7 Summer Treats Yorkie Terriers Should Avoid
Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it’s also a time when our furry friends can be susceptible to health problems. Yorkie Terriers, in particular, are prone to heat stroke and digestive issues. It’s important to be aware of the dangers of summer treats for your Yorkie and to take precautions to keep them safe.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 summer treats that Yorkie Terriers should avoid and the reasons why.
Why Is It Important to Avoid Giving Yorkies Summer Treats?
Yorkies are small dogs with delicate digestive systems. Their small size makes them more susceptible to heat stroke. They also have a tendency to eat anything they can get their mouths on, which can lead to digestive problems.
Many summer treats are high in sugar, fat, and salt, which can be harmful to Yorkies. They can also contain artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors that can cause allergic reactions.
Here are 7 summer treats that Yorkie Terriers should avoid:
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is a popular treat for humans, but it’s toxic to dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination, panting, muscle tremors, seizures, and even death in dogs.
The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. This means that dark chocolate is the most dangerous for dogs, followed by milk chocolate and white chocolate. Even small amounts of chocolate can be harmful to a Yorkie, so it’s best to avoid it completely.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Hyperactivity
- Increased thirst and urination
- Panting
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
If you suspect your Yorkie has eaten chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
2. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are another common food that can be toxic to dogs. They contain an unknown toxin that can cause kidney failure in dogs. Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can be harmful to a Yorkie, so it’s important to keep them out of reach.
Symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
- Abdominal pain
If you suspect your Yorkie has eaten grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately.
3. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that’s commonly used as an artificial sweetener in sugar-free foods and beverages. It’s also found in some medications, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, leading to liver failure. Even small amounts of xylitol can be fatal to a Yorkie, so it’s important to keep it out of reach.
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Coma
If you suspect your Yorkie has eaten xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
4. Nuts
Nuts are a popular snack for humans, but they can be harmful to dogs. Some nuts, such as macadamia nuts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and tremors in dogs. Other nuts, such as walnuts, can cause intestinal blockage in dogs.
It’s best to avoid giving your Yorkie any kind of nuts. If your dog does eat nuts, watch them for signs of illness and contact your veterinarian if you are concerned.
Symptoms of nut poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Tremors
5. Avocados
Avocados are a popular fruit for humans, but they can be harmful to dogs. Avocados contain persin, a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in dogs.
The leaves, skin, and pit of the avocado are the most toxic parts of the fruit, but the flesh can also be harmful to dogs.
It’s best to avoid giving your Yorkie any avocados. If your dog does eat avocado, watch them for signs of illness and contact your veterinarian if you are concerned.
Symptoms of avocado poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Fluid buildup in the lungs
6. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are commonly used in cooking, but they can be toxic to dogs. They contain thiosulphate compounds that can cause damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Even small amounts of onions or garlic can be harmful to a Yorkie, so it’s best to avoid them completely.
Symptoms of onion or garlic poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Pale gums
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
If you suspect your Yorkie has eaten onions or garlic, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, coma, and even death. Even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful to a Yorkie, so it’s important to keep alcoholic beverages out of reach.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of coordination
- Drowsiness
- Coma
If you suspect your Yorkie has ingested alcohol, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
Summary of Summer Treats to Avoid for Yorkies
Here’s a table summarizing the summer treats to avoid for Yorkies:
| Treat | Toxic Component | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Theobromine | Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination, panting, muscle tremors, seizures, and even death. |
| Grapes and Raisins | Unknown toxin | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, abdominal pain. |
| Xylitol | Sugar alcohol | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, coma. |
| Nuts | Various toxins | Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, intestinal blockage. |
| Avocados | Persin | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, fluid buildup in the lungs. |
| Onions and Garlic | Thiosulphate compounds | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, pale gums, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing. |
| Alcohol | Ethanol | Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, coma, and even death. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about summer treats for Yorkie Terriers:
What are some safe summer treats for Yorkies?
Some safe summer treats for Yorkies include frozen yogurt (plain, unsweetened), cucumber slices, ice cubes, and small pieces of apple or banana.
How can I keep my Yorkie cool in the summer?
To keep your Yorkie cool in the summer, provide them with plenty of fresh water, shade, and cool treats. You can also use a cooling mat or wrap them in a cool towel. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
What are the signs of heat stroke in dogs?
The signs of heat stroke in dogs include excessive panting, drooling, restlessness, weakness, and collapse. If you suspect your Yorkie has heat stroke, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What should I do if my Yorkie eats something toxic?
If you suspect your Yorkie has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
How can I prevent my Yorkie from eating toxic substances?
To prevent your Yorkie from eating toxic substances, keep them out of reach. This includes storing food and beverages in sealed containers, keeping garbage cans out of reach, and supervising your Yorkie when they are outdoors.
What should I do if my Yorkie is showing signs of illness?
If your Yorkie is showing signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of treatment.
