Dr. Elizabeth Clyde, D.V.M.

Moochie Poochies!

Once a moocher, always a moocher is a saying, and a habit that is hard to break. Many people are guilty of sneaking their pets tidbits from the table - who can resist those pleading doe brown eyes!

Some dogs whine and drool anxiously awaiting that next morsel. And pets in households with children in highchairs learn quickly that yummies fall from their plates!

But there are serious health issues with feeding your pet from the table. Many pets become finicky eaters. Who would blame them from wanting hamburgers and fries to dry dog food? Begging from the table and eating people food is one of the quickest ways and most common reasons for obesity in pets, which is the 4th leading cause of death in both cats and dogs.

Being overweight makes pets more at risk for many health disorders, just like their human counterparts - diseases like diabetes, liver failure, heart disease, kidney problems, and joint disorders.

Those tasty table scraps are a leading cause in digestive disorders like vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes life-threatening pancreatitis. Morsels from the table tend to be fatty, greasy, and not bland like what they are accustomed to. Spices as common as black pepper can also cause a serious upset.

Dogs are more likely to steal food from the countertops and get into the garbage, hoping that it was really something they should have had! Many of these items, like bones and meat encasements and wrappers can be big trouble for pets.

Treats, not table scraps are a better choice. What should you do if you already have a moocher pooch? Several methods work. Have a small bowl of dog kibble on the table and when they beg, give them kibble. Most get bored with begging soon.

Another method is to give your pet a treat for them to chew on in another room so you can dine in peace. But never let them have a chew product without your supervision. Also, make sure everyone in the family is on the same page with banning table food.

Your plan will be sabotaged easily if someone is still sneaking food. When guests are visting, tell them - no people food, no matter how pitiful your pet looks to them.

And make sure that during outdoor barbeques that your dog stays away from the grill and the dripping grease below.

Don't allow kids to have bags of chips and snacks out in the TV room or in their rooms, where left behind the pets could gorge themselves. Empty plastic bags also pose as a suffocation hazard for pets too.

Just remember, quality dog treats are usually more nutritious and tend to have far fewer calories than most table scraps and are a great reward for being a good dog!

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