Even when you simply love and adore your cute doggie, it does not mean you can give them anything as a reward. It just cannot be something like a chip with guacamole because it can cause serious health problems. Many dog owners do not know that there are many "people foods" that are poisonous to dogs. Let's check out the list for more info; you may even find some unexpected names there.
Foods Poisonous to Dogs
Your cute doggie's digestive system cannot handle certain foods well. You have to be extremely careful about what you give them to eat. Here are some of the most common foods that should be avoided at all cost.
1. Chocolate
The presence of a stimulant called Theobromine makes chocolate poisonous to dogs. The Theobromine content of chocolate varies greatly, and is usually the highest in dark chocolate. It can affect the heart, kidneys, and central nervous system of your dog. You may notice signs of Theobromine poisoning within 4-24 hours of ingestion. The severity of the signs depends on how much chocolate your dog has consumed. Restlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and hyperactivity are the most common signs. You should immediately take your dog to your vet who is more likely to make your dog vomit or opt for certain medications to control blood pressure, heart rate, and fits.
2. Garlic, Onions, Chives
These veggies and herbs should be avoided because they can cause gastrointestinal irritation in dogs. They may even damage red blood cells of your beloved pet. The damage could be severe if your dog has consumed a large amount of these vegetables and herbs. Onions can cause serious damage – all forms of onions are bad for dogs, including raw onions, dehydrated onions and cooked onions. It usually takes a couple of days for the signs of poisoning to appear.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol is also among the foods poisonous to dogs. While alcohol is bad for humans as well, it is a lot more toxic to dogs. Alcoholic food products and beverages can cause diarrhea, vomiting, central nervous system depression, decreased coordination, abnormal blood acidity, breathing problems, and coma in dogs. In some cases, the toxicity may lead to death. Be sure to keep alcoholic foods and beverages out of reach of your beloved dog.
4. Avocados
Stop thinking that the guacamole is in any way good for your dog. Due to the presence of a substance called persin, avocados are very dangerous for dogs. Even humans who are allergic to this substance may experience serious reactions. Ensure that your dogs do not get avocados. Keep them away if there are any plants of avocados in your home. Keep in mind that persin is not only in the fruit, but is also present in the leaves, bark, and seed.
5. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts or foods can cause life-threatening complications in dogs. Only six roasted or raw macadamias are enough to make dogs ill. The most common symptoms of toxicity include paralysis of the hindquarters, muscle tremors, vomiting, rapid heart rate, and elevated body temperature.
6. Candy and Gum
Candy, toothpaste, gum, baked goods, and even some diet foods containing xylitol can lead to a spike in insulin levels and make dogs ill. Liver failure is the possible outcome of blood sugar dropping quickly. The most common symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, and loss of coordination. Your dog may also have seizures.
7. Fat Trimmings and Bones
Table scraps that contain meal fat or bones may prove dangerous for dogs. Your dog may develop pancreatitis after eating fat trimmed from meat, both uncooked and cooked. Bones should be avoided because your dog can choke on it. Any splinter on the bones can also cause lacerations of your beloved dog's digestive system.
8. Peaches, Persimmons, and Plums
These fruits are on the list of foods poisonous to dogs because their seeds can cause inflammation of the small intestine. You should be especially careful about persimmons because they can also lead to intestinal obstruction. Moreover, plum and peach pits contain cyanide, which is toxic for both humans and dogs.
9. Raw Meat, Eggs, and Fish
Avoid giving your dog raw eggs because they may contain bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella that can cause serious infections in dogs. Raw eggs also contain an enzyme that affect the way dogs absorb a particular B vitamin. This can lead to skin problems in dogs. Similarly, raw fish and raw meat should be avoided – fish like trout, salmon, sturgeon, and shad may contain a parasite that causes salmon poisoning disease in dogs, which can be fatal if left untreated. Fever, vomiting, and big lymph nodes are common signs of this disease.
10. Grapes and Raisins
More and more pet owners are becoming aware of the fact they should not give their dogs raisins and grapes because of their negative effects. While some dogs can consume grapes and raisins without experiencing any symptoms, some dogs may sustain irreversible kidney damage. Do not take the risk; avoid grapes and raisins at all cost.
11. Cherries
You can find different types of cherries and all of them are quite popular. They are on the list of foods poisonous to dogs because the plant and pit may prove toxic to dogs and even lead to respiratory failure and death. In most cases, the pulp of the fruit is not that dangerous, but the plants and pits should be avoided because they contain cyanide. Only feed your dog the pulp and keep them away from the plant itself.
12. Raw and Green Potatoes
While potatoes are usually included in dog foods, you should ensure you do not give green, unripe, and raw potatoes to your beloved pet. In fact, you should not eat these varieties of potatoes because they are equally toxic to humans. Vomiting, nausea, heart irregularities, and seizures are some of the most signs of potato toxicity in dogs.
13. Apple Seeds
While apples are generally safe, you should practice care and ensure you do not feed your dogs any apple seeds. Those seeds contain cyanide and should be avoided. Your dog has to eat too many of those seeds to experience the negative signs, but it is still better to keep them away from your produce basket.
Warning
Be sure to seek immediate medical attention if your dog seems lethargic or experiences any symptoms such as vomiting, lack of coordination, diarrhea, etc. It could happen when your dog might have eaten something wrong. Do not wait long for the symptoms to improve and talk to a veterinarian as soon as possible.