The vet explains how some foods can be dangerous for dogs and cats
Easter is a special time to bring family, friends and pets together. Normally, on that date, people have lunch with typical foods and exchange chocolates, one of the most consumed products at this time of year. However, if you are a pet owner, you should avoid offering some of these foods to them, as they can harm their health and safety. Below, the veterinarian Flavio Lopes lists the main precautions with feeding animals during the celebration. Watch!
1. Chocolate must not be offered to the pet
According to Flavio Lopes, the most toxic food for dogs and cats present at Easter is chocolate, and dogs are more sensitive than cats. Chocolate is made from a substance that is toxic to pets, known as theobromine (also found in coffee and açaí). It can cause intoxication even if consumed in small quantities. “The more bitter the chocolate, the higher the concentration of theobromine,” points out the vet.
Even with guardian care, pets can end up eating chocolate away from their presence, so it’s important to be aware of certain gastrointestinal reactions such as vomiting, which may or may not contain blood, polyuria (increased urinary frequency), in addition to neurological signs such as disharmonious movements during walking and convulsions. When there is a large intake of the product, the case can become even more severe, with the animal showing signs of stiffer muscle contraction, increased respiratory rate and low body temperature.
two. Keep an eye out for lunch
It’s not just the chocolate that puts the little insect at risk. You have to be very careful with the other foods served at Easter dinner, such as cod, garlic and onion, as they contain substances that can damage red blood cells (blood cells), causing anemia in the animal, which can be acute or chronic. “Many of these foods that we are used to consuming at Easter are toxic and are very bad for animals,” says Flavio Lopes.
The specialist advises that information should always be obtained with the veterinarian of trust, to explain the consequences of offering foods that can cause adverse reactions. But, according to him, even pieces of raw meat can be dangerous due to the risk of being contaminated by bacteria, protozoa or helminths.
3. Pay attention to pets being treated
Animals using auxiliary feed need extra care. Nothing other than the prescribed food should be offered. “If we are already to be careful with healthy animals, those receiving therapeutic feed need to be monitored even more closely. Because they are on a prescriptive diet, it needs to be strictly followed,” explains Flavio Lopes.
As evidenced by your veterinarian, these foods contain nutritional levels and ingredients specific to the disease in the pet being treated. In case something goes out of control, any other edible product offered can aggravate the disease or cause the therapeutic diet not to have the desired effect.
4. Be careful with packing
In addition to food, another important care that the tutor must observe is the package and the baby toys or components of these packets that can be ingested by pets, especially puppies. Some Easter eggs contain toys that have very small parts, which can generate curiosity in the animal, which uses its mouth to figure out what the object is. “This poses a greater danger to puppies, as they are, by nature, more curious, and the possibility of them ingesting something is much greater,” warns the vet.
If the tutor suspects that the pet has ingested a piece of packaging or a toy, Flávio Lopes recommends taking it to the vet, which may or may not indicate that imaging tests, such as an X-ray, are performed. Depending on the case, the animal may undergo surgery to remove the foreign body, as it could block the gastrointestinal tract or even perforate an organ.
5. Provide pet treats
Today there are, in the Brazilian market, special snacks for animals that refer to our custom of offering chocolate at Easter. Flávio Lopes mentions chocolates suitable for dogs that do not have theobromine in the composition and which can be offered. He also cautions that the idea is to always use food and toys intended for the pet.
Veterinarian-led prevention and awareness are the best ways to avoid poisoning. “The professional should always be contacted by the tutor when there is any doubt about what food can or cannot be offered. If you are unsure, do not offer it,” emphasizes the specialist. One complete and balanced diet it contains all the essential nutrients for the animal and, if you want to have a snack, it must not exceed 10% of the daily amount of food.
6. watch pets
If the tutor notices unusual behavior, it will be easier to tell if something is wrong. According to Flavio Lopes, a lack of appetite can appear if there is something wrong with the animal, since not eating is usually the first symptom. Lumpy stools or vomiting can also be easily observed as these are not common conditions. The stools should be well formed, without being dry or too wet. Finally, bewilderment is another symptom that is easy to identify, but there is always a need to let the vet know that the family trusts him.
By Alex Cabral
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
