When you own a dog, you want to share everything your life offers, from food and shelter to love. However, not all human foods are suitable for canines. Some very ordinary foods are extremely dangerous for your dog and can prove even fatal. The following are the top ten poisonous foods that you should never feed to your dog to keep them healthy and happy.
1. Alcohol
Alcohol is highly dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. It can cause vomiting, trouble in respiration, shakes, and possibly fatality. Animals can handle alcohol less well than people, hence store all liquids with alcohol and treats with alcohol inaccessible to them.
2. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are poisonous to dogs, even in Small quantities. They can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia (elevated body temperature). The precise mode of toxicity remains a mystery, yet signs can emerge within 12 hours after consumption.
3. Chocolate
Chocolate is probably the most popular dog poison. There they contain the same stimulants (caffeine and theobromine) as well as a metabolism that isn’t done quite right by dogs. Even tiny amounts can cause seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and even death in extreme conditions. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous because they have more theobromine.
4. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins look like safe snacks, although they can induce acute renal failure in dogs. The toxic agent inside grapes is still unknown, but a small quantity is enough to cause vomiting, lethargy, and dehydration. The untreated condition can lead to death.
5. Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, and other stuff in that family (like leeks and chives) are bad for dogs. They mess with red blood cells, which can cause anemia. If the dog is vomiting, or suffering from breathing troubles, it could be from these substances. Even onion or garlic powder in small quantities in food can be a problem.
6. Avocado
Avocado has something called persin that’s not great for dogs if they eat a lot of it. The fruit part isn’t as bad, but the pit can make them choke or block their intestines. Concentrated fat in avocados usually causes them to get pancreatitis
7. Xylitol
It’s found in sugar-free snacks and treats like gum and candy and can also be in cookies and peanut butter. Xylitol may cause a sudden rise of insulin in your pet and lead to hypoglycemia (low glucose levels). Complications include vomiting, loss of coordination, and liver failure. We advise you to always check product labels before sharing any human food with your dog.
8. Caffeine
It is unhealthy for dogs and comes from coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Caffeine may cause insomnia, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors. We should never give caffeine to dogs.
9. Dairy Products
Many dogs have a problem with milk, cheese, and ice cream intake. Feeding your dog with milk may cause gastrointestinal troubles and internal discomfort. Avoid dairy altogether or opt for lactose-free alternatives.
10. Raw Meat, Fish, and Eggs
Sometimes raw meat and fish can make dogs sick with icky bugs like Salmonella or E. coli, which cause upset stomachs. Sometimes fish like salmon can have tiny bugs that can make you sick without anyone knowing until it’s too late. Raw eggs additionally harbor a compound, avidin, that hinders the uptake of biotin, crucial for dermal and pelage conditions.
What to do if your dog has been exposed to food poisoning
Should you suspect your dog has consumed any of these harmful substances, Act immediately. You should contact your vet as soon as possible and let him know what your pet consumed exactly, how much, and any symptoms. Early medical intervention can make all the difference in preventing serious health complications.
Final thoughts
The digestion process in animals is different from ours because their digestive system is not similar to that of a human. Sharing your food with your dog can put him at risk, that’s why you should stick to dog-friendly foods and consult your veterinarian for safe advice.
By applying these ten tips, your dog will stay protected from the most common food dangers. After all, a happy dog is a healthy dog.
