Long popular in Europe, via ferratas are catching on鈥攁nd fast鈥攊n North America. Italian for 鈥渋ron way,鈥� a via ferrata is a protected climbing route with fixed steel cables, metal rungs, and ladders. As climbers move across the route they are attached to these fixtures via a tether and harness at all times. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e a great way to lower the barrier to entry to the vertical realm,鈥� says Todd Rutledge, president of Telluride Mountain Club, a nonprofit that helps maintain the .

I like to think of via ferratas as the e-bikes of the alpine world. They make challenging terrain more accessible, but certainly not effortless. Similar to e-bikes, via ferratas require some basic know-how, fitness, and safety precautions. Compared with other outdoor activities, such as backcountry skiing, rock climbing, or even hiking remote peaks, via ferratas are a fairly low-risk endeavor, says Chris Haaland, a Colorado-based engineer who has designed 17 via ferrata routes in the U.S. including the one at Amangani resort in Utah and at Jackson Hole ski resort.

A published by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation found that the fixed equipment of via ferrata make it 鈥減ossible to grant almost to everybody the emotion of altitudes and the excitement of vertical walls, without taking major risks and without being involved, possibly, in dangerous situations.鈥�

However, anytime you travel in or through the mountains there are risks. 鈥淪afety is an outcome in the mountains, not an assurance,鈥� says Rutledge. 鈥淚n the dynamic world of moving in the mountains, rocks fall unexpectedly, people get distracted and forget to clip into a cable, they might make a misstep on the approach to the route.鈥�

The recent via ferrata fatality of 26-year-old climbing guide Olivia Copeland, who was leading a group on Colorado鈥檚 popular Mount Blue Sky route, was a reminder that accidents can happen to even experienced climbers. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of via ferrata.

As these routes become increasingly popular in mountain towns such as Ouray, Colorado, Lake Tahoe, California, and even in urban areas, some in the climbing world wonder if they need to have more oversight.

Most Accidents Occur From Human Error

The majority of serious via ferrata incidents occur in the Alps, where the routes are often public and thus unguided. An in-depth analysis of via ferrata accidents in Austria was published in 2021 in the noted that 鈥渇alling while climbing unsecured鈥� was the most common cause of death. In addition, 鈥渢he mortality rate was highest in technically easy-to-climb sections,鈥� indicating that most accidents are a result of complacency.

Even if routes are built to the highest standards, you can’t control human variables, says Kevin Cooney, the vice president of Telluride Mountain Club. 鈥淗uman error, perhaps caused by a lack of attentiveness and, or distraction is probably the number one cause of accidents in both climbing and via ferrata,鈥� he says.

Fatalities are rare on via ferratas in the U.S. Since its completion in 2007, the has had just two deaths, says Rutledge. One was the result of a suffered by a 74-year-old man. The other occurred in 2021 when a 53-year-old woman unclipped on an exposed section of the course so she could ask a friend to take her pictures, says Rutledge. 200 feet to her death.

The Mount Blue Sky fatality is currently being investigated by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, but early suggest it happened while the climbing guide was rappelling. “We train in hopes that this never happens,鈥� says AVA鈥檚听director, Duke Bradford. 鈥淭his is a sad reminder that no matter how hard you train, accidents can happen.” This was AVA鈥檚 first via ferrata accident.

Are Routes Safer in the U.S. or Europe?

The original via ferratas of Europe come from World War I, when climbing routes were created by the Italian army as a way to traverse jagged peaks in the Dolomite Mountains. Over the decades, these paths were reinforced with metal rungs, and today they鈥檙e used for sport. 鈥淢any of the routes in Europe are old and rusty and get hammered with the elements鈥攁valanches, rock fall,鈥� says Haaland. Since most are public in Europe and unguided, there are also fewer expert eyes scanning them for repair.

While Telluride鈥檚 via ferrata is public, guiding outfits permitted to use the route are trained to look for flaws, such as if a bolt has been loosened or a cable has been hit with rockfall, says Rutledge. 鈥淭here are eyes on it pretty much daily and we do one big safety inspection each spring,鈥� he says.

The U.S. has not yet adopted the design and construction standard for via ferratas developed by the European Committee for Standardization, which is used by around 95 percent of via ferratas in the world, including those in Italy and throughout Europe. Instead, the U.S. Forest Service and other land managers abide by a design standard used for aerial adventure courses and amusement park rides. In Colorado, the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety鈥檚 Amusement Rides and Devices program inspects and certifies commercial routes in the state.

鈥淚f anything, this results in courses being overdesigned and extra safe,鈥� says Haaland. European standards for via ferrata construction require a safety factor of 1.5 and in the U.S. the minimum is 5. 鈥淭hat means every anchor you see or use has been designed to withstand up to 9,000 pounds of structural force,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t should be able to hold a pick-up truck. These structures aren鈥檛 going to fail.鈥�

Not All Via Ferrata Routes Are Created Equally

Via ferratas are marketed as a way for every-day travelers to climb mountains. Yet some courses can be significantly physically or technically harder than others. And there can be an added psychological factor for courses that have tremendous exposure, especially if you struggle with heights. Some are much steeper than others, and may not be cabled across their entirety, creating a different type of challenge.

Europe uses a for via ferratas that ranks difficulty similar to climbing routes, which allows users to select an appropriate route for their skill level. Mike Adolph, technical director of the Canadian Association of Mountain Guides says he uses the green/blue/black/double black rating system that is common on ski hills and mountain bike areas for the via ferratas that he constructs. The U.S. is only recently refining its grading system to help people have a clear understanding of what they are getting themselves into. For now, ratings are largely subjective.

Similar to many routes in Europe, the Telluride via ferrata features uncabled sections that add technical mountaineering elements. Yet it is rated easier than the 鈥淒ownstream鈥� via ferrata, which is the less technical of the two routes in Ouray, Colorado. 鈥淭hat rating doesn鈥檛 account for the 1,000 feet of exposure you have in Telluride,鈥� says Rutledge, who is also director of Mountain Trip, an outfit that has guided around 8,500 people across the Telluride via ferrata over the last decade.

鈥淚f you are used to via ferratas that are cabled end to end, Telluride is an aberration,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e recently received an email with the subject line, ‘scary as F*%!’ from a woman and it made us realize we needed to change the description of the route to account for people who have only done a via ferrata, in say Kentucky or Ohio.鈥�

AVA鈥檚 Mount Blue Sky route was rated a difficulty level of 5 (thrilling and very active) out of 9 (maximum exertion) for climbers aged 12 and up. The company鈥檚 website says that previous climbing experience is not required for the course, which includes iron rungs, cables, ziplining, rappelling, and a 50-foot controlled freefall. Santilli notes that the course must be guided and two professional guides, a lead and tail guide, escort groups of 8 or fewer people.

Traditional via ferratas were a way to facilitate movement through the mountains. Guides including Adolph and Rutledge, argue that recreational routes under the via ferrata umbrella should be climbing only and avoid features such as zip lines or rappelling sections.

Logan Talbott, an American Mountain Guides Association 听(AMGA) / International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA)听 mountain guide with Alpenglow Expeditions, a California-based operator that guides on the Lake Tahoe Via Ferrata, agrees. 鈥淩appelling is not actually a via ferrata component,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t is added to some installations to add an exciting element, and requires different equipment and techniques. It carries risks that are distinctly different from a via ferrata.鈥�

In the climbing world, the majority of accidents are associated with rappelling, according to Pete Takeda, editor of the annual Accidents in North American Climbing听report. It鈥檚 the one time a climber is wholly dependent on their safety system.

Know Before You Go

When I tackled my first via ferrata in Switzerland in 2012, I was physically fit, but I was living in Manhattan and had zero climbing knowledge or experience. I didn鈥檛 even know what a carabiner was at the time. My group鈥檚 guide didn鈥檛 provide an equipment or safety briefing. Luckily, the observant and climbing savvy man behind me noticed I was unclipping both carabiners at a time, which left me at serious risk of falling. He was kind enough to school me in via ferrata safety 101 without making me feel totally naive.

Last summer, I completed the in Ouray, a thrilling route that consists of 12 pitches and over 1,200 feet of vertical climbing. My experience was completely different. Logan Tyler, founder of Basecamp Ouray, designed the course and served as my group鈥檚 guide. He thoroughly briefed us on equipment and safety and suggested a few people in our group bypass particularly challenging pitches.

I won鈥檛 lie, my legs felt like Jell-O听on pitch 11. The second longest suspension bridge in the U.S., it required me to walk 273-feet across a four-inch wide metal platform suspended nearly 200 feet in the air. But Tyler, who shared he鈥檚 walked the tight-rope-like bridge backwards coaching nervous clients, made me feel confidence rather than fear.

Going with a guide, particularly if you are a novice climber, is highly recommended, but that doesn鈥檛 mean you shouldn鈥檛 be vigilant and still ask questions. Rutledge suggests asking companies what training they require for their guides.

The AMGA听does not accredit via ferratas, but there are a lot of similarities between guiding in the mountains and guiding via ferratas, he says. 鈥淵our guides should also have rescue gear in case they need to haul you up on an overhanging section or if you are dangling in space,鈥� he says.

And don鈥檛 be ashamed to straight-up ask if the route is appropriate for someone who has never rock climbed or is scared of climbing a ladder. It might not be. And that鈥檚 OK because there is a good starting point for you out there somewhere. Via ferratas are exhilarating, scary, and possibly transforming. There are few outdoor activities in the U.S. that when guided are as safe, and offer as many rewards, considers Haaland.

Jen Murphy is a regular 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor and has completed three via ferratas.

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I could spend a lifetime exploring Mexico and probably still not scratch the surface of all the country has to offer. It鈥檚 long been one of my favorite getaways when I need a quick surf and sun fix or a dose of culture. A few years ago, my friend Val and I plotted a road trip around Baja California Sur. We flew into San Jos茅 del Cabo and drove a big loop stopping to surf in Todos Santos, swim with whale sharks in La Paz, and hike to waterfalls and ATV around Santiago. When friends and family learned of our plans they immediately raised concerns: Two single women driving around Baja alone? Is it safe to travel to Mexico?

Not once did we feel unsafe. We made a point not to drive at night. We stayed at hotels staffed with security and located in main tourists hubs rather than remote Airbnbs. The most alarming incident of the week was a run in with a rowdy seal pup that wouldn鈥檛 stop tugging on my flipper while we were snorkeling.

If you are a news junky, I understand why travel to Mexico might raise flags. Drinking the water is no longer the biggest worry. Headlines of kidnappings, shootings, and gang violence are common. Last summer, I was chilled to learn two Australians and their American friend were while on a surf trip in Ensenada. But incidents like the one in Ensenada are rare.

One hotel owner in Cabo, who asked to remain anonymous, pointed out that the drug cartels realize that the tourist towns fuel local economies and tend to leave them be.

鈥淢exico is not that much different from many other places in the world,鈥� says Jack Ezon, founder of New York City-based travel agency . 鈥淚 cannot believe how many people from New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles ask if Mexico is safe, as bullets fly on corners from those cities every day.”

The country is also massive鈥攖hree times the size of Texas鈥攁nd can’t or shouldn’t be generalized. When you look at the (Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions; Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution; Level 3: Reconsider Travel; Level 4: Do Not Travel), read the fine print of which areas have risks and restrictions. And here is a from Journey Mexico to help you plan your visit to certain areas.

Spring Break and other holiday periods typically see a rise of American tourists. If you鈥檙e considering a south of the border holiday, these are seven of the most popular getaways. We鈥檝e dug into what鈥檚 to love about each, where to stay, and safety precautions to ease your mind.

How Safe Is It to Visit These Top Mexico Tourist Destinations?

Puerto Vallarta

Why It’s a Popular Destination: Tucked between the rugged Sierra Madre Mountains and beautiful Banderas Bay on Mexico鈥檚 Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is a perennial favorite getaway for American travelers thanks to its year-round warm weather and easy access from major U.S. cities. Look past the manicured gated communities and luxury all-inclusive resorts and you鈥檒l discover the destination has a wild side. Humpbacks migrate here from December through March, and from July through December Puerto Vallarta鈥檚 beaches turn into hatching grounds for sea turtles. 国产吃瓜黑料rs can explore the mountains by ATV, bike, or horseback.

Safety Precautions: Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, which the U.S. government deems a security due to crime and kidnapping and cautions Americans to reconsider travel. Major tourist hotspots, like Puerto Vallarta, however, are subject to more petty crimes such as theft and vacation-home break ins. The Puerto Vallarta Citizen Security Police Station ramps up efforts during peak tourist seasons, dispatching daytime patrols across the city鈥檚 main avenues and near ATMS and banks.

Where to Stay: Spread across 85 acres of jungle and beach, includes dozens of activities within the price of a stay, such as kayak tours to Los Arcos and tequila tastings. (Rooms start at $430, all-inclusive)

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San Miguel de Allende

Why It’s a Popular Destination: The first time I visited this UNESCO World Heritage City in the state of Guanajuato I was charmed, as most travelers are, by its impressive Spanish colonial architecture, pink neo-Gothic cathedral, mariachi bands, art galleries, and vibrant food scene. I devoted an entire day to wandering its cobbled stone streets and alleyways, and was rewarded with serendipitous finds like the insanely addictive churros at Chocolates y Churros San Agust铆n.

Just beyond the city, you can horseback ride through scenic countryside, sip wines at Cava Garambullo 鈥� one of 30-some wineries along the Ruta del Vino听鈥� and soak in .

Safety Precautions: The State Department lists Guanajuato as and recommends Americans reconsider travel due to crime. However, most of the gang violence in the area occurs in the south and central areas of the state and the guidance is to avoid the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. San Miguel de Allende experienced some last year, but none of the incidents were directed at tourists. Amanda Keidan, the American expat owner of Casa Delphine, cautions that you need to be aware while walking at night, as petty crimes can occur, but the biggest risk for visitors is eating street meat.

Where to Stay: Tucked down a cobbled stone street, Keidan鈥檚 five-suite feels like a stylish homestay. She arranges immersive experiences such as cooking classes and tarot card dinners. (Rooms start at $285)

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Riviera Maya

Why It’s a Popular Destination: This 100-mile slice of Caribbean coast on Mexico鈥檚 northeastern Yucat谩n Peninsula is home to some of the prettiest white sand beaches I鈥檝e ever stuck my toes in. Colorful coral reefs glow electric in the crystal clear waters鈥攖he visibility is so good it鈥檚 possible to dive here year round.

Spectacular archeological sites, such as Chichen Itza and Ek鈥� Balam, lie inland in Indiana Jones-worthy jungles. And you can swim in many of the area鈥檚 dazzling blue cenotes鈥攏atural sinkholes of freshwater carved into limestone rocks. The area鈥檚 two main tourist towns, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, have some seriously great restaurants. The former is known for its all-inclusive resorts and laid back vibes. The latter has become a destination for yogis and the Burning Man crowd.

Safety Precautions: When I last visited Riviera Maya in 2022, the region had experienced a in which tourists were killed or injured. The police and government have cracked down on the violence, but tourist zones still occasionally see shootings. Last February, an American tourist in Tulum was killed in the between rival drug dealers. Alcohol and drugs fuel the parties and music festivals in Tulum and crimes are almost always related to drug consumption or sales, says Alexis Sch盲rer, a hotelier in Playa del Carmen. In other words, stay away from drugs and you鈥檙e likely to stay clear of trouble. The U.S. State Department ranks the areas in the state of Quintana Roo a and advises travelers to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Tulum and Playa del Carmen, remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones, and use authorized taxis instead of ride share apps.

Where to Stay: Just two blocks from Calle 38, a public beach in Playa del Carmen, adult-only is a nine-room oasis in a sea of mega resorts. Each of the nine rooms is decorated with vintage flea-market finds and I loved all of the complimentary amenities, including cruiser bikes, beach bags, and cold beers that can be enjoyed in the garden or rooftop terrace. (Rooms start at $173)

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Mexico City

Why It’s a Popular Destination: One of the planet鈥檚 greatest cities, this sprawling megalopolis is a wild mishmash of historic and modern neighborhoods, public parks and verdant boulevards, and grand museums and intimate galleries. It鈥檚 also, in my opinion, the world鈥檚 most exciting food city, home to incredible markets, like Mercado de Coyoac谩n, cheap and tasty hole-in-the-wall taco and tostada joints, and pilgrimage-worthy gastronomic temples such as Pujol and Contramar.

Safety Precautions: The U.S. State Department ranks Mexico City , warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to both violent and non-violent crime. As with any large city, petty crime, like pickpocketing, occurs frequently, so be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded markets and on public transportation. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has ranked Mexico City among the for several years in a row and noted that sticking to neighborhoods closer to the city center and in the north, such as Centro Historico, Roma Sur, and Noche Buena, tend to be safer for visitors. The team at Journey Mexico recommends being extra vigilant in the neighborhoods of Tepito and Guerrero at night. Rafael Micha, managing partner in boutique Mexican hotel brand Grupo Habita, advises to avoid wearing flashy jewelry or watches and waving around expensive cameras.

Where to Stay: Located in the city鈥檚 historic center, is a 17th-century manor turned boutique hotel with a rare rooftop pool. (Rooms start at $230)

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Cancun

Why It’s a Popular Destination: I鈥檒l admit, my first passport stamp from Mexico was en route to a cliche high school spring break that included the water slide experience at Se帽or Frogs. This classic spring break destination lives up to the hype for its wild nightlife, but it also boasts some of the Caribbean鈥檚 finest beaches as well as unique attractions like the , which can be experienced by scuba divers or snorkelers. Cancun is also a convenient base for exploring Mayan archeological sites, like the step-pyramid Temple of Kukulcan, and the underground world of , a mind blowing cave system.

Safety Precautions: Cancun is considered the gateway to Riviera Maya. Located in the state of Quintana Roo, it is deemed by the U.S. State Department and has the following safety precautions: be alert after dark in downtown areas and remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones. Transportation is the biggest cause for concern. Taxi drivers are notorious for being aggressive and overcharging tourists, but using a ride share also comes with risks. Last December, just south of Cancun for threatening a tourist for using a ride share app. Try to have your hotel arrange transportation in advance to avoid harassment and scams.

Where to Stay: If you want a grown-up experience away from the party scene, splurge on . The secluded, 274-room oceanfront resort has two dreamy beaches, three massive infinity pools, and six restaurants. (Rooms start at $600)

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Oaxaca City

Why It’s a Popular Destination: Culture abounds in every corner of Oaxaca, a city where pre-Columbian culture and Spanish colonial and contemporary Mexican influences coexist. The city鈥檚 UNESCO-listed historic center is surrounded by spectacular mountains and important Zapotec archeological sites, such as Monte Alb谩n. And some will argue that its food scene, which includes a thrilling mix of tortilla artisans, mole masters, and small-batch mezcal distillers, rivals CDMX.

Safety Precautions: The U.S. government ranks Oaxaca a travel risk and has no restrictions on visiting Oaxaca City. Like most major cities, travelers are warned to be aware of pickpocketing and other petty crimes. The most recent reported occurred in 2023 in the surf town of Puerto Escondido, located over three hour鈥檚 drive south. Micha, of Grupo Habita hotels, says it鈥檚 not polite to negotiate prices down at markets and to keep in mind that small vendors only take cash.

Where to Stay:听 Set in the heart of the historic center, has spacious, high-ceiling rooms adorned with textiles and art from local artisans and a seriously delicious in-house restaurant that sources almost exclusively from Oaxaca markets and its own gardens. (Rooms start at $472)

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Baja California Sur

Why It’s a Popular Destination: I have been making two to three trips a year to this region for more than a decade and still can鈥檛 get enough of its surf-swept beaches, desert oases, exceptional dining options, ranging from humble ceviche stands to multi-course meals prepared by star chefs, and out-of-this-world marine experiences. Between November and April you can watch Humpbacks breach straight from shore and swim with whale sharks. Hundreds of Olive Ridley turtles hatch during the summer. And the sea lions are always out near Land鈥檚 End and Pelican Rock. Of all my travels throughout Mexico, I鈥檝e never met more hospitable locals.

Safety Precautions: Don鈥檛 confuse Baja California, which includes the border town of Tijuana and has a Level 3 risk, with Baja California Sur, which is a and has no travel restrictions. Matt Lindsay, founder of LUXSurf Travel, a San Jos茅 del Cabo鈥揵ased surf guiding company, cautions that local police are known for pulling over tourists for small infractions, like using a cell phone, and threatening them with big fines. 鈥淭hey may threaten to take you to the station, but you stay calm and say, 鈥業鈥檇 like to pay the ticket now,鈥� and hand them $30 to $50,鈥� he says. 鈥淏e insistent.鈥� He also warns if you鈥檙e out partying and decide to skip the bathroom line and whizz in an alleyway, the cops won鈥檛 hesitate to throw you in jail.

Where to Stay: has an unbeatable location on Monuments Beach, with views of the famous Arch across the bay, plus a restaurant from star Mexican chef Enrique Olvera. (Rooms start at $685)听

Know Before You Go: Five Tips to Staying Safe as a Tourist in Mexico

• No matter where I鈥檓 traveling, I download and use safety apps such as , which sends first responders your exact location, and , which gives safety scores to neighborhoods.
• Zach Rabinor, founder of Journey Mexico, recommends only withdrawing money from bank ATMs. 鈥淜eep your eyes out for anyone that may be watching or targeting you while you make a transaction,鈥� he says.
• Only use official taxis that are ordered through your hotel, restaurant, or other trusted source, says Rabinor. Typically they should have taxi-meters and negotiating a price before getting in is alternately customary, he notes. Ride share apps are unreliable and face some restrictions in airports and other places.
• Don鈥檛 buy drugs. 鈥淢arijuana is still illegal in Mexico,鈥� says Rabinor. 鈥淭his seems like a no-brainer, but many people still don鈥檛 follow and getting involved with drug dealers, at any level, in any capacity is never a good idea.鈥�
• Don鈥檛 drive at night. 鈥淩isks include animals in the road, poorly lit and signed roads, and more,鈥� says Rabinor.

Jen Murphy is a frequent 国产吃瓜黑料 contributor. She鈥檚 visited Mexico nearly 50 times, more often than not, solo. Her biggest concerns have been rogue donkeys on the roads around Baja California Sur and getting a bad sunburn. She’s also recently written about her favorite beaches in Costa Rica, why more hikers are getting rescued in Hawaii, and the coolest cave Airbnb you’ll ever stay at.听听

The post Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? I Think: Yes. Here鈥檚 What to Know. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

We鈥檙e all mammals here, so it would make sense that many of the foods that power people would do the same for dogs. Sharing healthy snacks like carrots, blueberries, and strawberries with our dogs is easy, but are they actually good for them?听

Dogs aren鈥檛 known for their discriminating palettes. Greasy hamburgers, roadkill, colored chalk, and tortilla chips all got the same five-star review from my dog. That said, for obvious reasons, a pup’s enthusiasm doesn’t serve as a reliable guide for what dogs can safely eat. In an effort to get more clarity, we called up long-time veterinarian Dr. Heather Berst for her expertise on some common healthy snacks that are perfect for your pooch鈥攁nd several to avoid. Be sure to keep this list handy, both at home and in your camping kitchen, so you never put your furry friend at risk.

So, Can Dogs Eat Bananas? A List of Dog-Friendly Snacks

Yes, dogs can eat bananas, and many enjoy the taste, says Dr. Berst. Bananas are high in sugar, so limit this snack to a few bites, but go ahead and let your dog indulge in a little tropical sweetness from time to time.

One caveat: Be sure that any fruit you share with your dog is just the raw fruit itself. Dried fruit, like the kind sold in many snack mixes, is too high in sugar. Stick with fresh fruit and in moderation. Trust us, you don鈥檛 want your dog getting diarrhea on a long hike.

Here are some other dog-safe fruits and veggies that are good options if your pup likes the taste:

• Blueberries: Frozen or thawed
• Strawberries: Share these in moderation, as they have a lot of sugar听
• Cucumbers: A crunchy, watery snack that some dogs absolutely love听
• Snap Peas: Another crispy delight that has low caloric content
• Carrots: A classic pup favorite, especially cut into smaller pieces听

When hiking with her dog, an indefatigable Chinese Crested dog named Dottie, Dr. Berst says, 鈥淚 like snap peas and baby carrots as dog treats that they love, and that will not add a lot of calories. Apple pieces without seeds are also great dog treats.鈥�

Be Careful of These Human Foods听

While some veggies and fruits are not outright harmful to dogs, they may contain sugars or other ingredients that should be limited. These include:

• Oranges: Most dogs dislike the taste, so don鈥檛 be surprised if your pooch politely declines. But a small wedge now and then is fine if your dog wants to opt for it.听
• Pineapple: Like oranges, these are often too sweet to be yummy for pups. Do not feed your dog canned or dried pineapples due to the sugar content.听
• Tomatoes: The red part of tomatoes is fine for dogs, but be extra careful not to let your pup eat any of the green parts of the tomato plant. These stems and leaves can cause stomach issues.听
• Avocado: Small amounts are ok, but avoid the pits at all costs. Also, be aware that avocados can be toxic to some birds and horses, so be certain you don’t leave any uneaten bits lying around.听

The Absolute No-Nos: Foods to Avoid Giving Dogs

Some human foods can be catastrophically toxic to dogs. Others can be too hard to digest. Avoid giving these food items to your dogs, no exceptions.听

• Grapes/raisins: Dr. Berst is firm on these fruits. 鈥淭here are still things that we do not know about grape toxicity in dogs, but one thing we do know is to avoid grapes and raisins both,” she says. “If your dog eats even one grape or raisin, you should call your veterinarian.”
• Chocolate:听Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine that is toxic to dogs and can result in serious illness.听
• Alcohol:听For obvious reasons
• Fruit pits: Including apple seeds
• Corn cobs:听While not toxic, they present a dangerous choking hazard and cannot be digested.听
• Caffeine: Including energy gels. Caffeine is toxic to dogs, so be sure to avoid any food that may contain it.听
• Macadamia nuts:听Nuts, in general, are bad for dogs. They are a food category that is best avoided. Besides being toxic to differing degrees, nuts present a choking hazard.
• Walnuts听听
• Onions
• Garlic
• Peanut Butter (and other foods):听Anything containing the chemical compound xylitol.听

A Special Warning: Xylitol, Found in Some Peanut Butter and Sugar-Free Ice Cream, Is Toxic to Dogs

Peanut butter is usually among dogs鈥� favorite snacks. Normally-processed or natural peanut butter is fine for dogs, but be extra careful if you use peanut butter that uses xylitol as a sweetener. Most major grocery store brands do not use xylitol, but always triple-check the ingredients. Xylitol brands are usually sold in health food stores.听

Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol found in many human foods, though most notably in chewing gum, mints, and candy. It鈥檚 also found in some baked goods and 鈥渟kinny鈥� versions of low-calorie, sugar-free ice cream. Bottom line: Never feed your dog anything containing xylitol.听

Further Resources

国产吃瓜黑料’s Recommended Dog First Aid Kit

(for food, plants, and more)

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435

24/7 Animal Poison Control Center (855) 764-7661*

*$85 incident fee applies

The post Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Human Foods That Dogs Can鈥攁nd Can’t鈥擲afely Eat appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.