Don’t spoil your pets to death this Christmas

OFTEN, the foods that humans eat contain salt, spices and preservatives that pets are unable to digest, as well as excess fat.

“This can cause a number of digestive ailments,” says Barry Hundley, executive director for the Pet Food Industry Association of Southern Africa (PFI).

Foods that are known to be toxic to pets are abundant over the festive season and our desire to share the celebratory foods with our pets should be restrained. Pet owners are advised to be particularly strict with raw foods, bones and chocolate.

“A common misconception among pet owners is that pets have a higher tolerance for raw or spoiled food,” says Mr Hundley, who explains that this is not the case because pets are not immune to the potential bacterial contamination. Pets can also shed and pass on the bacteria to humans – especially vulnerable are immune compromised individuals, like young children and the aged.

“Another misconception is that bones are beneficial to pets, but the risk of intestinal, bowel, tooth or gum damage is far too high. Bones can easily break teeth, cause an obstruction or splinter and penetrate the gums or walls of the gastro-intestinal tract, causing septic lesions and may even damage their teeth. Often surgery will be required and, if left untreated, these injuries may be fatal.”

Toxicity levels vary by type of chocolate (dark chocolate being the worst), but the natural stimulant, theobromine, found in cocoa beans, can be lethal to pets, who do not have the required enzymes in their system to metabolise it. Symptoms include increased urination, tremors and seizures and a racing heart which may ultimately result in a heart attack. Pet chocolates or treats have been especially formulated for pet consumption and offer a safe alternative.

Other foods to avoid, due to their inherent harmful enzymes, include onion, onion powder, garlic, grapes and raisins. These enzymes cause gastrointestinal upset, seizures, neurological problems, kidney failure and death.

Prevention really is better than cure – save your pet from unnecessary discomfort, and yourself from unnecessary veterinary bills, by only feeding your pet scientifically formulated commercial pet food that will provide balanced nutrition.

“And try not to misinterpret begging as a need for food; rather use time over the festive season to engage in interactive games, grooming and loving attention,” concludes Mr Hundley.

(Information from The Pet Food Industry Association of Southern Africa)