Avocado toxic or not for dogs and why, avocado in dog diet safety concerns / First published on Perfect cocker spaniel blog / Image by sandid from Pixabay
by Natalia

Q&A | Avocado: yes or no?

I receive so many questions about avocado in dog’s diet, so I thought I’d share it here since yesterday was a #nationalavocadoday.

Lately avocado was said to be safe for dogs. However before you go head think of the following…

… avocado contains persin, a toxic substance found in the skin, right under the skin, in the stone and the bark of avocado;
… the LIGHT green flesh of the fruit is low in persin, however it is difficult to ensure that the light green won’t be mixed with the DARK green flesh found under the skin of the fruit, thus increasing the risk of poisoning;
… if a dog has avocado he’s likely to have upset stomach or vomiting;
… in addition the stone can not only be more toxic if crushed by a dog, but also get stuck in the throat or digestive tract, which can be fatal;
…high fat content of avocado can increase risk of pancreatitis.

Personally, I would not risk it. I also do not believe that something that was once deemed very toxic for pooched was suddenly given a green light. It feels more like a trend, not something supported by research.

Photo source: image by sandid from Pixabay

by Natalia

Fred

On Saturday I met Fred. Not Freddie, even though we named him after Freddie Mercury, no… Fred. Our new pup.

Naturally, I fell in love with him. His little face, eyes, paws, smile and puppy smell. He made me feel so happy I could burst into a rainbow. He fell asleep on my chest as soon as I picked him up and, after a nap, started a clumsy puppy play smiling mischievously.

Fred is moving in with us in February. I hope Coop will love him as much as we think he would. Exciting times and sleepless nights are about to happen.

 

Christmas and dogs, safe and dangerous toxic foods, treats and plants / chocolate, mistletoe, poinsettia, mince pies / Photo of Cooper, sable cocker spaniel puppy with santa clause by Natalia Ashton, perfect cocker spaniel (C)
by Natalia

Your dog friendly Christmas check list

With the holiday season stepping on our “misle-” toes, don’t forget that your beloved pups need extra attention, too. And I don’t mean getting them presents and having fun unwrapping them together. As a self-proclaimed bore, I am talking about “health and safety” rules to keep your lovely curious spaniels happy and well this Christmas…

Put poinsettias out of your dogs reach (or better still, get a faux plant) The chemical compounds called diterpenoid euphorbol esters found in the plant can cause digestive upsets and skin irritation.

Same goes for the mistletoe. The berries contain polysaccharides, alkaloids, and lectins known to be toxic to dogs. The signs of poisoning include digestive issues, low blood pressure, lack of coordination and seizures. Large quantities can be fatal.

Holly contains saponins, methylxanthines and cyanogens that can cause drooling, digestive upsets. Sharp leaves can also cause physical injuries of the mouth and throat.

No Christmas goes without a tree. Be aware of the needles that can get stuck in pups paws. Also watch out for glass baubles (broken glass), vintage decorations (old paints were toxic to pets sometimes), and tinsel (can cause digestive blockages and injury if swallowed).

Christmas dinner is best to be left for humans. The meats and roasted vegetables can often be high in fat increasing risk of pancreatitis and digestive upsets. Most dinners will be made with garlic, onion, leeks or all of them increasing risk of poisoning & haemolytic anaemia.

Mince pies, Christmas puddings and cakes are made with raisins, sultanas, currants & alcohol, all extremely toxic to dogs.

Chocolate contains theobromine that can cause anything from digestive upsets to seizures. Some sweets are also made with xylitol that can cause liver failure and death due to fast drop in blood sugar.

Candles and room fragrances made with paraffin, cheap waxes & artificial fragrances may affect breathing, cause irritation and allergies. Be safe and use organic soy or beeswax based candies for short periods of time.

Happy holidays!

Photo source: Cooper with a Santa Clause photographed by me