Learn why you must avoid feeding your dog table scraps.
It can be hard not to share your meal with your dog when he looks at you with those adorable eyes. However, those irresistible puppy-dog eyes can get them in trouble and break your wallet with one innocent snack. Every dog is different because some may have a stomach of steel while others vomit after one bite of scraps. Learn why you must avoid feeding your dog table scraps.
Your Pet May Have Allergies
Your pet can potentially have an allergic reaction to table scraps. “Human” food has some weird seasoning and ingredients in many premade foods on the market. You don’t want to take a risk by feeding them something that might poison them or give them severe allergic reactions.
May Cause Pancreatitis
What is pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is when the pancreas is inflamed; it is more common in dogs than cats. Symptoms might include vomiting, pain or distention of the abdomen, hunched back, loss of appetite, dehydration, fever, or weakness/lethargy. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps – meat trimmings, oil, dairy products, fried foods, and nuts – so you don’t have to spend up to $4,000 to get your dog back to baseline at an emergency vet clinic.
Increased Begging Behaviors
You might think that giving your dog a small piece doesn’t matter; your dog will think otherwise. Your pet will not think twice before consuming a whole plate left out for a minute. This is why an animal should learn impulse control, mainly to prevent a foreign body case. When you give your dog a piece of food or allow them to lick your plate, you tell them what is mine and what is yours. Next time you accidentally drop a piece of onion or chocolate, you won’t stand a chance of beating your canine to the punch.
Calories Add Up Over Time
An obese dog is not a healthy pet. Pets that eat kibble or food scraps are more likely to be obese or overweight. Unfortunately, obesity might result in diseases such as pancreatitis, diabetes, or heart disease. A healthy diet and exercise are critical in keeping your pet healthy. This is why it’s vital for you to avoid feeding your dog table scraps. Please call our team at Alexander Animal Hospital today at 410-777-8678 if you believe your pet has ingested the following:
- Coffee
- Garlic
- Chocolate
- Raisins or grapes
- Alcohol
- Gum (or anything that contains the sweetener xylitol)
- Macadamia nuts
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!