What should I not feed my Yorkie? - briefly
When caring for your Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie), it is crucial to avoid feeding them certain foods that can be harmful or even toxic. Foods such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts should never be given to a Yorkie. Additionally, dairy products and raw meat can cause digestive issues, so they should also be avoided.
What should I not feed my Yorkie? - in detail
When it comes to feeding your Yorkshire Terrier, also known as a Yorkie, there are several foods and substances you should avoid to ensure their health and well-being. It is crucial to be mindful of what they consume, as Yorkies can be particularly sensitive to certain ingredients due to their small size and delicate digestive systems.
One of the most common and dangerous foods for Yorkies is chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the higher the concentration of these substances. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased urination, heart arrhythmias, and in severe cases, seizures or death.
Grapes and raisins are also highly toxic to Yorkies. The exact substance responsible for their toxicity is not known, but even a small amount can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and increased thirst. It's best to avoid giving your Yorkie any food containing grapes or raisins.
Onions and garlic are part of the Allium family and are toxic to dogs. They contain thiosulfates which can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia in dogs. Symptoms of onion or garlic poisoning may include lethargy, weakness, pale gums, elevated heart rate, and collapse. While small amounts may not cause immediate symptoms, the damage to red blood cells is cumulative over time.
Macadamia nuts are another food that should be avoided. The specific toxin in macadamia nuts has not been identified, but they can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, ataxia (loss of coordination), and increased body temperature. Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours after ingestion and can last up to 48 hours.
Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin found in the pit, skin, and leaves of avocados. While the flesh of the fruit is generally considered safe for dogs, it's best to avoid giving your Yorkie any part of an avocado due to the potential risk of ingesting the toxin. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and myocardial damage in some animals.
Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. It's highly toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels, leading to weakness, lethargy, collapse, seizures, and even liver failure. Symptoms may appear within 10-15 minutes of ingestion.
Bones, especially cooked bones, are also hazardous for Yorkies. Cooked bones can splinter and cause obstructions or lacerations in the digestive tract. Even raw bones can pose a risk of choking, blockages, or dental damage. It's best to avoid giving your Yorkie any type of bone.
Caffeine is another substance that should be kept away from Yorkies. Caffeine can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and even convulsions in dogs. Foods containing caffeine include coffee, tea, and some sodas.
Lastly, it's important to avoid giving your Yorkie any moldy or spoiled food. Moldy food contains mycotoxins which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms such as tremors and seizures.
By being aware of these foods and substances that are harmful to Yorkies, you can help ensure their health and longevity. If you suspect your Yorkie has ingested any of the mentioned items, it's crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and treatment options.