Ah, the joys of summer abound. Nothing beats a warm, sunny summer picnic at the park with your Fussy Pup.
The juicy, fresh foods the season offers are hard to resist. Even harder to resist are those Fussy Pup eyes looking up, begging for just a nibble. Many summertime fruits and veggies are dog friendly, but beware of the following foods that can harm your pup*:
Avocados – this fruit is a big no-no due to the fungicidal toxin persin which damages heart, lung and
other tissues. No amount is considered safe.
Grapes and Raisins – consumption of this fruit leads to kidney failure in dogs. The effects of eating grapes and raisins are cumulative so even one or two grapes on a fairly regular basis can cause great harm over time. A single serving of raisins is enough to fatally poison a small dog.
Onions – tasty on hamburgers but toxic to dogs. Onions cause red blood cell damage leading to anemia, weakness and breathing trouble. Just like grapes, the effects of consuming onions are cumulative.
Beer – alcohol causes brain and liver damage just like in humans, but due to a dog’s much smaller size the damage progresses quicker and can be deadly. Even tiny amounts of alcohol can cause vomiting and organ damage.
Broccoli - while broccoli is not known to be fatally toxic, it contains isothiocyanate which is a potent gastrointestinal irritant. Avoid broccoli completely if possible.
A more comprehensive discussion on foods, plants and household items toxic to pets can be viewed on the ASPCA website.
If you believe your pup has consumed a toxic food or substance, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435 for help. Keep the number to your local emergency animal hospital handy in case your pup needs immediate medical treatment.
With a little caution, there are still many summer foods you and your Fussy Pup can enjoy together on your next picnic. It is generally recommended that “people food” not exceed more than 10% of a dog’s daily diet, so share the following snacks in moderation:
Fruits: Apple, orange (in small amounts only – citric acid can erode the enamel on your pup’s teeth), bananas and watermelon with seeds removed.
Veggies: Carrots, corn, green beans and cucumbers. 
Other: Lean meats (no bones), plain bread, rice and plain pasta.
Enjoy the season’s best with your Fussy Pup this summer. A little caution and a lot of love will keep you safe and satisfied.
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What is your Fussy Pup’s favorite snack? Share your thoughts on this and other topics here at Fussy Pup. We’d love to hear from you!
*This list is not all inclusive. Fussy Pup recommends discussing your dog’s diet with your veterinarian and/or researching the safety of specific foods before introducing them to your dog’s diet. Foods considered to be generally “safe” may cause problems in dogs with food allergies.
[...] What is Your BBQ IQ? Snack Safely With Your Pup This Summer… discussing your dog’s diet with your veterinarian and/or researching the safety of specific foods before introducing them to your dog’s diet. Foods considered to be generally “safe” may cause problems in dogs with food allergies. [...]
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