In humans, the situation of food poisoning is considered as the ingestion of food that is contaminated with viruses, bacteria, parasites, or toxins. In turn, all these make us extremely sick. Some of the common symptoms include vomiting, nausea, fever, diarrhea, and even abdominal pain.
Certainly, anyone with a dog who has experienced the joy of any of these symptoms when the dog eats something that he/she shouldn’t eat. So, if the dogs are also having similar symptoms, then it must be food poisoning, isn’t it?
Well, let’s find out the answer.
Can dogs really get food poisoning?
When it comes to food poisoning in dogs, it is more like a nuanced issue. In reality, it is not a true case of food poisoning. Rather it is inappropriate food that is not sitting well as it was supposed to be so. Expert veterinarians refer to this particular situation as “garbage out” as dogs are more prone to enjoy barred treasures.
Here comes the importance of having an above ground electric dog fence. It restricts the dogs from moving out of the fenced area and having unwanted food that might affect their overall health. Make sure to get one from a reliable fence vendor to get great results and look after the wellbeing of the dog.
Causes of “Garbage Out” (Food Poisoning) in Dogs
It is important to be cognizant on what our dogs have access to around the home and, most importantly, when they are outside. Let’s talk about the reasons that cause food poisoning among one of the most loveable pets around.
· Dead Animals
Make sure that the dog does not get hold of the decaying or dead items, usually found in the woods or in the roadside areas. As they have bacteria and parasites, they can cause serious health issues.
· Garbage and Compost
Most of the dogs consider the garbage as a canine delicacy. But all these can be extremely dangerous for them. Moldy foods and rotten ones can cause serious issues in the tummy of the dogs. So, take care of the same.
· Fecal Matter
Although these seem to be quite tempting to most dogs, they can cause serious problems and make the tummy upset.
Apart from them, recalled dog food and undercooked food could also cause food poisoning in dogs. So, being a responsible owner, one has to be very careful and vigilant on what the dog has access to.
What are the symptoms of food poisoning in dogs?
The most common symptoms of food poisoning seen in dogs are diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, reduced appetite, dehydration, etc. In some cases, they show neurological signs like seizures, lack of coordination tremors, collapse, etc. Based on the cause of the food poisoning and how sensitive the concern is, the signs vary. But in usual cases, one of the most common symptoms of garbage out is diarrhea and vomiting.
What to do in case you notice food poisoning in dogs?
The golden rule suggests that you need to keep the dog on fast for the first 24 hours of starting vomiting – just water but not food. In case the vomit extends even after 24 hours of time, make sure to go for a veterinary exam.
In case the dog vomits water, shows signs of neurologic signs, or is miserable, take them to the emergency clinic or the concerned veterinarian immediately. Make sure to get the pet checked at regular intervals of time. This will ensure the better health of your dog.
Human Foods That Are Extremely Toxic for the Dogs
In most of the cases, we do not understand the fact that the food that is normal for humans can cause some serious health issues for dogs. Such foods can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs without causing food poisoning. Food items that cause food poisoning are
· Chocolate
· Alcohol
· Macadamia nuts
· Coffee
· Milk/dairy
· Salt and salty snack foods
· Onions, garlic, and chives
· Yeast dough
· Cat food (these are extremely high in fat and cause problems)
· Xylitol (also found in candies and sugar-free gums)
Having some of these foods in a small amount can be safe, but for certain foods, even a small amount can be dangerous. Make sure that your dog does not have the access to all these human foods.
How to prevent “garbage out” in dogs?
The first and foremost thing is to remove everything that’s not safe for the dog. Lock the trash box and do not leave foods on the counter that your dog might grab and have. Ensure that the guests coming from outside does not feed anything to the dog.
Clean the backyard at regular intervals of time and eliminate everything that can potentially harm the dog. The best thing to do is that you can install above ground electric dog fence. This will ensure that the dog remains in the perimeter and does not go outside of the same.
Get the best dog fence only from reliable and reputed vendors to get the best results and have your pet’s complete safety. Never take a dog’s health for granted and get alert in case your dog behaves unnaturally. Remember, you need to take care of the dog, and in return, you will have the most amazing and loveable pets. Please feel free to share your insights with us below in the comment section.