Admit it; I give my pup table scraps from time to time, but when it comes to feeding human food to my pet it’s important to remember that some items can be fatal for their wellbeing and even life itself.
Welcome to Health! Here you’ll find 21 Human Foods that Are Toxic to Dogs
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As much as I may like giving my dog scraps from my table, it is important to remember that some foods can be toxic to dogs and may lead to potentially life-threatening consequences.
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Since my dog often enjoys eating people food, I’ve lost count of how often I’ve had to look up whether certain foods are toxic for dogs. So for ease of reference and your convenience I have compiled this handy little list with 21 foods which may harm their health.
Alcohol Ingestion
When it comes to alcohol poisoning in dogs, not only drinks should be considered. Fermented food products like bread dough & rotten apples may cause alcohol poisoning (commonly referred to as “ethanol poisoning”) resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, abnormal blood acidity levels, coma or even death of these furry creatures.
Apricots contain cyanide which can inhibit proper oxygen absorption by the body, leading to symptoms like dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, bright red gums, shock or even death for dogs that consume too many.
Avocado contains persin, which can cause digestive upset in dogs and cats as well as obstruction if swallowed whole. While avocado poisoning in pets tends to be mild, birds, cattle and horses are vulnerable.
Caffeine
Dogs are far more sensitive than humans to caffeine’s effects; even small doses can be fatal for small dogs. Common sources of caffeine ingestion for canines include coffee, soda, tea, energy drinks and diet pills as well as coffee grounds and tea bags (which should be kept out of reach from children with curious dogs who like to investigate what lies hidden).
Caffeine poisoning symptoms for dogs include restlessness, hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures and collapse. Most symptoms begin within one to two hours of ingestion and can last as long as 12 hours after.
Candies & Gums Many candies and gums contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol that’s highly toxic to dogs, including Orbit, Mentos, Ice Breakers, Nicorette and Trident (here’s a comprehensive list). Just a small amount can lead to hypoglycemia, seizures and liver failure – even death in extreme cases! Popular brands that contain this artificial sweetener include Orbit, Mentos Ice Breakers Nicorette Trident among many others (see more information here). Here is an exhaustive list of brands containing this chemical: Orbit Mentos Mentos Ice Breakers Ice Breakers Nicorette Trident here (here’s an extensive list).
Signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, decreased activity, weakness, staggering, collapse and seizures. If your pup has eaten any candy or gum containing xylitol, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Cherries
Another human food known to be toxic for dogs is cherries. Their stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanide while their pits may cause intestinal obstruction in dogs. Signs of cherry toxicity in pets include dilated pupils, bright red gums, difficulty breathing panting shock and even death.
Chocolate contains toxic amounts of theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Cocoa powder, baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate contain particularly high concentrations of these agents; their effects will depend on both how much and type of chocolate is eaten. The clinical signs associated with poisoning depend on both quantity and type.
Chocolate poisoning in dogs may result in vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, pacing, tremors, seizures and an abnormal heart rate; symptoms typically appear 6-12 hours after ingestion but could persist up to 72 hours post ingestion – so if your dog may have consumed chocolate contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Coffee-Beer. Toxin-Toxicity of Caffeine for Dogs Dogs are more sensitive than humans to caffeine found in coffee beverages, and moderate doses can result in poisoning or even death in some instances. Signs of caffeine poisoning in dogs include hyperactivity, vomiting, increased heart rate, tremors seizure collapse.
Garlic belongs to the Allium family (that also includes onions, leeks & chives) and contains toxic components known as n-propyldisulfide and thiosulphate, both of which can be harmful to dogs in large doses. Excess garlic may lead to red blood cell damage leading to anemia in dogs.
Garlic poisoning symptoms for dogs include vomiting, bloody urine production, weakness, panting, an elevated heart rate and collapse.
Grapes and raisins have the potential to cause poisoning in dogs; unfortunately, its exact cause remains unknown. Grape poisoning typically begins within hours after ingestion and symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dehydration, loss of appetite, increased thirst and abdominal pain.
Grape poisoning can result in severe kidney damage, even leading to sudden renal failure in some instances. If your dog has consumed grapes or raisins, contact a veterinarian immediately for guidance and evaluation.
Hops is a plant known to be toxic to dogs, used primarily in beer production but also found in herbal medicines. Signs of hops poisoning in dogs include vomiting, hyperthermia, increased heart rate, panting, anxiety and abdominal pain.
Macadamia nuts can be toxic for dogs. While not frequently eaten as standalone snacks, macadamias may still be present in baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and muffins.
Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin which affects dogs’ muscles, digestive system and nervous systems in an adverse fashion. Signs of macadamia nut poisoning in dogs include weakness, depression, vomiting, ataxia, tremors and hyperthermia.
Mushrooms
Certain mushrooms found throughout North America can be toxic to dogs, such as some of the more popular varieties. Signs of mushroom poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, abdominal pain, drooling and seizures – even seizures and coma can result.
If your dog has eaten mushrooms, contact their veterinarian as soon as possible and bring a sample along for identification purposes.
Onions
Onions contain toxic components known as n-propyldisulfide and thiosulfate that are toxic to dogs in large doses, potentially damaging red blood cells that lead to anemia in larger animals. Signs of onion poisoning in dogs include vomiting, bloody urine, weakness, panting, elevated heart rate and collapse as symptoms.