Dangerous Foods for Dogs

Feel tempted to feed your dog sweets and snacks that are usually part of your menu? Well, you should really avoid doing this, as the consequences might be devastating for your dog’s health. There are some really dangerous foods for dogs and I aim at presenting them in this post.

Let’s start with chocolate! Chocolate contains theobromine, a toxic agent that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and heart rhythm disorders. Large quantities can lead to death.

Coffee and Tea. The caffeine and theophylline lead to restlessness, heart, palpitations and tremors. Caffeine can be found also in stimulant drinks, cola, chocolate. Can be fatal in large quantities.

Alcohol. Alcohol has the same effects on dogs as on humans, only much faster. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, depression and even coma and death. Do NOT let your dog drink alcohol.

Onions and garlic. They are some of the most dangerous foods for dogs, causing anemia, weakness, vomiting. Onions and garlic contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which affect the red blood cells. Please note that the garlic is less dangerous and can be used in homemade recipes (just a pinch once in a while).

Mushrooms. Certain species of mushrooms can be fatal. Almost all the Amanita species are toxic and they lead to liver and neurologic disorders. The usual symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation and seizures. If your dog has ingested mushrooms you should first induce vomiting by using Syrup of Ipecac (1 teaspoon per 10 pounds) or Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (1 tablespoon every 10 minutes for 3 times), then save some parts of the specimen for identification and visit your vet immediately.

Avocado. Avocado contains persin, a fatty acid that is present in seeds, leaves, bark and fruits. Dogs are allergic to persin and the symptoms include vomiting, fluid accumulations in the abdomen and breathing disorders. So, no matter how much you like your guacamole chips, just do NOT give them to your dog!

Macadamia nuts. Your dog needs only 5 or 6 macadamia nuts to get ill. The poisoning symptoms are depression, vomiting, weakness, tremors. The symptoms usually disappear in 24 hours.

Grapes and raisins. Too many grapes and/or raisins can lead to kidney failure. Without the proper treatment, a dog can die after eating a large amount of grapes or raisins.

Persimmons, peaches and plums. Their seeds can cause intestinal obstruction. Moreover, the peach and plum pits contain cyanide which is toxic for both humans and dogs.

Ice cream and other products containing a lot of milk, sugar, colorings and emulsifiers. They can cause diarrhea and can trigger allergies.

Candies and other sweets (including gum). Any food containing Xylitol is dangerous for your dog. Xylitol causes hypoglycemia and liver failures that can be fatal for your dogs. The first symptoms can be vomiting, loss of coordination and lethargy.

Salt. A large amount of salt can be really dangerous for your dog, causing vomiting, tremors, diarrhea. The first symptoms are excessive thirst and urination.

Yeast dough. It can cause gas problems and abdomen pain and, in severe cases, rupture of the intestines.

Avoid feeding your dog too many table scraps. The table scraps should cover about 10% of your dog’s daily food. Also, if your dog is on a raw diet, always check the expiration date on eggs and buy only fresh meat. Never mix old food with new and try to wash the meat and vegetables before feeding and the bowl after your dog finishes. If you have the slightest suspicion concerning the freshness of the meat (strange color, smell), just throw it. Don’t cook it for your dog. You might endanger his life. Ohh…and never feed your dog cooked chicken bones because they can splinter and cause intestinal injuries.

That’s about it! Hope you enjoyed the article! Stay posted!