Inspire Health 2021

Page 11

pets

M

ost pet owners know that it's fairly dangerous to allow your cats or dogs to eat human food. Many things you eat--such as chocolate--are extremely dangerous to your pets and may result in severe damage to their health. However, something less discussed is how dangerous it is to allow your dog to eat cat food. Since they both belong to very different species, their bodies work in different ways. What is healthy for a cat might not be healthy for a dog, and vice versa. If you have both a cat and a dog, you might have noticed that your cat is a very picky eater, while your dog will most likely try to eat everything he finds. Some dogs will even keep this food in their stomachs, even when it's bad for them. While they might not vomit or suffer from diarrhea immediately, in the long term some food might cause lasting damage. One of these foods that will cause suffering for your dog is cat food. Cats are necessarily carnivorous, so their food will contain lots of fat and protein, which might look appetizing for your dog at a first glance. If your dog has a weak stomach, he may suffer from a bad stomachache almost immediately. If he's stronger, you will find out later in his life that his kidneys and liver won't work right because of the high amount of protein found in cat food. The high amount of fat found in this food will cause obesity and pancreatitis. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs can survive from cat food if there's no other option for them. This happens with strays who will eat

DON'T LET YOUR DOG EAT CAT FOOD

whatever they can find to survive. Even if your dog ends up eating cat food one time, you shouldn't have By Tess Booker too much to worry about if you take him to a vet you trust. However, the tarian supplementary diet, which will nutrient imbalance won't be healthy reflect on how their food is produced. for your puppy if you keep it up for Cats on the other hand, are strictly too long. Even if you do take him to a carnivorous and need the protein vet, sometimes it might end up being found in meats to survive. According too late if you didn't take good care to the animal welfare organization, of your dog before. Symptoms of an American Society for the Prevention unhealthy puppy who ate too much of Cruelty to Animals, it is not safe or cat food might include abdominal healthy for a cat to be offered dog pain, lethargy, appetite loss, weakness, food constantly. constant vomiting and fever. Some dogs will be stubborn and try to do anything to convince you they prefer cat food. But for Cats and Dogs of the if you love him, you will know the right East Texas Community thing to do is tell FOR AN APPT. PLEASE CALL him no and stick with dog food. If your dog shares a home with a cat, make sure he's eating from the right bowl. It might help to keep your cat's bowl somewhere 1811 US 259 | Every 2nd Sat. of the month high that your dog can't reach--since cats enjoy being in high places. And 8875 FM 2011 | 1st Sun. of Even No. Months don't forget: dog food isn't meant for cats either. Dogs 4th Monday of Each Month can have a vegeMore locations and info can be found at www.dehartvetservices.com

LOW COST SPAY/ NEUTER & PET WELLNESS CLINICS

903-590-7722

DEHART VETERINARY SERVICES

www.dehartvetservices.com

Kilgore - Atwoods Elderville - VFD

Troup - First United Methodist

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