Whether winter or summer – dog noses sniff out edibles everywhere. Once not really paying attention and already it has happened: Your faithful companion has caught something that does not get him well. In this guide post, deer chihuahua terrier mix you will read what a dog’s stomach cannot tolerate, how to recognize poisoning, and what you can do in an emergency. We talked to the veterinarian Dr. Sabrautzki.
At home, numerous food traps lurk
Especially at home, there are many food traps lurking for your dog. Chips, chocolate, steak bones from the grill? What we humans like can often have fatal consequences for dogs. And not all family participants are always aware of this. “The children who secretly feed the dog from their plates under the table or the grandma who occasionally shoves chocolate on the dog – all these are no exceptions,” says Dr. Sabrautzki. “It is not only important to educate the dog, but above all the fellow human beings. Sometimes only consistent action helps: the dog simply can no longer come to relatives if they are unteachable.”
The amount is eaten usually makes the difference
Of course, first and foremost is a good education for the dog. Dr. Sabrautzki: “A dog that does not steal and does not pick up anything on the side of the road cannot poison itself.” Meanwhile, a wide variety of information about foods that should not be eaten by dogs is circulating on the net. As a result, there is often a great concern among owners and we veterinarians are regularly confronted with questions about this or that food that has appeared in new discussion forums. It is important to know that many foods can of course have toxic effects, even for us humans or especially children. But always depending on the amount eaten and also taking into account any pre-existing conditions of the dog. In addition, a distinction must be made between toxicity and harmfulness, i.e. the risk of disease of certain organs after frequent eating.
- These symptoms occur most often in poisoning:
- (Bloodier) Diarrhea and vomiting
- Tremors and convulsions
- Fever, low temperature
- Conspicuous behavior such as attacks of weakness or fits of rage
- Excessive salivation
- Point-shaped bleeding on the mucous membranes
Be careful when walking
Although many dog owners sometimes feed incompatible foods such as chips, spicy bread, or grilled food, most severe poisonings happen outside. Dr. Sabrautzki: “Owners need to keep a special eye on their dog when walking. Especially if he does not walk on a leash and the education in this regard has not yet worked out so well. The fine dog noses still sniff out edibles in the farthest corner and in the deepest hole in the ground – or what just smells like you could eat it.”
Contingency plan:
Telephone hotline: Does your veterinarian or a nearby clinic offer an emergency hotline? Save the number on your mobile phone, so you keep it with you all the time and can react quickly in an emergency without having to search for it for a long time.
The veterinarian or veterinary clinic: “If your dog suddenly trembles, vomits profusely, or loses balance, everything indicates highly toxic substances. In such cases, take a small part of the vomit with you and immediately visit the veterinarian,” advises Dr. Sabrautzki.
Animal ambulances: In Munich, for example, there is the outpatient animal rescue service e.V. The 24-hour emergency call service helps with injured animals of all kinds. Maybe there is such a club in your area?
Parenting Guide
If your dog keeps eating things on the side of the road that he doesn’t get, there are special parenting tricks.
If your dog keeps eating things on the side of the road that he doesn’t get, there are special parenting tricks.
If the word “no” or “pfui” does not sit and the dog simply ignores you, young rat terrier puppy you have to find a new word and practice intensively. Here only good education, the leash or a muzzle helps.
Practice “swapping”: Your four-legged friend hands over what he has in his mouth and gets a particularly tasty dog treat in return. If this works at home, practice it on the go.
Practice “avoidance behavior”: Hold a treat in your closed hand to the dog. He then works on it, licks and scratches. Then just say “no” until the dog gives up at some point. When the dog gives up in frustration, he gets something he particularly likes as a reward and is highly praised. Note: This technique should first be practiced with a trainer because it is often too emotionally exhausting for the owner. It may take up to 20 minutes or more for the dog to give up. From here on, however, the dog listens to your “no” better and better.
Dangers from the kitchen
Alfalfa sprouts
The sprouts are suspected of influencing the estrogen balance because – like many other plants – they have a relatively high estrogen content. However, alfalfa green flour in small doses can also be used as a dietary supplement.
Symptoms: With a very high intake, blood clotting could be disturbed, so be careful in dogs that already have a problem in this regard, suffer from chronic infections, or have heart and kidney disease.
Avocados
Apart from the fact that dogs can choke on avocado seeds, the pulp is rather indigestible for them. How harmful avocado really is to dogs, however, is controversial even among veterinarians
Symptoms: palpitations, shortness of breath, water belly
