Forbidden Food: Grapes & Raisins

Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs.

Although it remains a mystery what is the element causing the toxicity. Studies reveal that ingestion of small amounts of these elements can be fatal for our friends. In fact, they can cause serious kidney failures.

Unfortunately dogs are greedy and if they ingest and manifest vomiting and / or diarrhea with pieces of grapes (after 24 hours), loss of appetite, abdominal pain and kidney failure, go to the doctor immediately!

Do not give them grapes and raisins, we can not take the risk of losing our faithful companion for a grape.

Keep it in the house where they cannot reach it and, if claiming a snack, give them an apple (without its poisonous seeds).

Forbidden Food: Fruit Seeds

In delivering fruit to our dogs, we must remember certain prohibitions:

– Apple Seeds
– Peach Kernel 
– Cherry Kernel
– Plum Kernel
– Apricot Kernel

They are extremely dangerous because, in addition to being able to cause intestinal obstructions, they  contain cyanide which is poisonous to humans and dogs. The only difference is that we know that they do not have to be eaten, dogs do not.

Furthermore,
– Cacao Seeds

They can cause inflammation and intestinal obstructions too.

Forbidden and Toxic Food

A little reminder about toxic and forbidden food as well with some healthy food for our dogs. Obviously do not take in consideration meat…unfortunately the reminder was not completely vegan 😉 We should be more precise about tomatoes: they are toxic to dogs only if they are not ripe. If they are ripe they are fine for them! Furthermore mushrooms are forbidden only if you don’t know if they are edible. The one you buy in the can or at the supermarket are fine from time to time.

Forbidden Food: Macadamia Nuts

In the group of nuts we have to keep in mind that those of macadamia are highly toxic to our dogs.

They are rarely eaten by themselves but they are a common ingredient in human cereal bars and cookies and their taste is appealing to dogs.

Symptoms of poisoning include: weakness, especially rear limbs, depression, vomiting, tremors, fever, abdominal pain, and pale mucous membranes. But even neurological problems such as temporary paralysis and inability to stand.

According to the statistics, there are many poisonings from macadamia nuts, if eaten run immediately to the Vet!

The combination, delicious for humans, of chocolate and macadamia nuts, common in cookies, makes them even more dangerous.

They are toxic even at low doses such as 4-5 nuts for a 10-kg dog. So watch out and check the ingredients in your snack. If there is presence of macadamia nuts, no exception.

Chamomile: natural benefits

Chamomile in herbal medicine is considered a medicinal plant. It can be found in sachets or rather fresh in herbal medicine.

This plant has a natural soothing and anti-inflammatory function.

If our furry friends are suffering from conjunctivitis or have watery eyes, we can use chamomile at natural temperature, neither hot nor cold.

Dip a cloth of pure cotton or gauze in chamomile and pass it gently on the eyes of dog, also use a couple of drops as eye drops.

It is a natural remedy, it does not burn, it does not have harmful effects,  it is inexpensive and it is very easy to use! Administer a couple of times a day and you will see that shortly their eyes will get better and cure.

Chamomile has a magical effect on our friend’s skin as well. If they are suffering from dermatitis, or  they have the itch as our Milka, you can give them a bath with warm chamomile .

Firstly, wash your dog with a natural soap: olive oil and oats are a fantastic combination that you can find in any herbal shop, and, finally, when the dog is already clean, a bit like a conditioner, give a final rinse with warm chamomile and pat dry with a towel.

You will help the skin to heal from irritation and regenerate. Our little Milka improved quickly with this remedy: her sore skin healed, the itching has gone and the hair become more brilliant and soft!

Like all natural remedies, effects are not immediate, but they are not toxic to the body and they really help to sort out the problem.

Olive Oil

It’s beneficial to the hair, dermis and intestinal transit.

The extra virgin olive oil (EVO) is one of the fundamental ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine. It is recommended both for human beings and for dogs. Dog’s hair is nice if properly cleaned and brushed and some olive oil helps a lot. Just a teaspoon – but the amount depends on the size of the dog – of oil mixed with food, is the perfect treat for our friends to maintain a beautiful shiny coat.

Olive oil can be administered daily or on alternate days. Unsaturated fatty acids in olive oil are also good for the dog’s skin, but call your vet if you suspect that there is a dermatological problem. An additional benefit that pour dog can enjoy from olive oil is a help in case of constipation, but be careful because if the amount of olive oil gets too high you may run into the opposite problem, or diarrhea.

Bad Breath

Bad breath in dogs is not rare, but it is not a natural feature of our furry.

When we perceive it, especially in a persistent manner and in young subjects, then it means that something in their mouth is wrong. What happens is that the plaque bacteria releases large amounts of sulfur-based compounds that, in addition to causing the bad smell, can directly damage the long mucous membranes.

Adult and small size dogs are the most affected by disorders of the mouth so it is important to be especially careful if you notice bad breath and difficulty in eating. In the latter case, go to the vet immediately.

Regarding halitosis, an effective natural remedy is the parsley .
You can chop and put it in small doses in specific jelly or you can buy it in pet stores in  tablets. It provides fresh breath and it is quite natural.

In the market are also sold toothbrushes and toothpaste for dogs that may be useful to maintain a correct oral hygiene. But if the dog is not accustomed to or is particularly docile, it will be difficult to wash your teeth!

Human toothpastes are banned! They contain substances (eg fluoride, xylitol) that, once swallowed, can damage their stomach, or even be toxic. For this reason, it is important to choose a toothpaste specially formulated for dogs.

Game they bite have the function to help keep the teeth clean. Even the raw carrot given as snacks, what we call CarotOsso, has the same function.

In the market you will also find vegan kibble and bones that help oral hygiene.

However, (if our furry friend does not show the most serious problems for which it is essential to seek for medical care) as a quick and cheap home remedy try with parsley!

Forbidden Food: Garlic

Garlic, raw, cooked, or powder is harmful more than onion.

It is dangerous and if dogs ingest it in large doses, it impairs the ability to transport oxygen in the red blood cells. The process can lead to anemia and even death.

The key to use garlic safely in dog diet is the dosage and frequency of use. Garlic in small amounts, just a little flake and very occasionally, helps to eliminate intestinal parasites .

However,  garlic should not be administered in any way to dogs if they are anemic or in case they are going through a surgery. Even for puppies, up to two months, it is very harmful because they begin to reproduce red blood cells only after  two months.

Keep it out of their reach, and if you notice that they have ingested some garlic, consult your vet immediately.

Photo credits Francesco Baiocchi. Visit his page facebook/frbaiocchi and add your LIKE!

Pumpinks

This cute fruit is rich in substances that are very important for the immune system of our furry friends, such as vitamin A, C, E, iron, magnesium.

Especially in winter season, therefore, we recommend you to cook for all the family some good dishes made with pumpkin!

It is also a food that helps their digestion and intestinal transit thanks to the fiber present in the fruit. Pumpkins is a natural remedy in case of constipation or diarrhoea.

Pumpkin gets also antioxidant properties and naturally helps to keep the urinary tract clean.
You will notice, therefore, that after eating pumpkin your friends have to pee one more time.

Do not exceed, as a general rule, dosis have to be always be balanced.

You can prepare it steamed, boiled, mashed, baked, in risotto, be creative!

Important: Always remove the seeds

Forbidden Food: Chocolate

Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine that neither dogs or cats can metabolise.

This toxic component accumulates in the blood causing serious systemic effects. The symptoms of intoxication occur rapidly, in a few hours, and include vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, tachycardia, tremors, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma and death in severe cases.

So, no exception! No chocolate or any cocoa based product for our pets! We have to resist to their eyes, they do not know that it is toxic and we have a duty to protect them.

Actually, for us it is great news, so that we can keep all the chocolate for ourselves! But we tend to eat it hidden from them to avoid their begging eyes!