Don't Mistreat: Some Dog Treats Can Be Harmful

Dogs simply love getting dog treats. And more than that, it’s the dog owners who love giving treats to their pets. There are a variety of dog treats that are available in the market these days, ranging in terms of color, size, flavors, consistencies etc. However, not all of these are safe enough for consumption by your dog. Some may be adulterated, and others may not be prepared properly because of which your dog might suffer from choking or intestinal problems. Continued consumption can even lead to worse situations. Therefore, it is extremely important to know which dog treats are safe, and which ones are harmful. This will ensure that you are properly monitoring your dog’s food consumption and health.

One of the most common ingredients with which all dog owners tend to mess up with is chocolate. Not many know that chocolate is extremely harmful for both dogs and cats. This is mainly because chocolate consists of an element called theobromine, which has the same effect on dogs as caffeine has on the human body. Therefore, while a little consumption of chocolate can make your dog hyperactive, regular consumption can have serious consequences. It is important to keep a watch on your dog, especially during the holiday season, so that he does not nibble on to chocolate, or any other food item containing chocolate. Vomiting, jagged heartbeat and problems in breathing are signs to watch out for in your dog, to know that he has consumed chocolate.

A lot of dogs enjoy Greenies, and many think that these can help your dog to have cleaner teeth. However, not many are aware of the fact that these can actually cause choking. Dogs often eat these treats quickly, and as a result, they get stuck in the throat. These are especially dangerous for puppies. Be alert at all times and keep a watch on your dog for signs such as bloody stools, along with problems in breathing and vomiting. Consult a vet when these signs start appearing.

Next come bones. Bones are something that we all associate with dogs, and it is the most common as well as favorite treat of a dog. But not all bones are safe, especially chicken and turnkey ones. These are quite brittle, and when a dog eats them, they might break into splinters that may cause choking. Bones of pork and beef are also not advisable, but what you can give to your dog safely are shinbones. Whenever a dog consumes an unsafe bone, it often results in bleeding. Make sure you contact the vet as soon as possible when you see such bleeding.

Rawhide Chews are again one treat that all pooches love. They keep your dog busy and entertained and are good for its teeth as well. But there are some rawhide chews that are preserved in arsenic- based chemicals after manufacture. These chemicals maybe consumed by your dog while he munches, and may lead to problems. Therefore, be careful about which rawhide chews you are buying. Also make sure that they are of the right size for your dog.

All these dangers do not imply that you stop giving treats to your dog altogether. You just need to keep a check on what your dog is munching on, so that in case of a problem, you at least know what caused the problem and how you can solve it.