As pet owners, we often want to share our favourite snacks with our furry companions. However, some foods can pose serious health risks to cats and dogs, particularly those that can cause foreign body obstruction, writes Dr Rose Hasegawa, medical director Te Are Manu Vet Clinic.

Obstruction occurs when an animal ingests something that blocks their gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe complications or even death if not promptly treated. To keep your pets safe, it’s crucial to know which foods to avoid.

1. Bones, especially cooked ones, are among the most hazardous items you can give to your pets. While it might seem natural to give a dog a bone, cooked bones can splinter and cause tears in the oesophagus, stomach, or intestines. They can also become lodged in the digestive tract, causing an obstruction that requires surgical intervention. Avoid giving your pets any type of bone, including those from poultry, pork, and beef.

2. Corn on the cob is a popular summer treat for humans, but it can be deadly for pets. Dogs might chew and swallow large pieces of the cob, which can become lodged in their intestines. This can lead to a complete blockage, requiring emergency surgery. If you’re enjoying corn on the cob, ensure your pets can’t access the leftovers.

3. Fruit pits and seeds – Certain fruits, such as peaches, plums, mango and avocado, have pits that can cause intestinal obstructions if swallowed. These pits are not only a choking hazard but can also block the digestive tract. Always remove pits and seeds from fruits before giving any to your pets.

4. Nuts, especially macadamia nuts, can be toxic to pets and pose a significant risk of obstruction. Their hard shells can cause gastrointestinal blockages, and their high fat content can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Avoid giving your pets any kind of nuts, as even non-toxic varieties can cause problems if ingested in large quantities.

5. Rawhide chews – While rawhide chews are marketed as safe for dogs, they can be problematic. Some dogs can break off large chunks and swallow them whole, leading to potential blockages. Moreover, rawhide can swell in the stomach, creating an obstruction.

6. Stringy vegetables – Certain vegetables, like celery, asparagus and green beans, have long, fibrous strands that can cause choking or become entangled in the intestines. If you wish to give your pets vegetables, you can cut them into small pieces.

7. Clothing and household items – While not food, many household items that pets might ingest can cause obstructions. Socks, underwear, small toys and even bedding material can end up in your pet’s stomach or intestines. Ensure these items are kept out of reach and provide appropriate chew toys to satisfy your pet’s need to chew.

How to recognise the signs of obstruction? It’s essential to recognise the signs of a foreign body obstruction.

Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy and abdominal pain. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention is crucial to prevent serious complications. Keeping your pets safe involves being vigilant about what they ingest. Avoid giving them bones, corn cobs, fruit pits, nuts, rawhide chews, and stringy vegetables.

If you are concerned your pet may have an obstruction – please call Te Are Manu on 27719.