Health Hazards

**Albea** · 06-30-2002, 10:33 AM

Some of this informations has already been posted but, for any newcomers to Pet Talk, it might be helpful. And for us, old timers, a reminder is always useful. What is that old saying..."One ounce of prevention..."
Did You Know? The ASPCA-run Animal Poison Control Center is working hard to get the word out to people that raisins and grapes are both considered toxic to dogs now. This is a relatively recent revelation. From Other Guides "Veterinary Q & A: Poisonings in Pets" http://vetmedicine.about.com/library.../aa042600a.htm
Grapes and raisins can have a fatal effect on your pet. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, kidney failure, diarrhea, lethargy and abdominal pain. If your dog has ingested grapes or raisins, bring him to your vet immediately!
The other favorite of dogs and humans alike is chocolate and onions. As much as they love it, chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which will accelerate your pet's heartbeat to dangerous highs, often fatally. Vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, heart arrhythmias, muscle tremors, rapid breathing, hyperactivity, and seizures are signs that your dog has been poisoned. This also includes caffienated beverages such as sodas, teas, and coffees.
Onions cause hemolytic anemia, which means that the red blood cells break down leaving the dog short of oxygen. In some dogs it is enough to severely weaken or kill the dog. Common symptoms that would be noticeable are dark colored urine, fever, dizziness, weakness, confusion, increased heart rate and heart murmur. Seek veterinary care immediately.
Raw salmon carries a bacteria that if left untreated can be fatal in 7 to 10 days. Symptoms can be high fever, gastrointestinal upset, dehydration and enlarged lymph nodes. Can be difficult to distinguish from Parvovirus. Seek veterinary care for proper diagnosis and treatment.

**Dixieland Dancer** · 06-30-2002, 08:27 PM

Thanks for the reminders Alicia! I still marval about the raisins since that is what a lot of people used to train their dogs. I tell them all now that it is not a wise choice.

**jackiesdaisy1935** · 07-01-2002, 09:40 AM

Thanks Albea, I have read that too and have never given our dogs raisins, grapes, chocolate and never, ever onions. We can always use a reminder as we tend to forget.
Jackie, Daisy and Perry

**anna_66** · 07-02-2002, 09:35 AM

Just a question, so raisins and grapes....not at all? I'm glad to learn this, Roxey loves grapes. And although I don't give her tons I always gave her quite a few. I haven't in a while now..but do I still need to take her to the vets???

**lovemymaltese** · 07-02-2002, 11:51 AM

Raisins, grapes, mushrooms, tylenol, and I have heard that ham can be harmful. I know that grapes and mushrooms can cause kidney failure. And please keep your animals away from antifreeze, it taste sweet to them so they love to eat it, it is a fatal snack though.

**Albea** · 07-02-2002, 11:58 AM

Originally posted by anna_66
Just a question, so raisins and grapes....not at all? I'm glad to learn this, Roxey loves grapes. And although I don't give her tons I always gave her quite a few. I haven't in a while now..but do I still need to take her to the vets???

Anna, if Roxey has not shown any symptoms of being sick after you gave her grapes, I don't think you need to take her to the vet's. The post was just a reminder for the future. You can check the link to the Poison Control Center in the message.
I know how hard it is to say no when they love something so much.

Carina also loves grapes, but I stoped giving them to her after I read an article for the first time.