Foods to keep out of your pet’s paws this summer

Client: Regal Pet Health

Summer is here, which means long days, balmy nights and lots of barbecues. But while you’re throwing the coals on your barbecue, spare a thought for your four legged friend, as many of your favourite foods could make him ill.

Knowing which foods to keep out of reach of little paws can save you from an emergency trip to the vet. So here’s the lowdown on foods to keep out of harm’s way:

Onions

Do you have a big plate of sliced onions waiting for burgers? Keep them away from your pet. All members of the onion family (shallots, onions, garlic and scallions) contain an ingredient called thiosulphate, which is toxic to cats and dogs.

The ingestion of onions causes a condition called hemolytic anemia, which causes irreparable damage to red blood cells. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Symptoms of toxicity take several days to become apparent and can include weakness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, and/or an increased heart rate. Cooked Bones Barbecued bones are a no-no for your pet, because the heat dries the bones out and makes them more brittle, and subject to splintering. Fragments of bone can not only cause damage to your pet’s gums, teeth and throat, but can also cause internal injuries.

Uncooked bones on the other hand are both a safe treat and a great dental treatment for dogs and cats.

Corn on the cob

Corn on the cob may seem like a healthy option for your furry pet, but it’s not. While not poisonous, the danger is in its shape and size - it’s a choking hazard.

If swallowed in chunks or whole, it can also form a painful and dangerous blockage in your pet’s intestines. If your moggy or pooch does ingest some corn on the cob, watch for signs of trouble, such as vomiting; loss of appetite and abdominal discomfort.

Guacamole

Avocado contains a compound called persin, which is especially dangerous to birds, rabbits, and horses. For them, it can cause respiratory distress, fluid accumulation around the heart and even death.

It’s not as bad for cats and dogs, but can cause stomach distress, so keep it out of reach.

Other hazards

• As well as the food at the barbecue, there may be other edible hazards lurking in your garden.

• Commonly used lawn products such as weed killer and fertilizer can be poisonous when ingested by cats and dogs.

• If your pet is partial to nibbling the grass, make sure you choose natural, non-toxic garden care products.

Poisonous Plants

There are almost 700 different plants that are toxic to our pets. So make sure you do your research to ensure you are not growing anything that could be harmful. Lilies in particular are incredibly toxic to cats. All parts including the pollen are extremely dangerous. Also look out for laburnum, which is poisonous to dogs, and daffodils, rhododendron and yew, which are poisonous to cats and dogs.