Can Dogs Eat Plums?

Plum is a cousin of the apple, nectarine, and peach family which belongs in the Prunus genus. Plum is actually the edible fruit, which also has many health benefits and is known for its sweet taste. Health benefits of plums for dogs includes Vitamin A which is important for healthy eyesight. It is also helpful in maintaining eye and skin healthy and prevents diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

Vitamin C found in plums is good for the immunesystem. This also helps to protect against scurvy which occurs mostly in canker sores and in fish that is highly prone to this disease. Vitamin D is also found in plums along with folic acid, which is known for good bone health. Another nutritional benefit of plums is that it contains relatively less amount of calories compared to other fruits.

Due to its bitter taste, it is usually eaten as a treat by children. It can be stored properly to prolong its shelf life and can even be frozen to retain its freshness. However, moistened plums are not recommended as they oxidize easily and spoil the flavor of the whole fruit. Some people add plums to their salads or enjoy plums dipped in different types of recipes.

Plum fruits are easy to clean and are usually dry. To clean, soak plums in warm soapy water for about 15 minutes. Rinse off the soapy water and set aside to dry completely. When plums are kept in an air-tight container, they are ideal for preserving for about one year compared to other fruits which must be preserved for several months.

Dogs are prone to some types of health problems like skin allergies, plum poisoning, and kidney failure. It is important to take care of such health issues immediately. Dogs are at risk of developing urinary tract infections if they consume plums that have been stored in their system for a long time. The reason why these fruits are a frequent cause of canine illnesses is because of their high sugar level. If your dog eats too much plums, it may develop diabetes because of the high level of sugar in the bloodstream.

Another common problem associated with plums for dogs is pit poisoning. Pit poison is characterized by a discoloration of the fur caused by exposure to chemicals like antifreeze. Pit poisoning may occur if your dog ingests a poisonous pit as the animal tries to get rid of it. To minimize the risk of having this health problem, you can put the contaminated animal in a large garbage can and flush it down.

Urine toxicity is a condition that commonly affects small breed dogs like the Doberman and the Shih Tzu. Small dogs are more likely to vomit or have diarrhea when exposed to urine toxins. If you notice that your dog has been vomiting or its bowel movements are becoming irregular, seek veterinary help immediately. A vet will be able to identify the source of the vomiting and determine whether your dog is suffering from a form of kidney failure or a form of skin rash that can be treated with medication.

Last but not least, you should avoid feeding your dog plums for dogs if it has tartar. Tartar is actually the remains of the unripe plums that have been left on the dog's teeth. Tartar coats the teeth and can affect chewing. If you notice that your dog has developed tartar on its teeth, you should consult your veterinarian immediately to prevent further damage.

It is important to give dogs only quality human food. Although they are loving and loyal animals, they should still eat healthy, human-grade food. The nutrients found in human food are better for pets. Even human food can be too rich in fat and grease for dogs to properly digest. When you buy your puppy or your dog's first food from a pet store, check the label to make sure that it contains only the most natural ingredients that are good for dogs.

Aside from fresh plums for dogs, there are also canned fruits that are healthier than fresh ones. Some canned fruits are more suitable for pets than others, so make sure you read the label carefully. Some fruits are higher in sugar than other fruits, which can cause canine diabetes. You should also be wary about artificial flavors. Some manufacturers use chemicals that may upset your dog's stomach.

In dealing with diarrhea caused by excessive sugar in the diet, it is first important to reduce the amount of table sugar your dog eats. If your pooch drinks a lot of water or gets heavy meals, then you should have him go to the vet immediately because it may be a symptom of an underlying health problem. Some types of kidney disease require a detoxification period in order for the kidneys to function properly again. If your dog has diarrhea brought on by bacteria, you should put some fresh plums or fresh prunes to his food. These foods contain high levels of fiber and will help your dog remain regular.