Paw Prints
The holidays abound with goodies. Between now and the beginning of the new year, there will be plenty of opportunities to indulge. How easy it is to slip our pet a treat when we are having one, too. But be careful. Treats for humans are not always safe for animals.
Most owners know that chocolate is on the pet no-no list. But is a little really so bad? And how much is too much?
Chocolate is dangerous for pets because it contains caffeine-like substances called methylxanthines. Animals do not metabolize methylxanthines like humans do. Factors that influence chocolate poisoning are the size of the pet, the amount of chocolate consumed, and the concentration of methylxanthines in the chocolate.
The most potent form of chocolate is baking chocolate. Its methylxanthine content is about three-fold that of semi-sweet chocolate, which is about three-fold that of milk chocolate. A 20-pound dog that eats three or four ounces of milk chocolate could show mild signs of toxicity. The same amount of semi-sweet chocolate could cause a seizure. A deadly dose of baking chocolate for this dog could be less than two ounces.
Chocolate harms your pet by over-stimulating its brain and heart. Chocolate also affects the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and muscles. Clinical signs occur within six to 12 hours. They include increased thirst and urination, vomiting and diarrhea, restlessness, ataxia, seizures, cardiac abnormalities, coma and death. If your pet eats chocolate, call your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center immediately. Representatives there can determine whether toxicity is a concern, given your pet's weight and the amount and kind of chocolate consumed.
Grapes are a delicious snack for people. Dogs tend to love the sweet taste, too, and are often eager recipients when the fruit is tossed their way. However, grapes can be toxic, even fatal, to dogs. In the past decade, the APCC has identified grapes as a cause of kidney failure in dogs.
Grapes may be from the grocery store or from backyard vines; they may contain pesticides or be organic. The presence of seeds or the color of the grape is irrelevant. How this fruit induces kidney failure is not understood. Although the toxic dose can vary, there have been reported cases of just a handful of grapes causing death in small dogs.
Dogs may become sick from grapes shortly after ingestion. Vomiting and diarrhea usually occur first, followed within a few hours by increased thirst, depression and loss of appetite. Laboratory tests performed by your veterinarian can confirm whether kidney failure is the cause of these symptoms.
It is best not to feed your pet any grapes. Since the exact mechanism and lowest toxic dose are unknown, even a small number of grapes may be dangerous. If your dog accidentally steals grapes from the backyard vine or from your fruit plate, contact your veterinarian immediately. If treatment is within a couple of hours of ingestion, the outcome for your dog is usually favorable.
Raisins are also poisonous for dogs. Since raisins are dried grapes, they trigger the same medical process. However, because raisins are more concentrated, ounce-for-ounce they are also more toxic.
Macadamia nuts are another healthy human snack associated with illness in pets. The exact cause is unknown. Affected dogs are weak in their rear legs and are often unable to get up. They may be panting and distressed. Call your veterinarian if your dog eats macadamia nuts. In the presence of other pre-existing health conditions, veterinary monitoring is recommended. Most dogs return to normal within a couple of days.
If your pet eats chocolate-covered raisins or chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, medical consideration would have to be given to each of the poisonous ingredients consumed.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that has serious health consequences for dogs. It may be found in unsweetened gum, candies or baked goods. Xylitol is dangerous for dogs because it tricks their body into thinking that sugar has been consumed. This triggers a rapid series of events that results in dangerously low blood sugar and possibly death. If your dog eats food containing xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Are these human snacks dangerous for cats, too? Most likely, many of them are. However, cats are less likely to consume these foods. In recent years, researchers have reported that cats lack the genetic ability to taste sweetness. This mutation is unique to all felines, both small and large, and has not been found in any other mammal studied to date.
It is important to realize that foods safe for humans are not always safe for pets. If you think your pet has eaten something poisonous, prompt treatment is critical. Your veterinarian is a ready resource for you. You may also contact the APCC at 888-426-4435 or www.aspca.org/apcc.
¢¢¢
Dr. Heidi Bassler is medical director of the Veterinary Center of Greater Newburyport. Do you have questions for Dr. Bassler? Send them to ndn@newburyportnews.com.
