Our canine companions hold a special place in our hearts. They greet us with wagging tails and unconditional love, becoming cherished members of the family. Just like we wouldn’t want to see them feeling unwell, it’s important to be aware of everyday items that can be dangerous for them to consume. While we might share some snacks with our furry friends, there are some human food in our kitchens that can cause serious health problems for dogs. This blog post will unveil these surprising culprits and explain why they should be kept out of your dog’s reach. By understanding these dangers, we can ensure our beloved pups stay happy, healthy, and free from accidental poisoning.
Here are the foods that your dog should never eat.
11 – Apple Seeds
Apple is good for dogs, but make sure you remove the seeds. The apple’s seeds are known to contain a natural chemical called amygdalin. The chemical releases cyanide when digested and enters the dog’s bloodstream. Don’t fret, however, if they mistakenly eat one or two of the seeds, as the chemical can only be injurious if it is found in large quantity.
10 – Avocado
Avocado is one of the fruits that may require the attention of a vet if eaten by your dog. Avocado contains the fungicidal toxin called persin that can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting and heart congestion. The avocado’s pit is loaded with persin and is therefore the most dangerous part of an avocado.
9 – Xylitol and Artificial Sweetener
Dogs are extremely sensitive to artificial sweetener called xylitol. Even a small amount can cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure and even death. You need to be careful as xylitol are usually found in sugar-free foods.
8 – Cat Food
The old saying that what’s good for the goose is good for the gander is not always true with cat and dog. Cat’s food is high in protein and fat and if it is continuously consumed by dogs, can cause upset stomach, obesity and even pancreatitis.
If you also have a cat, you can read our post about the toxic food for your cat
7 – Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are known to cause intoxication and dogs are not an exemption. In addition, alcohol may cause poor coordination, abnormal acidity, difficult breathing. It could be as bad as putting them in a coma or even death.
6 – Milk and Dairy Products
Dogs do not have enough enzymes like lactase that can break down lactose in milk. Therefore, milk and dairy products can cause digestive problems and also trigger food allergies. However, small consumption is not worth worrying about.
5 – Chocolate
Chocolate might be yummy but not for dogs. It contains a stimulant called theobromine and a bit of caffeine. This stimulant affects dogs’ organs like guts, heart, kidney and central nervous system. The symptoms in dogs are vomiting, diarrhea, a spike in heartbeat, seizure and hyperactivities. These symptoms might start manifesting after 4 to 24 hours of consumption. Although the amount of theobromine in the dog’s system and thus the symptoms depend on the quantity and the type of chocolate.
4 – Macadamia Nuts
One of the many causes of weakness, depression, tremors, vomiting, and increased body temperature in a dog is macadamia nuts. Within 12 hours of consumption, the symptoms can be popping out. It could also be lethal especially when ingested together with chocolate.
3 – Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are injurious to dogs as they can cause kidney failure. It is not a matter of quantity as a small amount can make a dog ill. Even though it is still unknown as to the toxic substance responsible, there are stories of dogs dying from a small chunk of grapes and raisins and experts have likewise agreed that there is no safe dosage.
2 – Human Vitamins
Human vitamins contain 100% of the mineral recommended as a daily intake by a human. This could however cause an overdose in dogs. It is therefore not recommended to feed your dog with your vitamin supplement.
1 – Raw Fish
Among the food poisoning in a dog is raw fish as they contain bacteria that can be toxic. More so, some fish do have a parasite that causes fish disease or salmon poisoning disease, the symptom of which are fever and enlarged lymph nodes. If you want to feed your dogs with fish, feed them cooked fish as the parasite must have been killed.
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to safeguarding your furry friend. Now that you’re aware of these dangerous foods, you can take proactive steps to keep your dog safe. Store these items securely, out of reach on high shelves or in cabinets with childproof locks. Educate other family members and houseguests about these potential hazards. Most importantly, if you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian or animal poison control center immediately. By being vigilant and informed, you can prevent a minor incident from turning into a serious health scare. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in ensuring your dog lives a long and healthy life by your side.
Go further with reading on Wikipedia Substances poisonous to dogs
