By Lalinda De La Fuente

Pet Lovers treat their furry companions like children. They love them like a parent and give them everything they could every want. Fancy pet bed? Check. Rhinestone collar? Check. Chocolate, ice cream and alcohol? Uncheck!

Here are ONLYforPETLOVERS.com's top five things NEVER to feed your pet:

1. Chocolate and Caffeine
Hopefully you've heard it before, but you're going to hear it again. Don't feed your pets chocolate. Whether you have a cat, a dog or even a bird, chocolate should stay off the menus. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is similar to caffeine. Even in small quantities, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity and even seizures. In severe cases, chocolate consumption can lead to death.

Not all chocolates are created equal. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are greater risks. Baking chocolate has nearly nine times more theobromine than milk chocolate. According to www.dogownersdigest.com, just two one-ounce squares of baking chocolate is a lethal dose for a 20-pound dog. Half that amount would be lethal to a dog half the size. On the other hand, one pound of milk chocolate will prove toxic for a 20-pound dog.

Veterinarians and pet experts may frequently cite chocolate as a common danger for pets, but other caffeinated products should be on the no-eat list as well. Coffee, tea and other foods and drinks high in caffeine should stay out of Fido's or Fluffy's mouth.

2. Grapes and Raisins
While chocolate may be commonly known as hazardous to your pet, grapes and raisins are often overlooked. Recently, veterinarians have been accessing the risk factors involved with grape and raisin consumption in animals.

Dogs are the most common victims of grape toxicosis. Cats tend to be picky eaters and will rarely decide to consume a grape, or any fruit for that matter. Just in case, it's best not to tempt fate and feed any to your cat.

Cases have been coming in throughout the past few years involving serious, and even lethal, reactions to grapes in dogs. Ingestion is often followed by symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, exhaustion and in some cases, death.

According to a report written by Laurinda Morris, DVM, of the Danville Veterinary Clinic in Danville, Ohio, as few as seven raisins or grapes could be toxic to your pet. In the same report, Morris talks of her first case of grape toxicosis. After excessive vomiting, diarrhea and renal failure, a 56-pound male lab mix had to be euthanized. This was all because he ate half a canister of raisins.

It is not yet known what the toxic substance is that causes the reaction. Some potential culprits are mycotoxins (poisons that are in certain fungi), pesticides and even heavy metals that are often concentrated into grapes.

Many owners fail to think of grapes or raisins when their pet is displaying gastrointestinal problems. If your pet is exhibiting any of the above symptoms contact your veterinarian immediately and don't rule out the seemingly innocent grape or raisin.

Source: Dr. Jim Randolph, Raisins and Grapes Can be Toxic, The Sun Herald

3. Alcohol
This should go without saying, but never give your pet any alcohol. Think of a person a few drinks deep. If the human reaction is the way it is, then imagine how your 10-pound cat or even 20-pound dog will react after just a little bit of alcohol.

Not only does alcohol cause intoxication in pets, even small amounts have the potential to cause coma and death. Alcohol poisoning in pets can result in vomiting, hyperthermia, disorientation and even seizures.

To avoid this potentially fatal situation, keep all bottles out of reach of your pet. If your having a party or just an after work drink, make sure to place your open bottle or cup out of reach from where your pet can knock it over or lap a little up.

Beer or liquor is not the only concern when it comes to alcohol. Rubbing alcohol and bread dough are dangerous as well. The methanol in rubbing alcohol and ethanol in rising bread dough are many times unforeseen hazards for pets.

4. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic, in their raw, cooked or powdered form, can prove disastrous for pets. The sulfoxides and disulfides in both can damage red blood cells and therefore, cause anemia. Dogs can tolerate small amounts of onions and garlic, but larger amounts can alter their systems over time.

Cats are generally more susceptible to onion and garlic toxicity than dogs. Some symptoms of anemia in pets are lethargy, rapid breathing, pale pink or white gums, yellowing of the eyes, and discolored urine.

If you notice any of these symptoms, please see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Until you do, it is best to minimize exertion on an anemic animal.

5. Sugary and Fatty Foods
The same reasons why people shouldn't consume too much sugary and fatty foods is the same reasons why pets shouldn't either. Excessive sugar consumption can upset a pet's delicate insulin levels, potentially leading to diabetes.

Pet obesity is on the rise. A National Academy of Science study found that one out of every four cats and dogs in the western world are now obese. Sugary and fatty foods fed to pets are often to blame. What may begin as a little bit of cute padding on your pet can turn into heart disease, arthritis and ultimately, a shorter life.

Avoid giving your pet human food. Candy, fatty meats or trimmings, and table scraps are all bad bets for your cat or dog. Table scarps shouldn't account for more than 10 percent of your pet's diet.

If your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance:
Call the Animal Poison Control Center Hotline (888) 426-4435. As the premier animal poison control center in North America, the APCC is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This service is brought to you by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
* A $55 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

By Lalinda De La Fuente

Other Sources:
Jim Randolph, DVM Raisins and Grapes Can be Toxic, The Sun Herald
www.peteducation.com
www.dogownersdigest.com
www.petsmart.com