Can we give our dogs pretzels?

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Pretzels are a snack enjoyed by many people of all ages. They are a crisp biscuit made from dough, famous for being soft in the center with a
golden glazed crispy exterior. Flour and yeast are the pretzel’s main ingredients making them a universal food that is difficult for anyone to
resist, especially when it’s freshly baked from the oven.

Pretzels are a good reminder of our childhood. As for comfort food, each bite gives us a certain feeling of nostalgia that can be eaten at any
time of the year. Since crispy baked pretzels have a long shelf life, taste good, and do not contain a lot of allergens, they are considered one of
the most universal foods.

Pretzels were brought to the United States from Europe by German and Swiss immigrants. They have become one of the most favorite snacks
in the US since its arrival in the early middle ages. From school lunch boxes to being a beer companion, the unique taste of this knotted savory
biscuit has made it to everyone’s kitchens around the world.

As much as humans love pretzels, are you allowed to give them to your fur babies when they stare at you with their puppy dog eyes
accompanied by tail wagging as they salivate?

Some may think that giving a dog a single pretzel will not cause any harm, but it is best not to share this savory snack with your dog. Pretzels
are seasoned with salt for an enhanced flavoring. This is where trouble arises. Too much salt is not safe for dogs, that is why even if it is difficult
to say no to your begging dog it is best to give him tough love and resist instead of putting its life at risk.

Sodium chloride poisoning also known as salt poisoning is not a common condition in relation to dogs and is not often discussed in health
circles. Most people know that high blood pressure and heart problems are usually caused by a high salt intake, however, salt poisoning is a
rare side effect that may occur. Dogs have smaller organ systems compared to humans. Their bodies also age must faster, which is why if
humans can experience salt poisoning due to ingesting too much salt what more dogs. Dogs are incapable of digesting high quantities of salt, so
even a simple treat can pose a health risk.

Salt is still a necessity in a dog’s daily diet. A sufficient amount of intake depending on his size and current health condition is fine. Salt
poisoning in dogs is caused by ingesting high amounts of salt. Regular dog food contains the ample amount of salt your dog needs to function
healthily every day. Some table foods safe for your dog to eat may also be a source of sodium.

Too much salt intake for a dog poses a great health risk with symptoms that are easily mistaken as a simple cold or an upset stomach. When
there’s too much salt in a dog’s body, it ends up absorbing all the water and stresses the dog’s entire circulatory system as well as its kidneys.
When a dog’s vital organs are overworked, its life is put at risk. Some symptoms to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and
urination, weakness, appearing to walk disoriented, seizures, and extreme bloating.

Now that we know that salt poses a great threat to dogs, are we allowed to give them pretzels without salt? Although unsalted pretzels sound
like a better idea, sugary pretzels may be just as dangerous. Whether pretzels are salted or unsalted, they pose a risk to your dog’s life. It
should also be noted that raisins, another common ingredient usually mixed into pretzels, are highly toxic to all dog breeds. So why take the
risk? Dogs will live without ever trying to taste a pretzel, more so dogs do not benefit any nutritional value from pretzels. You can always
replace pretzels with another dog treat to give your dog, but it’s not as easy to replace your fur baby.

Some pretzel toppings are safe for dogs to eat. For example, when pretzels are incorporated with seeds rather than salt and raisins, your dog
can have a taste depending on the type of seed. Dogs can eat pretzels with sesame seeds. Poppy seeds, however, must be avoided at all costs.

Another top favorite pretzel topping is cheese. Although cheese is a fan favorite among humans, they should not be given to dogs as they can
cause dogs to have an upset stomach and the salt from the pretzel further damage. Cheese is not dangerous to dogs when given in small
amounts given that the dog is not lactose intolerant. But then again, when given in high amounts can harm dogs.

The pretzel is a big favorite with young and old alike, addictive almost in its taste and texture. And while the dog may hoover up any that fall on
the floor, it is not recommended for their daily diet.

In conclusion, although everybody loves to eat pretzels it is not advisable to give them to dogs as treats. A dog may be able to tolerate an odd
pretzel that falls on the floor occasionally but must not be given regularly or in excessive amounts. As mentioned earlier, People should also
watch out for ingredients that are usually incorporated in pretzels that are not safe for dogs just like raisins and cheese. Seeds like sesame are a
generally safe ingredient, however, poppy seeds are highly toxic for dogs. The best thing to do is to keep the pretzels to yourself and away
from your dog. Substitute the pretzels with something that is more catered to them. There are many different dog snacks made for different
breeds available in the market. Ask your vet for their recommended snack that is most suitable for your dog’s needs. Surely this will make your
dog “woof!" with happiness as you and your family enjoy your favorite knotted savory snack in peace.

Top 10 Dogs With Strongest Bite

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Some dogs are much stronger than others but today we want to find out who the top 10 dogs with strongest bite are. Raising a pet in your
home can pose some dangers if they aren’t properly trained and these breeds in particular can cause serious damage.

The determination of the strongest bite was initiated by doctors Brady Barr and Joe Camp in 2005 when they measured a dog’s bite force by
pounds per square inch or PSI. They posted their results on National Geographic to show that there was quite a significant difference between
breeds.

10. Dutch Shepherd

With a bite force of 224 PSI, the Dutch Shepherd has a scary bite. In the past they were sheep herding dogs and were primarily bred as a
working class pet. They are one of the most active dog breeds and can adapt with ease to new circumstances but will require a lot of exercise
due to the way they were bred. They are great as family pets and with children since they are gentle and calm but they are also used by the
Police for their intelligence as well as for their force.

9. American Pit bull

This medium sized dog has a PSI of 235 and they are very powerful, imposing and fearsome. The muscular body makes them popular among
those who are looking for a guard dog and they were initially bred as livestock guardians. They are gentle by nature and if trained properly but
they can get very protective of their loved ones and their loyalty can lead to problems at times. They are very athletic and do require a lot of
exercise but for an active family they are wonderful pets.

8. German Shepherd

They are among the most popular domestic pets throughout the globe and that is no wonder when you know how intelligent and loyal they
are. Their bite force is of 238 PSI so they can break any bone in a human being’s body. Originally bred as a working dog, they are now among
the most versatile so they are used as guard dogs, rescue pets as well as by the police or army for various tasks.

7. Doberman

These were first bred by a tax collector from Germany in the 19 th Century and as his name was Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann this was the
breed’s name as well. They are very smart and loyal so they will stick to their family in any circumstances, making them wonderful guard dogs.
They adapt easily so they will be gentle with children and adults too. Their body is very muscular and athletic so they are often used as guard
dogs or for police work and their bite has a force of 245 PSI.

6. American Bull Dog

This strong muscular breed is larger than their British counterparts and much more active. They have a large head with strong neck muscles and
they have a bite force ob 305 PSI. they are great family pets since they adapt to new situations easily and they form strong connections with
their family members. They like to cuddle but they are wary of strangers so you should train their social skills when they are puppies to
overcome this.

5. African Wild Dog

This is a “cape hunting dog” and they are found in the Sub-Saharan region although they are currently considered endangered. 70% of their
diet is comprised of meat so they are in the hyper-carnivorous category and they live in packs, having social hierarchies for both the males and
females. They are skilled hunters and the fact that they are cape hunting dogs means that only larger animals such as lions or hyenas can pose a
threat to them. They hunt antelopes the most and their bite is strong enough to break any bone in a deer with 317 PSI.

4. Rottweiler

This tough breed was bred to pull carts or to guard homes so they are extremely sturdy. This was one of the first breeds adopted by the police
due to their strength and agility and they are still used today in many rescue operations or for military purposes. They are fearless and loyal
which makes them a good choice for family pets. The combination of strength, endurance and intelligence means that they are a very durable
and adaptable breed and their bite force is of 328 PSI.

3. Wolfdog

Called wolfdogs because they are a hybrid between Ethiopian wolves and domestic dogs, this breed isn’t fully domestic so they can be a bit
dangerous if not trained properly. They retain the pack mentality of the wolf so they will be very loyal to their family but the guests won’t be
seen with such gentle eyes. Since they are a mixture of genetic traits their behavior isn’t very predictable and they may be a bit more timid than
a regular dog. With a bite force of 406, they are ranked third on our list.

2. English Mastiff

These dogs have an imposing size and a bite that is just as tremendous reaching 556 PSI so they can break bones easily. They are calm usually
but their ancestors were very ferocious. They will be caring with children and even if they are among the largest breeds you can find they are
generally docile and relaxed. They like to rest and don’t require as much play as other breeds but they will eat a much larger portion of than
most of the other breeds. A great family pet if you have the room to make them comfortable!

1. Kangal

With a bite force of 743 PSI, this breed is the detached winner of this top and they are also the strongest dogs in the world! They come from
Turkey and they were used to protect sheep or other animals from large predators such as bears or wolves. They are protective by nature and
very loyal to those they care about but they need to be socialized from an early age to adapt to dealing with strangers. They are very agile,
incredibly powerful and can be great pets if you train them properly.

https://furrytips.com/dog-wheezing-causes/

Why Is My Dog Wheezing

Why is my dog wheezing? A wheezing dog is a disconcerting sound for the owner, especially if your dog is aging or ill of health. If you have an
older dog, wheezing or heavy breathing can often be a sign that the end is near. It might also be a sign of asthma or some sort of allergy to air-
born toxins or cigarette smoke, but it’s not always the case. Wheezing can be a symptom of a number of other health issues that don’t
necessarily signal an immediate death.

The air passages in dogs are much more sensitive in dogs than humans. This is a lot to do with their acute sense of smell. Normally, your dog’s
air passages expand and contract at regular intervals to ensure they are getting the right levels of oxygen into their bloodstream. Often enough
something can go wrong and this disrupts the natural process. Incoming oxygen has difficulty in making its way through the body, and this can
lead to wheezing.

There are a number of common causes that will cause your dog to suffer a bit of wheezing and general discomfort, but generally these are not
life threatening.

Causes of Dog Wheezing

Hay Fever

Allergens like pollen or dust can irritate the nasal cavities and air passages. If you find your dog suffering from canine hay fever, consult your vet
for the best course of action. There may be allergy relief medication readily available to help him through the summer months. If this is the
case, you should refrain from smoking around your dog, if you’re a smoker. If your pet suffers from allergies in the air, it’s probable that it’s
more than just pollen that’s going to set them off.

Asthma

Asthma is actually surprisingly common in dogs. You may not have noticed it until your dog began wheezing, but, again, it is generally allergens
in the air that will trigger this fit of wheezing, often followed by coughing or sneezing. Your vet will be able to determine for you whether it is a
case of nasal irritation or something more serious like asthma. This isn’t something you need to be overly concerned with, but it is something
you should keep an eye on and ask your vet about with each check up.

Here is a video of a dog wheezing continuously:

Infections

General infections, picked up from any number of places, can lead to an irritation of the air passages, which can often lead to wheezing. These
are often viral infections and can be treated with antibiotics from your vet. Dog’s can pick up a viral infection due to a weak immune system. If
you find that this is a persistent issue for your dog, you should change its diet. You’re probably not giving it a good balance of nutrients that
build a healthy immune system. But generally, dogs have a much better immunity to these things than humans, so it would be quite rare for it
to be a persistent issue.

Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is something your dog may have picked up while you were away on vacation or something. Dogs can pick up all manner of
troublesome woes at the kennel. After all, no one looks after their dog as well as you do, so all those other mangy dogs are probably riddled
with sicknesses that your poor fellow has been subjected to. Dogs with a spot of kennel cough will often have a dry air channel and cough quite
a bit. This will either pass with a bit of time or some cheap fix medicine from the vet. It’s nothing to worry about though.

Chemicals in the air

Chemicals in the house, like cleaning products, can often cause your dogs to sneeze and wheeze a bit if they’ve inhaled too much. You should
keep the house well ventilated if you’re doing a serious spring clean because it might make your dogs a little uncomfortable with all those
sprays and air fresheners floating in the air. Either keep the doors open or leave the dogs in the garden; it depends on the weather I suppose.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is another reason your Fido might be wheezing away in the corner. This is an inflammation of the upper airways, which carry air from
the windpipe to the lungs and back again. In dogs, this can be chronic and so it lasts a long time. It can be quite discomforting to the owner, but
generally it’s not fatal. This can be triggered by viral or bacterial infections and even powdered dog foods. In severe cases, this can lead to
broken ribs and a lot of pain for your dog, so see your vet for an x-ray if you suspect bronchitis.

Parasites

Parasites can cause your dog to wheeze as well. Heartworms are among the most common, but if you’re in any way a decent dog owner, you’ll
have had your dog treated for the prevention of such parasites long before they occur. If your dog is unlucky enough to suffer from such
parasites, the treatment can be a long and costly journey to a full recovery. So do the right thing and get your dog treated before all of this
happens. Heartworms left untreated in your dog’s body will, as the name suggests, can migrate towards your dog’s heart where they will
develop into adult heartworms, blocking off the blood flow and resulting in great discomfort and other health issues. Open-heart surgery to
remove heartworms will inevitably be a costly procedure.

General, age-related deterioration

In older dogs, heart problems will lead to wheezing. This is the dreaded sound you’ve feared would come. Your long standing companion is
reaching the abyss. Overweight dogs may also suffer from heart problems, regardless of their age. And although some dogs are just ‘bigger’
than others, a morbidly obese dog can really only blame their owner. You need to set rules from a young age. Healthy eating habits are an
absolute must for any dog. Feeding scraps and developing bad eating habit and a poor diet are absolutely going to lead to a premature death.
You have a great responsibility, as a dog owner, to ensure your dog’s diet is a healthy one, just as you do with a child. With many dogs, a
healthy diet might not be enough, and so regular exercise can help in the prevention of obesity. But you knew that already, didn’t you?
Conclusion

More serious and morbid reasons for your dog’s wheezing might be down to a tumor, generally in the lungs. As with a human getting lung
cancer, the chances of surviving this are slim. And it’s unlikely you’re going to put your dog through months of chemotherapy because it’s
expensive. Very expensive. This is most likely to happen in old age, and you should view it as a natural death due to their old age. They’ve
hopefully lived a happy and fruitful life at your side. But if your dog begins to wheeze somewhat persistently, and they’re old, it’s perhaps time
to say your goodbyes. It is your own decision, but it might be viewed as cruel to let the dog live out its last days in discomfort. Consult your vet
and take on their advice as well.