July's News Letter from Classie Canines

Make sure all gates and doors are locked so your dog does not escape.

Dogs DO NOT digest food the way we do, encourage your guest NOT to feed your dog burgers and hot dogs. Although tempting they can get stomach upset & severe diarrhea from this.

1. Onions/Garlic: Definitely hold off on this veggie and herb (Lucky might shed a tear over the entire concept)! Onions and garlic would not just give Lucky bad breath, but on burgers, hot dogs, or kabobs, are toxic to both dogs and cats and can cause Heinz (not talking the ketchup condiment here) body anemia.
2. Tomatoes: A big - No! This veggie contains Atropine that causes dilated pupils, tremors and an irregular heartbeat. The highest concentration of atropine is found in the leaves and stems of tomato plants.
3. Chocolate: This might be truly my one scrumptious weakness but this treat is not a dog's best friend. Chocolate contains Theobromine, a stimulant found in the cocoa bean that is harmful to your dog and causes unpleasant, and dangerous, side effects.
4. Salt: Hold off on the salt and spice! Giving your dog too many salty snacks (i.e.: potato chips or pickles) can lead to some dogs drinking too much water. Overdrinking can lead a to a dangerous, and sometimes fatal, condition called bloat in which the dog's stomach gets too full and can twist or rupture. So hold off on the snacks and keep an eye on how much your mutt drinks throughout the day.
5. Macadamia Nuts: You'd be nutty to slip your dog a nut or two! Aloha, Macadamia nuts have been known to cause muscular weakness, tremors, bladder stones, and severe illness in dogs. In fact, most nuts are a no-go for dogs so best to keep all types away from your pup.
6. Grapes: Healthy for you, highly dangerous for your pup! This innocent snack, believe it or not, can lead to kidney failure in your pet!
7. Sweeteners/Sugar: Don't give into your dog's sweet tooth, because sugar can release insulin and lead to liver failure!
8. BBQ Chicken: Avoid giving your dog bones of any kind, because if eaten they can splinter and harm a pet's internal organs! When you just can't help but give in, simply pull the meat off the bone and only give a small amount!
9. Keep the alcohol away from your dog! Though a Bloodhound Mary or a Dachsund Daiquiri might sound nice, alcohol and dogs do not mix! This seems like an obvious summer "BBQ Don't", but I have caught Lucky trying to sneak a sip poolside! Keep your drinks above paws' reach, no need to see exactly how much trouble your stumbling pup might find. Not to mention the severe health risks associated with alcohol consumption in animals.
Ensuring your pup avoids foods such as the above-mentioned will help ensure a fun, safe, and satiating summer for the both of you! We're not trying to say that there are no safe ways for your pup to welcome the summer with a little indulgence. For a variety of safe and delicious (for your pup anyway) summertime treats, check out petsmart.com and go to the "Treats and Biscuits" section. Trust me, your dog will thank you!