Without argument, we can all agree that dogs are more than just pets; they’re members of our families. As dog owners, we often feel an urge to share our food with them, especially when they’re giving us that look with the “oh so hard to deny” puppy eyes. However, many don’t realize how dangerous some human foods can be to dogs – we’re talking toxic or fatal.
Understanding which foods are harmful can help keep your furry friends safe and healthy. Today, we’ll break down the most harmful foods to keep away from your dog, their effects, and what to do in case of ingestion.
Ten Toxic Foods for Dogs
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is probably the most known “don’t feed that to the dog” type of food. It contains theobromine, a substance dogs metabolize much slower than humans. While darker chocolate is a healthier choice for us, this is not the same for dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains, making it more dangerous to dogs.
Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Rapid breathing
Increased heart rate
Seizures
What to Do: If you suspect your dog has ingested chocolate, contact your vet immediately. Inducing vomiting may be recommended depending on the amount and type of chocolate consumed.
Source: American Kennel Club
2. Grapes and Raisins
We love grapes, some of us hate raisins though. Given that, we might find ourselves about to toss one to our furry friend when kicking back and eating off the vine. However, grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney damage, even failure, in dogs – even in small amounts. The exact substance found in grapes making them so toxic is unknown but keeping them out of reach is crucial.
Symptoms of Grape/Raisin Toxicity:
Vomiting
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Dehydration
Kidney failure
What to Do: If your dog eats grapes or raisins, seek veterinary care immediately. Early treatment is essential to prevent kidney damage.
Source: VCA Animal Hospitals
3. Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, and other allium plants contain compounds such as thiosulfate, which can be toxic to dogs.
Eating these compounds can harm a dog's red blood cells and cause a condition called hemolytic anemia. Cooking these foods doesn’t reduce their toxicity – which tends to be the case with some other foods.
Symptoms of Onion/Garlic Poisoning:
Weakness
Vomiting
Breathlessness
Decreased appetite
Pale gums
What to Do: If you suspect your dog has eaten onions or garlic, monitor them closely and consult your vet. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.
4. Alcohol
We shouldn’t even have to explain this one! Alcohol is much more potent when given to a dog, even at small amounts, as it can lead to alcohol poisoning. It can also cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, blood pressure, and even body temperature.
Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning:
Vomiting
Disorientation
Slow breathing
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
What to Do: If your dog consumes alcohol, it’s crucial to get them to the vet as quickly as possible. Supportive care and fluids may be needed to prevent life-threatening complications.
Source: Pet Poison Helpline
5. Xylitol
It’s the best when you can find a diet soda or a snack that’s listed as “sugar-free,” to us, it’s a little cheat meal. However, Xylitol, which makes some of these products “sugar-free” is an artificial sweetener which is harmful to dogs. It causes rapid releases of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia, which can be fatal.
Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning:
Vomiting
Loss of coordination
Seizures
Weakness
Coma
What to Do: If you suspect xylitol ingestion, take your dog to the vet immediately. Hypoglycemia can set in within minutes, so time is of the essence.
6. Avocado
Humans add avocado to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and even their eggs – you name it we want it. However, for our puppies, they can’t digest large quantities of the persin toxic within avocados. While the flesh is less harmful, the pit, skin, and leaves contain high concentrations of persin. This can cause gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis.
Symptoms of Avocado Poisoning:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Difficulty breathing
What to Do: If your dog eats avocado, monitor them for symptoms and contact your vet if they show signs of distress.
Source: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
7. Caffeine
In the morning, some of us can’t even function without a quick cup of coffee. The pick me up we all know is caffeine. For our furry counterparts, caffeine is dangerous because of how it stimulates their nervous systems. Even small amounts can lead to bigger health issues.
Symptoms of Caffeine Poisoning:
Restlessness
Rapid breathing
Heart palpitations
Muscle tremors
Seizures
What to Do: If your dog consumes caffeine, take them to the vet immediately. Activated charcoal may be used to prevent further absorption, and supportive care will be necessary.
Source: PetMD
8. Macadamia Nuts
Who even eats these? Not our dogs! Why? Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs, though the exact toxin remains unknown. In small amounts, there are severe symptoms that show.
Symptoms of Macadamia Nut Poisoning:
Weakness
Vomiting
Tremors
Hyperthermia
Depression
What to Do: If your dog ingests macadamia nuts, contact your vet. The symptoms usually resolve with supportive care, but it’s essential to prevent further ingestion.
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
9. Raw Dough
Don’t lie – your mom has yelled at you before for eating the raw cookie dough, or at least trying it. For dogs, they would’ve had a different fate. While this is usually the case with more yeast doughs, raw dough can be life-threatening to dogs. When ingested, the dough can expand in their stomach, causing rapid bloating and potentially dangerous pressures on internal organs. Additionally, yeast fermentation can produce alcohol within a dogs digestive track, leading to eventual alcohol poisoning
Symptoms of Raw Dough Poisoning:
Bloating
Vomiting
Lethargy
Difficulty breathing
Uncoordinated movements
What to Do: If your dog consumes raw dough, seek veterinary care immediately. Treatment will focus on removing the dough and managing symptoms.
Source: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
10. Fatty Foods
Foods high in fat such as bacon, sausage, and fried foods can be very dangerous to dogs when consumed in larger amounts. Issues such as pancreatitis can be painful and potentially life-threatening.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Fever
Lethargy
What to Do: If you suspect your dog has pancreatitis, contact your vet immediately. Treatment usually involves hospitalization, fluids, and pain management.
Source: VCA Animal Hospitals
Takeaways
Keeping your dog safe is more than just making sure their joints are fine, you don’t over-exercise them, and grooming. It's also making sure they're fed the right food and keeping them away from toxic foods.
Always be mindful of what your dog has access to, and educate yourself on the foods that tend to pose risks for dogs. If you suspect your dog has ingested something that can harm them, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.
By keeping these toxic foods out of reach, you can ensure that your dog remains healthy, happy, and by your side for years to come.
References:
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/chocolate-poisoning-in-dogs/
VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Grape and Raisin Toxicity. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/grape-and-raisin-toxicity
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. (n.d.). Onion. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/onion
Pet Poison Helpline. (n.d.). Alcohol. Retrieved from https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/alcohol/
FDA - Center for Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Xylitol and Your Dog: Sweet Danger. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/xylitol-and-your-dog-sweet-danger
ASPCA. (n.d.). Avocado. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/avocado
PetMD. (n.d.). Caffeine Poisoning in Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/poisoning-toxicity/e_dg_caffeine
Merck Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). Macadamia Nut Poisoning in Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/macadamia-nut-poisoning/macadamia-nut-poisoning-in-dogs
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (n.d.). Holiday Pet Safety. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/holiday-pet-safety
VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Pancreatitis in Dogs. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pancreatitis-in-dogs
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