Picture taken from www.puppydogweb.com
Good day and welcome everyone!
This is Sharda with another Cocker Spaniel newsletter.
Here is a list of Cocker Spaniel food dangers either because they are outright toxic to dogs or because they are simply unhealthy.
Chocolate
It’s been debated whether this one is true. And in large doses it can be quite toxic causing tremors and heart arrhythmias.
Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. While you may be able to share the smallest nibble of your favourite candy bar, it’s still people food and should not be given to your Spaniel dog.
Macadamia nuts
Their high phosphorus content is said to possibly lead to bladder stones and possibly temporary paralysis in Cocker Spaniels that eat as little as an ounce.
Tomatoes and tomato plants
Although good for humans, the tomato contains atropine, which can cause dilated pupils, tremors, and heart arrhythmias.
The highest concentration of atropine is found in the leaves and stems of tomato plants, followed by unripe (green) tomatoes, followed by ripe tomatoes.
Onions
Onions contain a compound that dogs don’t metabolize well, and eating large amounts of them can cause hemolytic anemia (bursting red blood cells).
Moldy or slightly spoiled food
For some reason, people will give a Spaniel dog food they wouldn’t eat themselves because it looks or smells ‘funny’.
Cocker Spaniels can develop severe vomiting, diarrhea, and shock after eating spoiled food (food poisoning). So when you’re cleaning out the fridge, don’t use your dog as a disposal.
Any food that’s not fresh enough for you to eat isn’t fresh enough for your Spaniel dog either.
Cookies and other sweets
These have no nutritional value. You’re doing your dog no favours by giving him junk food.
Fried, greasy, or fatty foods
Fried chicken, French fries, potato chips, and other high-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis in Cocker Spaniels.
Pancreatitis causes severe abdominal pain and vomiting, and dogs often require hospitalization on IV fluids for several days to recover.
Beer or other alcoholic
While it may be amusing to see your Cocker Spaniel lap up a pint of Ale with Uncle Bucky, it isn’t a good idea. Some might go so far as to suggest it’s animal abuse.
Regardless of your stance, it simply isn’t smart.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms can be toxic to Cocker Spaniels and it can be fatal if certain species of mushrooms are eaten.
Amanita phalloides is the most commonly reported severely toxic species of mushroom in the US but other Amanita species are toxic.
Grapes/Raisin
As few as a handful of raisins or grapes can make a dog ill.
Baby Food
Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to Spaniel dogs.
Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources
These can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.
Cat Food
It’s called cat food for a reason. Cat food is generally too high in protein and fats for your Cocker Spaniel.
Milk and other dairy products
Some adult dogs do not have sufficient amounts of lactase to break down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
Raw Eggs
You may have heard that raw eggs are good for your animal’s coat. This isn’t necessarily true as raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin).
This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Raw Fish
Feeding your Spaniel dog raw fish can result in thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. So, no sushi for Suzy!
People foods aren’t the only things your dog may eat that can cause him harm. Many of them are readily available plants that could be in your own yard or local park depending on the region where you live.
I hope that you learned a lot from today’s Cocker Spaniel newsletter
All the best and take care
Warmly,
Sharda Baker