Harmful Foods For Dogs
Dogs love to eat whatever we have, and with those cute puppy eyes and longing stares it is hard to resist them. When that treat, however, turns out to be harmful, you can truly show your dog you love them by NOT sharing.
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[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Xylitol – An artificial sweetener most commonly used in gum, but also in mints, mouthwash and toothpaste. Recently, even some baked goods have begun using it. Even the tiniest amount can be deadly to your dog when ingested as it causes a sudden increase in insulin leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver damage. Signs of toxicity in your dog may begin as early as 30 minutes after ingestion or can be delayed for hours or days. Vomiting, lethargy, and lack of coordination are symptoms, and must be treated as soon as possible.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Grapes & Raisins – Also extremely harmful to the liver due to an unknown toxin. Vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy are symptoms and may lead to total kidney shutdown.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Peaches, Plums, and Persimmons – It’s the seeds, or pits, of these fruits which can cause the trouble. Peach and plum pits contain cyanide, and the seeds of a persimmon can cause inflammation of the small intestine. All of these pits can also cause intestinal obstruction.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Garlic & Onions – Even when cooked, dried, or just in powder form, there are chemicals in garlic and onions which damage red blood cells, causing them to rupture or effectively carry oxygen, leading to anemia. Symptoms of anemia are weakness, vomiting, breathlessness and general dullness with little interest in anything, including food.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Caffeine – while it does take fairly large quantities, it is not reversible and can be fatal. Found in coffee, tea, sodas, and energy drinks, as well as some ‘fitness’ foods, caffeine causes restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors and even bleeding.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Chocolate – It is the theobromine, found in all chocolate but in higher quantities the darker the chocolate, that is toxic to dogs. Vomit, diarrhea, and excessive thirst are common symptoms, but since chocolate also contains caffeine, symptoms of caffeine poisoning can also occur.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Macadamia Nuts – Another food item where the specific toxin is still not fully known or understood, but which is still quite dangerous, and even fatal to dogs. Symptom may take up to 12 hours after ingestion to appear but include weakness, vomiting, hyperthermia and tremors.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Avocados – including not just the fruit we all commonly eat or use in guacamole, but also the leaves, pits, and plant bark contain the toxin persin. Common symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Fat Trimmings and Cooked Bones – fat trimmings from meat can cause pancreatitis, (inflammation of the pancreas caused by the activation of digestive enzymes before they are released into the small intestine and begin attacking the pancreas). Cooked bones can splinter, causing obstructions or lacerations in your dog’s digestive system.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Alcohol – no better for dogs than humans, with consumption leading to vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, depression of the central nervous system, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma or death.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Yeast Dough – Raw yeast dough will rise, and when ingested can do the same in your dog’s stomach or intestine, stretching the abdomen and causing severe pain or even rupturing.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Baking Ingredients – Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Nutmeg and other spices are highly toxic.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Salt – Excessive amounts will lead to increased thirst and urination, ultimately causing an electrolyte imbalance and sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of salt overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperates and possibly death.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Sugar – Will lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Raw Meat & Eggs – Can contain the bacteria Salmonella and E. Coli. Also contain an enzyme called avidin which inhibits the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), leading to poor fur and skin issues.[/list_item]
[list_item icon=”fa-caret-right” color=”696868″]Milk & Dairy Products – Dogs lack sufficient lactase to properly digest dairy products, which will lead to diarrhea and other digestive issues.**[/list_item]
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Notes:
*There is a growing popularity with raw diets for dogs and many pet food providers will package and sale varieties of raw food. Consult with your veterinarian and a certified canine nutritionist before beginning any new diets.
**Some milk products, in low doses, such as cottage cheese and yogurt are typically okay for dogs. Consult with your veterinarian and a certified canine nutritionist before providing any dairy products.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center – 888-426-4435
