaned as a normal part of their development)

Zapperzy

I give my dog the odd few scraps sometimes, cooked potato (as far as I know I think raw potato is poisonous for both humans and dogs?), rice, raw and cooked veg (except onions), and raw or cooked meat. I actually give him a garlic clove every few weeks, it's a natural flea repellant and Iv never seen any signs of illness because of it. Dairy in small amounts I think is ok, I have used cheese to train my dog with and I have given him the odd treat of natural yoghurt. He has never gotten sick from it.

I would avoid anything spicy, anything that has been cooked in a sauce (if the sauce is made from a packet/jar then you don't know what could be in the sauce, eg. wine) or anything very salty.

ashlingm

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

I'd also avoid all dairy products, dogs are lactose intollerant (they lose the ability to digest it after they are weaned as a normal part of their development)

Sorry to hijack the thread!

I know adult dogs generally are lactose intolerant. But I have been told as long as you give them sparingly, they can make a good occasional treat

Ive always been told that after a dog has been on anti-biotics or just been a bit pooly giving natural yoghurt in with his feed can be beneficial to boosting and replenishing his immune system.

I guess it really depends on your dog (some dogs easily get diarrhoea from dairy products) and use them sparingly, you should be okay.

I usually give my dog treats such as boiled chicken fillets (mixed with brown rice and natural yoghurt if he is sick), bits of cheese, carrots, scraps from the dinner :eek: ...actually know that I think of it he actually gets more toy treats then food treats. He isnt hugely bothered by food...but bring home a new squeeky toy and he goes nuts! :cool:

artieanna

I have to say that a dog we had years ago was fed boiled potato skins as a main part of his diet and he lived long and healthy until he was 18.

So I'm assuming its raw potatos referred to in the above list.

Westsa

Yoghurt is fine to give dogs as the milk sugar lactose is broken down by the bacteria when the yoghurt is being made. My dog knows when I'm opening a yoghurt pop and is ready and waiting to lick the pot clean when I'm finished with it. I used to put a little natural yoghurt in my dog Kong and she would spend ages trying to lick it all. Great to keep them occupied.:)

EGAR

I think "moderation" is the key word . All my dogs get table scraps and they love them.

adser53

definitely egar

boxermad

are cooked sausages bad for dogs or is it just raw? mydogs go mad wen dey smell sausages but to my knoledge people feed greyhounds sausages to fix a race, is dat raw or cooked?

LisaO

boxermad wrote: »

are cooked sausages bad for dogs or is it just raw? mydogs go mad wen dey smell sausages but to my knoledge people feed greyhounds sausages to fix a race, is dat raw or cooked?

I wouldn't imagine cooked or raw would make much difference - it's the ingredients that could be a problem. A lot of sausages contain more filler than meat - cereal or rusk, which is often wheat based. All dogs love sausages - they can smell pretty good when being cooked As Egar said, everything in moderation. So a small bit of sausage as a treat or special training aid would be fine but serving your dog sausage & chips for his dinner every night... not the way to go.

Dunno about sausages being given to greyhounds to fix a race, not sure how that works

boxermad

LisaO wrote: »

Dunno about sausages being given to greyhounds to fix a race, not sure how that works

dunno weathr this was a myth but it supposedly gives dog cramps and was also in the film man about dog i think

Cherry Blossom

boxermad wrote: »

dunno weathr this was a myth but it supposedly gives dog cramps and was also in the film man about dog i think

I know I've heard people say 'someone should throw that dog a sausage' refering to a potentialy dangerous animal or one which is causing a nuicense and has owners that couldn't care less, the sausage refered to would contain 'special' ingredients If I remember correctly the sausage in the film was laced with laxative.

boxermad

i remember now that they laced it with laxes.