Posts Tagged ‘food’
WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF…. The story of a “friend” who pet sits.
I had a really great lunch yesterday at Christopher’s at the Biltmore. If you have not been there yet – I would suggest you try it! It is fabulous, AND they allow pets on their shaded posh patio called Crush! www.christophersaz.com
While enjoying our delicious lunch (might I recommend the Lamb Lollipops?) I had a stomach workout from laughing so hard when I heard a pet sitting story from one of the gals, because it was just so funny.
It seemed as though her friend asked her to care for her pet while she was gone for a week. “Of course!” she said. Well each day she arrived all the dogs’ food and water were gone. This was alarming to her and she felt bad for the dog because she didn’t want him to go hungry. So she dragged the bag out of the closet, tore it open and said, “Here doggie, eat as much as you like.” She then took the hose outside and left it on very lightly thinking that the pet would drink from the hose instead of his water bowl.
My friend returned a few DAYS later to find that the backyard was flooded and the dog ate all the food. She was mortified, thinking – how can this dog eat that much?!?!? She went to find out what kind of food it was so she could buy more, but the dog had chewed through the bag and scattered it all over the yard. So she went into the pet food store and just chose any brand, thinking they are all pretty much the same.
This friend of my mine then told her friend that she had “indulged” her pet and “spoiled” him because she didn’t want the dog to go hungry. Never really telling her the whole truth.
Now this is a pretty funny story from the outside looking in. However, this could have resulted in numerous EXPENSIVE consequences:
- The dog could have eaten so much that his intestines could have flipped or bloat could have happened. Both are life threatening.
- The water could have seeped into the home and flooded the house, or even the neighbors home! Water damage equals LOTS of DAMAGE resulting in LOTS OF MONEY!
- The pet could have eaten something ELSE and choked or it could have been toxic.
- The water seeping out of the yard could have been an alert to burglars that the house was unattended and they could have broken in.
- …and much more.
With Bella’s House & Pet Sitting we are pet EXPERTS that care properly for your pet. Their health and safety are two of the most important things to us. The security of your home is crucial while you are away and when you travel. Professionals should be caring for these important parts of your life – Not a friend, neighbor, or the kid next door. They are not qualified.

People food that can harm dogs
Foods You Should Never Give Your Dog
Grapes and raisins—Though it isn’t clear to scientists just what makes grapes and raisins toxic to dogs, even a relatively small amount can damage their kidneys.
Onions—At certain levels, this common food can destroy a dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia and breathing difficulties.
Chocolate—Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be fatal to dogs if eaten in large quantities. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. But any chocolate, in large enough amounts, can poison a dog. Note: An ounce of chocolate can be toxic to a 30-pound dog, and many dogs can consume more than this.
Mushrooms—Various species of mushrooms are toxic to dogs, and can cause shock and death. Effects will differ depending on the type ingested, but you should play it safe and avoid feeding any type of mushroom to your dog. You should also examine lawn areas where your dog plays. Be sure to remove any mushrooms that may be there—and check regularly to make sure they don’t sprout again.
Candy and sweeteners—Sugary foods can cause obesity. Candy products containing Xylitol (a common sweetener found in some diet products) can cause a sudden drop in an animal’s blood sugar, loss of coordination, seizures, and even death.
Caffeine products—Coffee, tea, or any product that contains caffeine stimulates a dog’s central nervous and cardiac systems. This can lead to restlessness, heart palpitations, and even death, depending on how much the dog consumes. Many also contain theobromine substances, causing issues similar to those with chocolate.
Milk—Although dogs may like the taste of milk, many dogs do not always produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down the lactose in milk. In addition, milk-based dairy products may cause digestive difficulties in dogs.
Tomatoes—Green tomatoes are toxic to dogs, as are parts of the tomato plant. Even a small cherry tomato can cause severe gastrointestinal upset.
Despite all the precautions you take to keep your dog safe, accidents do happen. That’s why it’s smart to keep the telephone numbers of your local veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) right in your kitchen. For detailed safety information about a long list of human foods, please visit http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_ask_peoplefood.

Feeding your pet quality food cost less!!!
XYZ Dog Food sells for $12.00 for an eight pound bag.
Eight pounds into $12.00 = $1.50 per pound
Two cups (estimate) per pound = $.75 per cup.
Multiply suggested feeding amount (cups per day) X cost per cup = Cost per serving.
XYZ Cat Food sells for $19.00 for a case of 24-3 oz cans.
Twenty four into $19.00 = $.80 per can
Multiply suggested feeding amount (cans per day) X cost per can = Cost per serving.
Truth About Pet Food
Petsumer Report
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/
