As much as you are careful with what you feed your family pets, there will be instances when toxic food may be accidentally given to them. Pet owners should know food items to steer clear of. Furthermore, it is just as essential to share the information with others.
Garlic and the Allium Family
Garlic, a species of the Allium family, together with onions, shallots, leeks, chives, and so on, is not harmful to people but really toxic to our dogs and cats. These contain substances called disulfides and thiosulphates. When cats and dogs consume garlic or any Allium family member, it triggers various kinds of anemia, damaging red blood cells. The substances in these foods can cause the red blood cells in your pet’s body to become very delicate and burst.
What Occurs When Garlic is Ingested
Compared to onions, garlic is much more concentrated. Even a small amount can already cause problems with the gastrointestinal system. Toxicity may likewise depend on your family pet’s breed, size, and weight. Aside from anemia, these are a few of the signs to keep an eye out for:
- Inflammation and cramping of the stomach
- Blood in the urine; or red or brown urine
- Fainting
- Dehydration
- Lack of muscle coordination
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Raised heart and breathing rate
- Seizures
What to Do When Garlic is Consumed
When signs appear, consult your vet right away. The veterinarian may want to carry out a physical examination and laboratory tests and may need your pet’s medical history. It is best to see your regular vet so that they have records of routine tests, vaccinations, and more. Lab work might include a complete blood cell (CBC) count, urinalysis, clotting test, and so on.
The veterinarian will administer medications to flush out the toxic substances. They might induce vomiting if the animal just recently consumed garlic. Otherwise, your pet will be admitted to be provided drugs intravenously. See this homepage for a reliable vet hospital.
How Pets Encounter Garlic
Generally, 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 cooked that comes into contact with garlic and onions will threaten your pets, even healthy vegetables.
If you need to leave your furry buddy with a sitter or a friend, ensure they understand what not to feed pets. Otherwise, you may come home to a sick furbaby. Even better, think about pet boarding in your local vet hospital, particularly if your pets are sensitive. Look here for great boarding offerings. This can ensure that your furry pal is monitored and fed only the safest and healthiest food they can get.
Another thing you have to think about is avoiding natural home remedies. As most know, garlic has healing and therapeutic characteristics. People use garlic for its antibacterial qualities. Do not be tempted to utilize it topically! Pets lick themselves, so the likelihood of ingesting is quite significant.
An Important Reminder
Have your vet’s emergency contact information all the time. If your household pet accidentally finds its way to garlic and other hazardous food, you can promptly seek assistance. For after-hours emergency clinic numbers in Orlando, see here.
The Bottomline
Make certain that garlic and other Allium family members are kept from your pets. Before 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 costs will be expensive.