Substances hazardous to the health of your pet

There are many substances out there which are potentially hazardous to the health of your pets. From the obvious, such as weed-killer, to the less-well known such as grapes for dogs, it is important to monitor what your pet comes into contact with.

The Signs.

It is not possible of course to follow your pet around twenty fours a day and check on every step they take. This means that occasionally they may come into contact with a substance that is potentially hazardous to their well-being and in cases like this it is vital to seek veterinary help as soon as possible. Knowing the symptoms of potential poisoning is therefore very important.

These symptoms can vary depending on the type of substance ingested but common traits include vomiting, diarrhea or even seizures. Loss of appetite and general lethargy could also point to an alien substance being ingested. These symptoms do not always mean potential poisoning but it is always best to seek medical advice in any case.

If your pet is recovering from a recent illness or treatment due to the effects of poisoning, there are a number of prescription foods specially designed for animals in recovery. These foods, such as those available across Europe from Hills, help to restore the immune system of your pets, or kkledyr as they are known in Denmark, to full strength.

Hazardous to Dogs.

Most dogs love to roam around the garden, exploring every sight and scent that they can find. There are a number of common plants and flowers that are, however, potentially toxic to dogs if eaten. These include

1. Rhododendron.
2. Chrysanthemum.
3. Daffodil.
4. Iris.

Although all of the above can cause your dog to become ill, it is quite rare that a dog will actually fully ingest any of these. It is always best to be aware though.

When it comes to human food, there are some types which can be very hazardous to the health of your dog. Grapes and raisins for instance can cause severe damage to the kidneys. Human chocolate is also another definite no for dogs. Other foodstuffs to be aware of are onions, nuts and any items containing high amounts of caffeine.

Hazardous to Cats.

When it comes to cats, one of the most toxic plants is the lily. Even ingesting just a small amount of pollen from the lily flower can cause possible kidney failure. If you have cats in your house, it is best to avoid having any lily flowers at all. Of course, cats are even more difficult to keep an eye on than dogs as they like to roam further, so you can't always keep a watchful eye on them.

Much like dogs, chocolate and grapes are hazardous to a cat's health. Citrus can cause vomiting, while the avocado can, in extreme cases, lead to death.

A Healthy Diet.

Feeding your cats and dogs as little human food as possible is one of the best ways of ensuring your pets, avoid any possible toxic substance ingestion and lead a happy and healthy life. There are now many places on the internet, such as http://www.hillspet.dk, which supply scientifically proven food for your pets, giving them all the nutrients they need to stay fit and healthy.

Taken from: Guest Post (article, By Steve Harris), Google (images).