As much as you are careful with what you feed your household pets, there will be circumstances when toxic food might be accidentally given to them. Pet owners should know food items to steer clear of. Furthermore, it is just as important to share the information with others.
Garlic and the Allium Family
Garlic, a species of the Allium family, together with onions, shallots, leeks, chives, etc., are not harmful to humans but very toxic to our dogs and cats. These contain compounds called disulfides and thiosulphates. When cats and dogs consume garlic or any member of the Allium family, it triggers various types of anemia, damaging red blood cells. The compounds in these foods can cause the red blood cells in your pet’s body to become extremely vulnerable and burst.
What Occurs When Garlic is Consumed
Compared to onions, garlic is much more concentrated. Even a small amount can already trigger problems with the gastrointestinal system. Toxicity may likewise depend upon your pet’s breed, size, and weight. Aside from anemia, these are a few of the signs to keep an eye out for:
- Tenderness and cramping of the stomach
- Blood in the urine; or red or brown urine
- Fainting
- Dehydration
- Lack of muscle coordination
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Elevated heart and breathing rate
- Seizures
What to Do When Garlic is Ingested
When signs appear, consult your vet instantly. The vet might want to carry out a physical examination and laboratory tests and may require your pet’s medical history. It is best to go to your regular veterinarian so that they have records of past pet routine exam visits, vaccinations, and more. Laboratory work may consist of a complete blood cell (CBC) count, urinalysis, clotting test, and so on.
The vet will administer medicines to flush out the toxins. They could induce vomiting if the animal just recently ingested garlic. Otherwise, your pet will be admitted to be given drugs intravenously.
How Pets Encounter Garlic
Usually, pets coming across human food such as leftovers or what they can steal from under the dining table or table tops come into contact with garlic. Anything prepared that comes into contact with garlic and onions will endanger your pets, even healthy veggies.
In case you need to leave your family pet with a sitter or a friend, ensure they know what not to feed pets. Otherwise, you may come home to a sick furbaby. Even better, consider pet boarding in your local vet health center, particularly if your pets are sensitive. This can ensure that your furry friend is monitored and fed only the safest and healthiest food they can get. Visit here for great boarding service offers.
Another thing you need to consider is staying clear of natural home remedies. As most know, garlic has healing and therapeutic attributes. Humans use garlic for its antibacterial qualities. Do not be tempted to use it topically! Pets lick themselves, so the likelihood of consuming is quite major.
An Important Reminder
You should have your vet’s emergency contact information all the time. If your pet accidentally finds its way to garlic and other hazardous food, you can promptly seek emergecy care for dogs and cats.
The Bottomline
Make certain that garlic and other Allium family members are kept from your pets. Prior to offering food scraps to your pets, rethink to be sure they did not touch any garlic or toxic food. This might not be fatal to your healthy pets, but this is certainly damaging, and unnecessary hospital bills will be expensive.
