Pet care

Every responsible dog owner should know which foods are off-limits for their dog. While many of the foods people eat are safe for dogs, some can cause serious poisoning. Here is a complete list of foods that have no place in a dog’s diet and that your pet must never eat.

Chocolate and cocoa: a serious danger to dogs

Chocolate tops the list of forbidden foods for dogs because it contains theobromine. This substance is highly toxic to dogs, as a dog’s body cannot metabolise it effectively. The darker the chocolate or cocoa, the higher the concentration of toxic theobromine. Even a small amount can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and in more serious cases damage to the digestive system. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, a racing heart and seizures. Any case of a dog eating chocolate requires an immediate call to the vet.

Grapes and raisins: a threat to the kidneys

Grapes and raisins are particularly harmful to dogs. Even a small amount of these fruits can cause severe poisoning and lead to kidney failure. The mechanism behind the toxicity of grapes and raisins is not fully understood, but it is known that they can quickly cause serious kidney damage. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and reduced urine output. If your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, contact a vet immediately.

Onions and related vegetables

Onions, garlic and other vegetables of the allium family rank high on the list of foods forbidden in a dog’s diet. They are toxic to dogs in any form: raw, cooked or powdered. These harmful foods damage red blood cells in a dog’s body, leading to anaemia. Even a small amount of garlic or onion in food can be harmful. Symptoms of allium poisoning include weakness, pale gums and breathing difficulties.

Avocado

Avocado can be harmful to dogs. In some dogs, eating avocado flesh can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea. The avocado stone is particularly dangerous, as it can cause a blockage of the digestive tract. Intestinal obstruction is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Raw meat

Feeding raw meat to a dog carries the risk of infection with bacteria and parasites such as Salmonella or E. coli. These pathogens can cause food poisoning in dogs, with vomiting, diarrhoea and general weakness. Bacterial poisoning can lead to dehydration and serious health complications, especially in puppies and dogs with a weakened immune system.

Caffeine and energy drinks

Caffeine is highly toxic to dogs. Like theobromine, it can cause serious poisoning. Never give your dog coffee, tea or energy drinks. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include hyperactivity, a racing heart, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Xylitol: a deadly sweetener

Xylitol, a popular sweetener found in chewing gum and sugar-free products, is extremely dangerous to dogs. Even a small amount can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver damage. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning appear very quickly and may include vomiting, weakness and seizures.

Fruit stones and pips

Eating the stones or pips of fruit such as apples, plums or peaches can be dangerous for a dog. They can cause a mechanical blockage of the digestive tract, which is a life-threatening condition that often requires surgery. In addition, the stones contain cyanogenic compounds, which in large quantities can be toxic and cause symptoms of poisoning such as breathing difficulties and seizures.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause serious poisoning. Even a small amount can cause weakness, difficulty walking and vomiting. If your dog has eaten macadamia nuts, seek veterinary help immediately.

What to do in case of poisoning

If your pet eats any of the forbidden foods, contact a vet immediately. Watch for symptoms of poisoning and do not try to treat your dog yourself. A quick response from the owner can save a dog’s life.

Feeding your dog safely

Rather than risking poisoning, focus on what your dog can eat. The basis of a dog’s diet should be a high-quality food matched to its body weight and age. As a treat, you can give your dog cooked lean meat and selected vegetables. Remember that proper feeding is the foundation of your dog’s health.

Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland is one of the key diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine, particularly for animals suspected of having hormonal problems. Ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of the body’s internal structures. In the case of the thyroid, the scan allows the vet to assess the size of the gland and identify pathological changes such as nodules, cysts or signs of inflammation. The examination is safe, non-invasive and does not require anaesthesia, which makes it an ideal choice for diagnosing thyroid disease.

When is a thyroid ultrasound indicated?

An ultrasound scan of this organ is always ordered by the treating vet. The most common reasons for referring a patient for this specialist examination are:

• Suspected hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism — symptoms may include changes in weight, appetite, activity levels and coat condition.
• Nodules or changes in the structure of the thyroid — when an abnormality is detected on palpation or during other examinations
• Assessing the gland in the course of cancer — ultrasound helps distinguish tumours from other lesions.

In addition, owners may notice certain signs themselves that could point to a thyroid problem. Symptoms that should prompt a visit to the vet include:

• sudden weight gain or loss
• muscle tremors
• excessive thirst 
• frequent urination 
• excessive appetite or loss of appetite 
• dull coat, thinning fur or bald patches
• skin problems
• weakness, apathy, tiredness

What does a thyroid ultrasound involve?

The patient is usually placed on its back or side on a special table so that it is comfortably positioned for the scan. Before starting, the vet applies ultrasound gel to the neck area, which improves the transmission of sound waves.

During the examination the veterinarian moves the probe along the neck to obtain images of the thyroid and the surrounding tissues. The whole procedure usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

Once the scan is complete, the specialist interprets the results and discusses any abnormalities with the owner. This examination makes it possible to detect health problems early and start appropriate treatment.

What happens if the ultrasound shows an abnormality? 

If the results point to an abnormality, the vet will recommend further diagnostic steps. These may include additional tests such as a biopsy or extended blood tests, or the start of drug treatment. 

If the ultrasound shows that the thyroid gland is significantly enlarged or has structural changes, and this is accompanied by symptoms of hypothyroidism (such as obesity, weakness or a dull coat), the vet may recommend blood tests to assess thyroid hormone levels. If hypothyroidism is confirmed, treatment usually involves daily medication. Regular check-ups and monitoring of hormone levels are key to the success of therapy.

If, on the other hand, the ultrasound reveals tumours or cysts in the thyroid and the animal shows signs of hyperthyroidism (such as excessive thirst, increased appetite or weight loss), the next steps may include a biopsy or further imaging. Hyperthyroidism is less common in dogs but frequently affects cats. Treatment for hyperthyroidism may include medication, radioactive iodine and, in some cases, surgical removal of part of the thyroid.

If the ultrasound reveals nodules within the thyroid, the vet may order a biopsy to determine whether they are cancerous. In the case of cancer, further steps may include surgical removal of the tumour, chemotherapy or other treatments, depending on the type of tumour and its stage

Sometimes an ultrasound may reveal non-specific changes in the thyroid that are not necessarily a cause for concern straight away. In such cases the vet may recommend regular check-ups and observation of the animal, as well as repeating the scan in a few months to monitor any changes.

Summary

A thyroid ultrasound is an extremely valuable diagnostic tool that allows health problems in animals to be detected and treated early. Thanks to its non-invasive nature and accuracy, ultrasound has become a key part of assessing thyroid and overall health in animals. If you notice worrying symptoms in your pet, do not hesitate to consult a vet and consider a thyroid ultrasound. Remember that early diagnosis can significantly improve your animal’s quality of life.

Which smells do cats dislike most, and how can you avoid them?

Cats have a very sensitive sense of smell, and there are several scents that most cats dislike. One of them is the smell of citrus fruit such as oranges, lemons or mandarins. Strong citrus oils are very unpleasant for cats, so it is best to avoid using these scents in places where cats spend a lot of time, for example on the kitchen worktop or around the litter tray.

Another smell cats dislike is lavender. Although many people find lavender calming and soothing, cats find it irritating. You can avoid this scent by not using lavender oil in the bedroom or wardrobe, where cats may sleep or where their things are kept.

Which plants and essential oils irritate cats, and how can they be used as a deterrent?

Cats have a sensitive nose, and there are certain plants and essential oils that can irritate them. One such plant is common rue, which gives off strong essential oils that repel cats. You can plant it in parts of the garden where you do not want cats to go. Another plant cats dislike is lavender. While lavender has a calming effect on people, cats find it irritating. Lavender oil can be used to keep cats away from places such as the bedroom or wardrobes.

Besides plants, there are also essential oils that can irritate cats. One of them is lemon oil. Its strong citrus scent can be unpleasant for cats, which makes it useful for keeping them off the kitchen worktop or away from the litter tray. Another essential oil cats dislike is geranium oil. This strong scent can cause skin irritation in cats, so it is best avoided in a home where cats live.

Which smells and substances in the home are potentially harmful to cats?

Cats are very sensitive to certain smells and substances that can be harmful to their health. One such smell is ammonia, which is often found in floor and toilet cleaning products. Prolonged exposure to this smell can lead to irritation of the airways in cats. It is therefore worth choosing cleaning products with a milder scent or using natural alternatives such as vinegar or bicarbonate of soda.

Another substance potentially harmful to cats is formaldehyde, which is found in some furniture and wooden products. Cats can be exposed to this chemical by inhaling it or through skin contact. Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat in cats. It is therefore worth choosing furniture and wooden products labelled as pet-safe, or avoiding such products in places where cats spend a lot of time.

How to make your own cat repellent using natural scents

If you would like to make your own cat repellent, you can use natural scents such as essential oils or herbs. Here is how to do it:

1. Choose scents that cats dislike, such as citrus, lavender or geranium.
2. Get suitable essential oils or dried herbs with the scents you have chosen.
3. Pour a few drops of essential oil into a spray bottle, or place the dried herbs in a mesh bag.
4. Add water to the spray bottle and shake well.
5. Spray the areas you want to keep your cat away from, or place the herb bag there.
6. Remember to refresh the scent regularly by adding more essential oil or replacing the dried herbs.

This homemade cat repellent can help keep cats away from unwanted spots in the house or garden. Bear in mind, though, that every cat has its own scent preferences, so you may need to experiment with different smells to find the one that actually works on your cat.