Diva Dogs and Owners! Read this article and take note of the people food we may be sharing with our beloved furry family members could have potential hazards for their bodies. It is up to us as their owners and mommies to research and protect them to have superlative health for life. Most of us are aware and agree that chocolate is harmful for our dogs intestinal system, however I am here to share with you there is a vast array of red flagged foods we must not be sharing with our pets. Before you make a decision to segment your leftovers of dinner with your pet, take several tips from this article and do your research before sharing your people food. We don’t have to

deprive our pups from healthy human food, make the finest choices and your pets will be delighted!

Toxic Pet Foods! Don’t Share!

●Chocolate and Caffeine: contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. After their pet has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, many pet owners assume their pet is unaffected. However, the signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours, with death following within twenty-four hours. Symptoms include Staggering, labored breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, fever, heart rate increase, arrhythmia, seizures, coma, death.

●Macadamia nuts are another concern, along with most other kinds of nuts. Their high phosphorus content can lead to bladder stones. Dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated.

●Onion and Garlic: contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop haemolytic anaemia, where the pet’s red blood cells burst while circulating in its body. Symptoms include labored breathing, liver damage, vomiting, diarrhea, discolored urine. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic. Left over pizza and Chinese dishes can cause illness.

●Grapes and Raisins: Yes, grapes and raisins can be harmful to dogs. Scientists and vets still do not know why the kidneys fail, or the amount of raisins or grapes that causes toxicity. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy.

● Additional foods to avoid: Fish bones-Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system, alcohol, Fat Trimmings-Can cause pancreatitis, Nutmeg, dough/yeast, baking powder and baking soda. Avocado, raw fish- Can result in a thiamine deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly., dairy, mushrooms, string cheese, cat food, peach pits can you believe there is still more…..The ASPCA reports over 60 foods they advise you do not give to your pet.

Each of the foods mentioned have separate and detrimental effects. If you feel your pet has accidentally ingested any of these foods call your vet right away. Do your research!

Healthy Recipe:

Rice Pudding Bowl

1 cup short-grain rice (pudding rice)

3 1/5 cups unsalted chicken stock

3 ½ oz farmer’s cheese or low-fat quark

1 apple

Cook the pudding rice in the chicken stock until soft. Then remove from the heat allow cooling. Stir farmer’s cheese or quark into the rice. Grate the unpeeled apple finely and stir into rice mixture.

Serve in small portions throughout the day, at room temp.

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Author- Linda Montgomery, a Rhode Island native calls the Poconos, Pennsylvania home. Linda is a licensed medical esthetician in 3 states, and currently manages a Medical Spa in Pelham, New York. Linda has been fortunate over 12 years to train with several of the finest doctors in the cosmetic/dermatology field. Linda loves to spend her free time on the mountain and beach with her husband, friends and her three adoring dogs.

If you would like to have Linda write an article or help you with any questions related to cosmetic esthetics please add Linda on Diva Café to your network of friends, email at wildmango@hotmail.com or at http://www.wildmango.myarbonne.com