To all the dog lovers out there, there’s nothing wrong with giving your dog a few treats. However, you just need to keep in mind, foods that are perfectly safe for humans can be very poisonous for dogs. Here’s a list of foods you should keep away from your dog, even when they look at you with those big puppy-dog eyes.
Xylitol
Xylitol may be a known as a healthier sugar alternative for humans; however, it can alter dogs’ sugar levels and cause their livers to fail. If your dog has eaten gum, sweets or any baked goods and is vomiting, lethargic and “out-of-sorts”, take them to the vet right away.
Alcohol
Spilt some brandy on the floor? Don’t get your dog to lap it up! Just like you and I, alcohol can have negative effects on dogs’ brains and livers, only a lot worse, especially for small dogs. Side effects of alcohol poisoning in dogs may include diarrhea, vomiting, breathing problems and, in extreme cases, even death.
Caffeine
Besides the fact that most playful dogs don’t need to be anymore hyperactive and alert, caffeine can be deadly if consumed by a dog. Caffeine can be found in chocolate, tea, coffee and most sodas. Dogs may experience muscle spasms or twitches, restlessness or uneven breathing if they consume caffeine.
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives contain N-propyl disulfide, which can cause toxicity in dogs. If a dog consumes a great amount of any of the four aforementioned foods, they may experience weakness, lethargy and anemia.
Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins cause toxicity in dogs – even when eaten in small amounts, it can be fatally toxic to dogs of any breed and age. The toxicity from grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage. First signs of poisoning are usually lethargy and excessive vomiting.
Dairy
Like humans, dogs can have problems digesting dairy products. If your dog develops digestion issues, like gas, diarrhea and vomiting, after consuming dairy, they are probably lactose intolerant. So, even though you may be tempted to share your delicious ice cream with your dog, rather give them a normal doggy treat.
Macadamia nuts
Although not fatal if consumed by dogs, macadamia nuts can cause them to experience vomiting, weakness, fever and depression.
Chocolate
Yes, like the kid in the famous Oreo advert said, “chocolate isn’t good for dogs”. If your dog gets a hold of a small amount of chocolate, they may get away with an upset stomach and some vomiting; however, large amounts of chocolate can cause seizures, muscle tremors, internal bleeding and even a heart attack.
Fat trimmings and bones
The next time you consider giving your dog a bone or your leftover meat fat, think again. Cooked and uncooked fat can cause pancreatitis in dogs and bones can lead to choking or a blocked digestive system. Rather give your dogs lean, cooked and boneless meat.
Peaches, plums and persimmons
These delicious fruits are not good for dogs. Not only can your dog choke on the pips, but they can also get poisoned by compounds in these fruits’ pips.
Raw meat and fish
Raw meat, fish and even eggs can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. Fish may also contain a parasite that can cause poisoning. Big lymph nodes, fever and vomiting may be a sign of poisoning.
Salty foods
There’s nothing wrong with a little salt here and there but, unlike humans, dogs can’t tolerate salty foods too well. Dogs do need a little bit of salt in their diets but they usually get what they need from eating their usual dog food every day. If they consume too much salt, they may struggle to excrete the sodium, which can lead to hypernatremia, otherwise known as too much salt in the blood. Make sure your dog has constant access to fresh water; this will decrease the likelihood of your dog getting hypernatremia.
Sugar
In moderation, sugar isn’t too bad for dogs. It basically has the same effect on dogs as it does on humans. When a dog consumes too much sugar, they experience hyperactivity and the inability to concentrate, followed by depression and lethargy – a sugar low. Long-term effects include obesity, diabetes and bad teeth.
Too much of anything is never good
Did you know – despite the many rumours, according to Pet Poison Helpline, avocados are actually safe for your dog to consume? It can upset their stomachs a little though. There are a few human foods that are really good for dogs, like pasta, rice, well-cooked meat, carrots, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower and gem squash.
If your dog is acting oddly or experiencing vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, take them straight to the vet to get checked out. Rather be safe than sorry!
