Pet Insurance: Safe and Unsafe Treats for Dogs

So many of us are raised with the idea that sharing good food is a form of love. Our dogs certainly catch onto this idea, sitting under the dining room table and staring up at us with those big, adorable eyes. It is hard to resist that look. Many of us are guilty of occasionally sneaking something off our plates as a little treat for our fur babies. Not only is this a terrible habit that teaches them to beg, but there are many human foods that dogs should never consume. Their systems function much differently from ours, so there are many things we enjoy that their bodies cannot process. They can cause illness, adverse effects, and even fatal poisonings, so it is important information to know. Of course, accidents happen also. So, if you drop a clove of garlic while cooking and your pet snatches it up before you have a chance to recover it, you will know to call your veterinarian immediately and seek treatment for your pup. This is where having pet insurance is a literal life saver for your furry friends.

Foods That Pets Should Never Eat

We have all likely heard that dogs should never consume chocolate. For dogs the dangerous part of chocolate is the theobromine inside it. According to Webmd, “Chocolate can cause a dog to vomit and have diarrhea. It can also cause heart problems, tremors, seizures, and death.” Some people like the idea of feeding their dogs a raw diet, but giving them uncooked meat, fish, and eggs risks them contracting harmful bacteria. Bones seem like great chew toys, but they are actually choking hazards. In addition, they can “splinter and block or cause cuts in your dog's digestive system”. I just learned about this one: macadamia nuts. Apparently, consuming just 6 of them can make a dog seriously ill. Grapes and raisins “can cause kidney failure in dogs” and onions and garlic are toxic to them in any form. Avocados and alcohol both also cause poisoning in dogs.

Human Foods That Are Pet-Safe

Don’t worry; there are lots of human foods that you and your pet can enjoy together. Many of them actually make excellent healthy, low-calories training treats. These include carrots, apples, bananas, blueberries, and strawberries. Dogs can also safely enjoy bread, cashews, corn (not on the cob), cooked eggs and fish like salmon, honey, quinoa, salmon, yogurt, and popcorn. Of course, the general rule of thumb is that dogs should only consume these foods in small quantities. To be safe, it is best to introduce foods gradually in tiny amounts if they are new to your dog’s system. You are probably wondering about peanut butter, which has always been a favorite to my dogs. Luckily, the American Kennel Club approves this tasty treat for our fur babies. In fact, “Peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein for dogs. It contains heart-healthy fats, vitamins B and E and niacin. Raw, unsalted peanut butter is the healthiest option. Read the label carefully to be sure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs.”

What to Do in Case of Emergency

Now that you know all of this, you can take precautions. Keep your pantry door closed. Make sure that foods are tucked away and out of reach. Be mindful of where your pet is while you are cooking. You might even want to block them from entering with a doggy gate. Make sure that they cannot get into the trash. Of course, accidents happen no matter how diligent we are as pet owners. Webmd advises all dog owners to “keep the number of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center -- (888) 426-4435 -- where you know you can find it.”

This is one of the reasons why it is so important to have pet insurance. On that fateful day when your dog manages to get into trouble and consume something toxic or dangerous, you will be covered. We never know what can happen. But if our dog does find a creative way to get into the trash and swallows an avocado pit or a string of dental floss, we will need to seek emergency help for them. You will have more peace of mind knowing that you can afford whatever treatment and intervention is needed to save their life. Let Insuravita help you to find the best pet insurance plan that fits the needs of both you and your fur baby.