I had a few people over for a BBQ over the long weekend and a question was posed to me:
"Do you give your dogs table scraps?"
Actually the question came out as more of a shocked statement than a question, from the person who said it as she saw me toss Piper a piece of my steak.
The answer to the question was obvious as Piper chomped down on the leftover medium-rare steak that I didn't finish.
Leftover human food can be a healthy supplement to any dog's diet, within moderation. If your dog is used to eating only one kind of kibble then adding a piece of steak or leftover chicken might cause digestive upset as they are not used to the change in diet.
Not all food that we eat is safe for dogs either. A cooked piece of lean steak is one thing but tossing a greek salad into a dog's bowl is sure to cause issues.
No matter how good you think your guacamole is, you shouldn't give it to your dog. Avocados contain a substance called persin. It's harmless for humans who aren't allergic, but large amounts might be toxic to dogs. Onions can cause anemia as can large quantities of garlic.
Your dog can snack on carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices, or zucchini slices. Even a plain baked potato is OK (without the chives).
Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for dogs. But it's not a good idea. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. And just a small amount can make a dog ill. Repeated vomiting is an early sign. Within a day, the dog will become lethargic and depressed.
Pits from cherries, peaches and plums contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. If your dog enjoys these fleshy fruits then leave the pits out. Fruits such as blueberries, slices of apples, oranges, bananas, and watermelon make tasty treats for your dog.
Dogs should not eat walnuts or macadamia nuts or foods containing walnuts or macadamia nuts because they can be fatal. As few as six raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog ill. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate. Small amounts of almonds are OK, but within moderate limits to avoid stomach upset.
Although not regularly found on the dinner plate Xylitol can cause an increase in the insulin circulating through your dog's body. That can cause your dog's blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Many candies are not made with this sugar substitute.
Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. The most dangerous kinds are dark chocolate, chocolate mulch, and unsweetened baking chocolate.
Tossing Piper a piece of steak is something he is used to but most people want to toss their dogs the cooked fat that they didn't eat or the bones. If your dog is not used to it, fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Cooked bones of any kind can splinter or cause an obstruction in the digestive tract.
Dogs may enjoy plain white rice or pasta after it's cooked but again, in moderation. Both rice and pasta can increase levels of inflammation within the body that can lead to irritating skin problems like hotspots, rashes or itchiness.
Even though sitting around the patio table usually includes a few libations, please refrain from including your dog in your alcoholic indulgences. Alcohol affects dogs the same way it does us. It depresses the nervous system and since they are much smaller than us, it does so faster and sometimes with fatal consequences.
This also applies to caffeine. Caffeine increases a dog's heart rate, causes palpitations and possibly heart failure.
It is true that a well-balanced, varied diet for dogs is healthier for them in the long run, as it is for us. However, knowing what you can and can't include in their diet will ensure their overall health.
PET PAUSE
Human's name: Jane Schoeman
Pet: Trix, a nine-year-old shih tzu-bichon cross.
Favourite activity: Trix loves to walk along Grand Boulevard and to play catch with Jane.
If you would like to appear in Pet Pause with your pet, please send information to [email protected].
