Nuts are not for Dogs

Nuts

Tree nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, pistachios and Brazil nuts – are often contaminated with very low levels of the poison Aflatoxin, which comes from the Asperigillus mold. Although levels are safe for humans, dogs are acutely sensitive to this poison. Even low levels of Aflatoxin can be extremely toxic and lead to complications such as gastroenteritis.

Other varieties of nuts such as walnuts can cause various other dog illnesses and poisoning. Nuts also have a high phosphorus content which causes the formation of bladder stones in dogs.

Peanut butter (non-salted) appears to be non-toxic to dogs, although peanuts themselves may have ill-effects on your dog.

Symptoms of Aflatoxin poisoning:
Loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, orange-coloured urine and jaundice, liver failure, blood-tinged vomit and bloody or blackened stool.

Possible Outcomes:
Aflatoxin causes severe hepatocellular necrosis (acute liver failure) within 72 hours.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis:
Persistent vomiting (sometimes bile may be seen in the vomit), dehydration and watery diarrhea. Lethargy, lack of appetite, stomach grumbling and general listlessness.

Symptoms of Bladder Stones:

Difficulty urinating, frequent "dribbling" urination, bloody urine, painful urination. This results in blockage of urinary tract due to bladder stones.

Action: These episodes can be either acute (short lived), or last for several days. Take your dog to the vet for immediate treatment.
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Macadamia Nuts
Generally consumption will not be fatal, but can cause your dog to become extremely ill. The toxin in the nut is not know. Ingestion of just a handful of nuts can cause adverse effects. As few as six macadamia nuts can trigger locomotory difficulties in dogs. Toxicity will typically evince within 6 to 24 hours.

Symptoms:
Vomiting, weakness, depression, lack of energy, drunken walking, joint/muscle pain, joint swelling, tremors, ataxia, hyperthermia and abdominal pain.

Possible Outcomes:
Severely sick. May require hospitalisation.

Action: Take your dog to the vet if symptoms are not abating or large quantity of nuts are consumed. Dogs are typically treated symptomatically and recover uneventfully with 1 to 2 days. In-hospital supportive care may be recommended for dogs that become very sick.

Fruit and Vegetables

Introducing new foods into your pet's diet may cause upset stomach issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. Be cautious by introducing only one new fruit or vegetable at a time so that you can be aware of any health changes.

Fruit as Treats
Be sure to wash all fruit and remove seeds and pits before feeding to pets. The seeds and pits of all fruit are poisonous to dogs. Too much fruit can cause diarrhea, please feed in moderation and only as a treat to your dog.

Apple
Wonderful crunchy treats for your dog. Great source of Vitamins A, C and fibre. Betty loves apples.

Banana
In small amounts for dogs with colitis and other bowel issues, bananas will help soothe irritated and slow spasms of the colon. In addition, they contain enough sugars to perk up a dog who needs a boost due to digestive issues. A little bit every day or a slightly bigger piece once in a while is fine. It is not recommended that dogs eat whole bananas. Betty gets a few slices every so often.

Cranberries
Cranberries offer dogs the same benefits that they offer humans and can improve urinary tract health. They are beneficial to dogs experiencing kidney issues. They are high in vitamin C, can help lower the pH of a dog's urine, making the urinary tract inhospitable for bacteria. Just 2 berries a day and not more will do.

Watermelon
An ideal treat for dogs, no fat or cholesterol! Watermelon is 90% water, high in fiber and vitamins A and C and is a good source of potassium, which is a powerful natural anti-oxidant. It is essential for vision and immunity, good for skin and maintaining healthy mucus membranes as well as controlling heart rate. I freeze watermelon cubes and offer them to Betty during hot days, she goes wild for them.

Mango
Generous amounts of vitamins A and C to keep your dog's immune system healthy and strong. Mango slices contain enzymes for breaking down protein, the fibres help digestion. Mangos are yummy too!

Pear
High in vitamin C and K, as well as nutrients, all of which act as antioxidants to protect against free radicals. An excellent source of dietary fibre and great for the heart. I suspect Betty prefers this to apples. Aww... like mother like fur daughter.

Avoid grapes and raisins as these can cause kidney damage for cats and dogs. Citrus fruit like lemons, limes, grapefruit and persimmons can cause an upset stomach. Steer clear of Avocados, these can cause numerous complications such as vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, nasal congestion and fluid accumulation in the heart and chest.
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Vegetables for Health
Steaming or boiling cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage make them easier to digest. Cruciferous vegetables are high in Vitamin C and soluble fiber. They contain multiple nutrients and bear anticancer properties.

Broccoli Florets
Great source of Vitamins C and K. Good source of Vitamin A, folate, manganese and fiber. I add 3 to 4 boiled florets to Betty's main dry diet meal on alternate days. I buy the Australian broccoli as they are fresher and more fragrant than the ones from China.

Carrots
Great source of vitamin A and antioxidants, which work to protect the dog's coat and keep it shiny. Vitamin A in carrots assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the dog's body and reduces bile and fat in the liver. The fibers present in carrots help clean out the colon and hasten waste movement. Carrots clean your dog's teeth and mouth, thus keeping tooth decay at bay. Carrots are also high in vitamins K and C. Given out raw as treats to Betty.

Cauliflower

Great source of vitamin C. Good source of vitamins K and B6, folate and choline. These are tasty. Betty loves them too.

Celery
A good source of fiber, and potassium. Celery is a diuretic that richly stimulates the production of urine and can aide in the elimination of excess fluid from the system. The import of this is that kidney and urinary tract infections in canines become none existent. Celery juice aides to ease the discomfort of arthritic infections among canines. I string them (to prevent intestinal blockage) before cutting them up into small sticks for Betty to chew on.

Potatoes
Good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, manganese and fiber. Cut into cubes and boil.

Sweet Potatoes
Great source of dietary fibre, contains vitamin A, B6 and C and manganese. Cut into cubes and boil.

Avoid onions, garlic and chives as they are toxic in all forms: cooked, raw, and even onion powder. These cause damage to the red blood cells, ultimately causing them to burst. Rhubarb and wild mushrooms also contain toxins. Corn is to be avoided as well, as it is a common allergen among pets. Tomatoes are toxic and can cause serious problems such as tremors, seizures, lethargy, drooling, muscle weakness, coma and death.

Getting Her Ears Cleaned

A therapeutic affair for Betty. This is her favourite thing after a bath. I use surgical tongs, a little bit of cotton wool clasped and wrapped around it and soaked in ear cleaning solution. I do this once or sometimes twice a week.

Betty's Massage Therapy

Kallang Riverside Park

A fine day for a morning stroll. We went down to Kallang Riverside Park. Seated at a bench by the river, we gobbled down duck rice and some other local delights that daddy bought from Beach Road Market. Sipped on our much needed morning coffee and started off on our stroll.

Betty surveying the grass for nutrients. Grass is a natural remedy for a dog's gassy or upset stomach. When ingested, the grass blade tickles the throat and stomach lining; this sensation, in turn, may cause the dog to vomit, especially if the grass is gulped down rather than chewed. Grass also contain certain nutrients that are good for dogs. However, do take care to avoid grass that have been treated with pesticides, herbicides and chemicals.

Daddy poses with Betty for a picture.

Moving down to the dock.

Betty inspecting the river currents at the dock.

  

Rest for a drink of water. We always make sure Betty gets enough water on her long walks. I've heard of too many cases of dogs dying from dehydration, simply due to hot weather and lack of water.

Love these photos I managed to snap of Betty all sprawled out and her wide mouth making it seem as if she were actually smiling. I'd say a healthy dog is a happy dog. We try our best to bring Betty out on regular walks, making sure she gets a lot of water, enjoys a healthy diet and is always showered with our love and attention.

Dog Collars

This leather dog collar with red spikes are just the cutest. www.dog.com has them with studded stars as well. Available not only in red, but blue, pink and purple. The best thing about it? Match your dog's collar with a leather wrist band!

These look terrific. Can't decide which ones to get for Betty. The nylon ones are adorable and the leather ones look all too smart and elegant.

Red Summer Booties

These just arrived in the mail and I wasted no time in having them tested out. Meshies by Barko Booties (Lightweight soft sole mesh summer booties in red with velcro strap and non-skid sole) – Easy to put on, snug and secure, mesh material is breathable and perfect for protection on a warm summer day. Wearing shoes / booties are a good way to protect your dog's paws against sizzling hot sidewalks, rough surfaces such as sand and gravel, broken glass, allergens, splinters and ticks.

All ready to go. Betty loves her walks. I hope the booties stay on and she doesn't rip them like she'd done previously. The disposable rubber shoes I got her from before only withstood a 1 time use. Betty is a brawny dog and heavy-footed. For many other dogs, the shoes can last for at least 3 wears before disposing them. I suppose if your dog is an easy walker and light-footed, it's good to have them. They come in a pack of 3 sets and you can get them from Pet Lovers Centre. 

So far so good. Betty seems happy and comfortable wearing her new mesh booties. The park opposite from where we live is where we take our walks. It's shady and quite windy most of the time. No joggers or other dogs today. Saturdays are the most crowded.

Darn. Just when i thought these booties were the best! We should probably just continue to wear them out whilst looking for some hardier shoes. It must be Betty's charging action and nails that push forward, causing the material to begin fraying. Next time round, I'll file her nails further to blunt them before putting the shoes on. We'll see if that works.

Goodbye park! We'll come visit again soon. Thinking about some hiking boots. Going to discuss this with Daddy when he gets back.