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Can I Give My Dog Carrots?

Zyrtec

###Yes... Carrots are a great low-calorie snack for both people and pets. They’re packed with beta-carotene and they are a great alternative to richer, more fattening treats. For this reason, **carrots are great for those dogs who may need to lose weight**. Pet parents can use carrots, cooked or raw, to supplement a balanced diet and provide some “bulk,” so that chubbier dogs aren’t quite as hungry with a reduced portion. Carrots are also a fine snack for our trimmer canines and can be used as a chew toy for most dogs. Try freezing a large carrot stick, at least the size of your dog’s head, and serve. Always supervise your dog with any type of chew and remove small pieces to avoid choking hazards. **There is always a chance that small and/or large pieces of carrots can cause choking or gastrointestinal obstructions.** If you suspect your pet is choking or has any type of gastrointestinal obstruction, seek veterinary medical care immediately. Signs of choking can include coughing repeatedly, having difficulty breathing, swallowing repeatedly, attempting to gag or vomit and/or turning blue. Signs of gastrointestinal obstruction can include: profuse vomiting, lethargy, poor appetite, abdominal pain and/or absence of bowel movements. As with all treats and dietary additives, moderation is key. If you’re adding carrots to your pup’s meals, feeding a bag of baby carrots as treats on a daily basis is overkill. Use good common sense. A few baby carrots as treats given two to three times a day is reasonable. One quarter to one half a cup of raw or cooked carrots added to your dog’s meal twice daily is also reasonable. **Do not feed carrots to pets with a history of kidney or bladder stones**, or to those prone to developing crystals in their urine. Carrots are high in oxalates and can cause the formation of stones. **So, can I give my dog carrots?** The answer is: **Yes!** Carrots are a safe, healthy and tasty snack or dietary supplement for your four-legged bestie, especially for those dogs trying to slim down. Provided you feed carrots in moderation and supervise your pet carefully, you and your fur baby can partake of the veggie tray together without worry.