Tips from the Experts at Petcurean on Protecting Your Pets

This post is sponsored and written by me on behalf of Petcurean through a campaign managed by their PR. All opinions are my own.

When it comes to our fur babies and making sure they are healthy, as pet parents, we take many of the same precautions we take with our kids, with our pets. These precautions include the visits to the vet to get check ups and ensure they are up to date on their shots, the pet foods we give them along with the exercise they need, and watching out for their well being. And when it comes to watching out for our pet’s well being, I like to ensure that I am aware of what is good for them and what is not good for them, especially when it comes to the foods we give them. So when I was sent some great tips from the experts at Petcurean on how to protect our pets, I was curious to learn more and share the information with our audience.

See with this selection of tips provided by the experts, I can not only follow a list what to avoid for both my dogs and my cats, but also read about the potential risks and dangers that go along with each item. Giving me as a pet parent, a better understanding and knowledge when it comes to caring for my fur babies.

WHAT
TO AVOID FOR DOGS:

·                    
Chocolate – Most pet lovers know that
chocolate is a big no-no for Fido. Chocolate is harmful because of a toxic
agent called theobromine, which can make your pup extremely ill and even lead
to death.

·                    
Grapes – A lesser known fact, grapes can
lead to kidney failure in dogs. If you want to give your pup a sweet and
healthy treat, opt for blueberries instead. 

·                    
Mushrooms – If you have a dog that spends
a lot of time outside, it’s crucial to check your yard for mushrooms. There are
many species of mushroom that are toxic to pets, such as the Amanita phalloides
or ‘Death Cap’ mushroom, a potent poison at only 3 grams. Since there’s a
multitude of other species that can harm your pet, it’s best to keep your lawn
clean of any mushrooms just to be safe.

o       
If you suspect your pet has ingested a
poisonous mushroom, take them to the vet and bring the mushroom so the clinic
can identify what type of toxin or poison they are dealing with.

WHAT
TO AVOID FOR CATS:

·                    
Tuna – Although tuna is the classic
delicacy for a cartoon cat, you should only feed your cat tuna when it’s
produced in a cat food format. Tuna made for humans can cause digestive
problems in your cat if fed as an occasional treat. Feeding them tuna on a more
consistent basis can cause a painful condition called steatitis, or
inflammation of the body’s fat.

·                    
Dairy products – Perhaps as iconic as cats and
tuna, cats and milk are also a popular pairing. However, as cats age, they can
become lactose intolerant causing them to vomit or have diarrhea after
ingesting dairy.

·                    
Lilies – The most common type of lily is
toxic to cats only. If your cat eats a lily, it can lead to kidney failure
which, if not treated quickly, may result in death.

HARMFUL
PLANTS: Many
common household plants can have negative effects on your beloved pet. Check
your home and make sure you don’t have any of these around!

·                    
Aloe – There are more than 500
species of aloe vera, all of which are poisonous to your pet. Its toxin,
saponin, acts as a defense mechanism and will harm your pet if ingested.

·                    
English Ivy – English Ivy is one of the
most common forms of ivy to grow along the sides of walls and fences, making
them easily accessible by outdoor pets and therefore, especially dangerous.

·                    
Sago Palm – This plant is also a common
landscape feature, but a little more difficult for your pet to eat. However,
Sago Palm is highly poisonous to pets and can even be fatal.

·                    
Shamrocks – While relatively harmless in
small quantities, a large consumption of shamrocks can lead to kidney failure
in your pet.

Some
foods, such as grapes, chocolate, and onions, are dangerous to both cats and
dogs. If your pet is exhibiting any of the below behavior, they may be reacting
to something poisonous and should be taken to a vet for immediate attention.
You can also call the Animal Poison Control Center 24/7 at 855-764-7661 for
less urgent concerns or questions.

·                    
Vomiting or Diarrhea

·                    
Abdominal pain

·                    
Weakness or Lethargy

·                    
Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)

·                    
Uncoordinated movements

·                    
Excessive drooling (ptyalism)

·                    
Seizures

·                    
Coma

Making the choice when it comes to adding Petcurean to your pets diet, not only a great one when it comes to the foods and treats they enjoy, but also a great choice when it comes to the information provided by the experts when it comes to your pets health!