Why should dogs stay away from magical plants? Discovering hidden danger
Hop plants, usual in the elaboration of beer, have a dark secret: they can be poisonous for our best four -legged friends. Although for humans these dry cones seem only ingredients that provide aroma and flavor, for dogs they represent a silent threat. History is repeated and not exactly as in movies, but in the form of real tragedies that leave broken hearts.
From beer to threat: what you have to know about hops and its risks
The hops, interesting member of the Cannabinaceae family, plays a key role in beer production. But that same plant that adorns the supermarket shelves can become a villain for dogs, especially in their residual form or in the remains left by beer fans in their backyard. Although in small doses it has been used in some supplements or treates to calm anxious dogs, overdose can have fatal consequences.
What makes the hops so dangerous? Understanding the reactions in our hairy
The toxicity of hops translates into a very dangerous reaction called malignant hyperthermia, which makes the dog’s body temperature shoot rapidly – supplying the 42 degrees Celsius – in a matter of minutes. This extreme increase can decompose the proteins of your body, cause irreversible brain damage and even death. In addition, visible signs such as snout redness, excessive panting, nervousness, abdominal pain, seizures and heart rate increase serve as alarms that no one should ignore. The appearance of these symptoms can occur between half an hour and several hours after the dog consumes any hops residue or suggests that rapid intervention may be the difference between saving a life or regretting the loss.
Quick response: How to react to possible hops poisoning
The first step in suspicion of poisoning is to go immediately to a veterinarian, taking your furry in arms if necessary. While you arrive, try to keep it in a cool and quiet place, and if you can, provoke vomiting to prevent the toxic from being absorbed. Procedures in the hands of professionals include gastric lavage, activated carbon administration and controlled body cooling. Early attention can be the difference between saving life and losing it, so speed is fundamental.
How to prevent a tragedy: tips to keep your friend from dangerous plants away
The key to protecting your dog is to keep it away from any hops residue. If you are a home beer lover, do not leave the remains of fermentation for a long time – like grains or hops – without adequate protection. These remains, naturally, have a very appetizing flavor for desperate dogs to try something new, but contain a potentially lethal dose of toxins. Be sure to store them in safe, well sealed containers and far from the reach of your best friend. The same applies to waste in the composter or garbage, which must be closed with key and in inaccessible areas.
Looking beyond: the future of canine security and dangerous plants at home
More and more, pet owners seek to balance the happiness of their animals with home safety. Education on toxic plants and substances, along with adequate management of the environment, can save lives. The tendency towards a more conscious and safe home perhaps promotes the creation of specific products to mitigate risks or the development of consciousness campaigns that warn the owners about the plants and dangerous remains. The health of our hairy depends largely on the decisions we make day by day.
