| Every day dogs from around the world are | | | | 10. Persimmon seeds are known to have caused |
| rushed to the emergency veterinarian hospitals | | | | intestinal obstruction and enteritis in dogs. |
| due to foods fed to them by their owners. | | | | 11. Any foods or candies sweetened with Xylitol |
| Halloween is one of those times each year when | | | | (a substitute for sugar used in sugar-free candy, |
| the number of dogs taken for emergency care | | | | gums and baked goods) which can result in low |
| increases. Please read this article carefully and | | | | blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. |
| take it seriously. Don't put your dog in harms way | | | | There are many other food substances that can |
| when it is so easily avoided. | | | | be harmful to dogs such as garlic, raw or cook |
| | | | onions and onion powder, potatoes, rhubarb and |
| 1. The following 10 food items are known to | | | | tomato leaves. Sugary foods not only lead to |
| cause problems in some dogs. | | | | obesity but can also cause dental problems and |
| 2. Alcoholic beverages are known to cause | | | | possibly diabetes mellitus. Raw eggs, raw fish and |
| intoxication, coma and death. | | | | too much salt can also lead to canine health |
| 3. Chocolate, coffee, tea and other foods | | | | problems. |
| containing caffeine can be toxic and affect the | | | | Since they rely on us to take care of their health |
| heart and nervous systems. | | | | needs, it's important we all know what may or |
| 4. Fruit pits can become lodged in the digestive | | | | may not harm our dogs. A little education can go |
| system causing obstruction. | | | | a long way towards preserving their health and |
| 5. Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin | | | | ours. So, just as we do with our children, we also |
| known to damage the kidneys. | | | | need to understand our dog's digestive needs and |
| 6. Hops can cause panting, increased heart rate, | | | | what Not to give them. |
| elevated temperature, seizures and death. Hops | | | | Pumpkin is actually good for your dog. Many |
| are used primarily as a flavoring and stability | | | | veterinarians recommend putting small amounts in |
| agent when brewing beer. However, they are also | | | | your dog's food. However, moderation is always |
| used in other beverages and herbal medicines. | | | | key to anything we feed ourselves or our pets. |
| 7. Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that | | | | For Halloween 2009 lets all take care to be sure |
| is known to affect the digestive and nervous | | | | our lovable pets stay healthy. Educate your |
| systems and cause muscular problems such as | | | | children about the hazards of sharing their candy |
| weakness and tremors. | | | | with the family dog. Don't let a tragedy result |
| 8. Marijuana can depress the dog's nervous | | | | when a small amount of awareness can prevent |
| system, causing vomiting and changes in their | | | | it from happening. We can all have a very scary |
| heart rate. | | | | but safe and fun time on Halloween. |
| 9. Milk and other dairy products can sometimes | | | | For ideas on the Best Halloween Costumes for |
| cause diarrhea. This is especially true if the dog | | | | 2009 click on the links provided in my Authors |
| has an insufficient amount of lactase enzymes | | | | area below. |