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Which foods are poisonous to dogs?
by Luna
Come on, confess! Most of you occasionally give in and share a meal or snack with your four-legged friends. What’s the harm, right?
We dogs are generally not picky about what we eat either; We eat whatever is left open at home. However, these seemingly innocent actions harm us and cause us to become poisoned. So, unfortunately, our daily foods and medications are among the leading causes of dog poisoning!
Many useful products, from over-the-counter herbal medicines left lying around to life-saving prescription drugs, from gums and candies that sweeten and refresh our mouth to some foods such as fresh raisins and avocados, make us sick and poison us.
Learn which human foods could send us to the emergency vet. Now, let’s look at them one by one.
1.Sweetener
The sweetener, xylitol, found in gums, candies, and nasal and mouth sprays, is dangerous for us. This substance, obtained from birch bark, is beneficial for people’s dental health but can cause dogs’ blood sugar to drop rapidly and cause seizures that can even result in death.
2. Chocolate and desserts
Chocolate is poisonous to us because it contains theobromine and caffeine. Both of these components cause potentially deadly heart and central nervous system problems in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. Therefore, it takes less semisweet dark chocolate to cause toxicity than milk chocolate. Some chocolate also contains xylitol, which is harmful to dogs.
Ice cream: Ice cream isn’t a great treat for us. Dogs can’t process the lactose in milk products like ice cream. Dogs who get a lick of your cone may experience digestive troubles and other problems. In addition, ice cream can contain ingredients that are toxic for dogs. Chocolate, for example, is definitely a no for pups. Ice cream may also contain xylitol. This artificial sweetener is very toxic to dogs.
Pudding snacks: Pudding snacks are best kept away. They may contain xylitol or chocolate, which are toxic to us.
3. Fruits and vegetables
Grapes: Scientists have not yet determined which substance in fresh raisins harms us, but it is known to cause acute kidney failure. Although it does not have the same severe effect on every dog, You must be careful to keep it away from us.
Avocados: We should not eat avocados containing persin, which is toxic to dogs because it causes diarrhoea and vomiting. In more significant amounts, it can be deadly. Avocado pits can also put dogs at risk of intestinal obstruction. Though avocado is considered a healthy fat for humans, it is too high in fat for dogs, putting them at risk of pancreatitis. Smaller avocado amounts are considered safe but can still cause stomach upset. It’s best to avoid avocado altogether.
Cherries: The stems, leaves, and pits of cherries contain cyanide, a potentially deadly chemical if ingested in large enough quantities. Cyanide kills tissues by making it difficult for them to use oxygen.
Wild berries: Wild berries are another food dogs cannot eat. Though not all of these berries are poisonous, many are.
Apricot: Apricot can be toxic to dogs because the tree’s stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanide. Cyanide is poisonous to dogs and can prevent us from having enough oxygen. It can also lead to breathing trouble, shock, and death.
Starfruit: Starfruit may be toxic to dogs if they overeat it. This Southeast Asian fruit contains soluble calcium oxalate, a chemical that can lead to poisoning in dogs and other animals. In dogs, starfruit poisoning can lead to:
Some peanut butter and other nut butter: Peanut butter is typically a food dogs can eat. But check the ingredients before giving us peanut butter or other nut butter because some varieties contain xylitol.
Macadamia nuts: It takes a few to poison a midsize dog.
Tomatoes: Dogs should avoid tomatoes. Fully ripened tomatoes are safe, but the green part of the plant contains solanine, a toxic substance to dogs. To avoid any issues, it’s better to steer clear of tomatoes.
Mushrooms: It is of the utmost importance to avoid feeding your dog mushrooms. Though only a fraction of mushroom species are known to be poisonous to dogs, some can be deadly. You can never be 100% sure your dog would be getting a safe variety. Even one bite of a toxic mushroom could be fatal.
Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic can cause dog poisoning because they contain thiosulfate. Onions, in particular, are rich in thiosulfate. Garlic can benefit us when consumed in small amounts; it is suitable for ear infections and wounds. However, if we eat a head of garlic, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite will be observed.
4. Beverages
Flavored waters: Flavoured waters, a hugely popular option for humans, should be kept from us. These products often contain xylitol as well.
Caffeine and Coffee: Many humans start the day with coffee. But your four-legged companions don’t need the caffeine. Also, dogs are far more sensitive to caffeine. Even a small amount can be toxic to us. And remember that caffeine isn’t only in coffee. Check the labels on other energy-boosting products to ensure the caffeine stays away from us.
Sports and energy drinks: Sports and energy drinks often contain caffeine, a no-go for dogs. In addition to caffeine, many sports drinks contain xylitol, a dangerous artificial sweetener.
Tea and tea bags: Its caffeine content can poison dogs. Keep us away from your teacups and tea bags in the trash or compost pile.
Soda: Avoid soda since it can contain caffeine. Some sodas, especially sugar-free ones, also contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Alcohol: Dogs should not consume beverages or foods that contain alcohol. Some dogs are attracted to alcoholic drinks, so be sure you do not leave alcoholic beverages unattended.
Milk: Milk contains a sugar called lactose. That means they lack the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose in milk. Though it’s not precisely toxic for dogs, giving us milk can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea.
5. Raw or undercooked meat
Raw or undercooked meat and eggs carry bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and listeria that can make humans and dogs sick.
6. Bones
Many people believe that all bones pose a health risk. Many alternative chewing products are on the market for us. Could you ask your vet for a recommendation?
Several injuries and illnesses can result from dogs chewing on bones, including:
Broken teeth
Mouth and tongue injuries
Gastrointestinal (GI) tract blockages
Bones getting stuck around the dog’s lower jaw
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Choking
Injuries to the stomach and intestines
Bleeding from the rectum
Bones get stuck in the stomach
Bone fragments scraping the lining of the GI tract
Illness caused by bacteria on raw bones
7. Uncooked doughs containing yeast
The dough can rise once in the dog’s stomach, causing it to bloat. Bloating can cause the stomach to twist, which is a life-threatening emergency.
Another problem with yeast dough is that the yeast ferments carbohydrates in the dough, producing ethanol (alcohol). Ingested yeast dough can potentially cause alcohol poisoning.
8. Mouldy food
Mouldy food produces aflatoxin, a toxic substance that can cause liver failure.
9. Salt
You might be surprised to find salt on this list, but salt can be toxic for us.
10. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is dangerous for dogs not only because it contains xylitol but also because it contains fluoride. Do you remember when you were children, and your elders warned you not to swallow toothpaste? Although fluoride is good for our teeth, it harms our stomachs. The same goes for dogs. If the stomach and intestinal tract are irritated, it can lead to death.
What do poisonous foods do to us?
– Death
– Deadly heart and central nervous system problems
– Abnormal heart rhythms
– Poisoning
– Kidney failure
– Liver failure
– Seizures
– Stomach upset
– Choking hazard.
– Low blood sugar
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Gas
– Stomach pain
– Hyperthermia
– Depression
– Drooling
– Decreased coordination
– Difficulty breathing
– Weakness
– Lack of energy
– Loss of appetite
– Increased thirst or urination
– Collapse
– Tremors
– Drooling
– Bloody urine
– Coma
We should get most of the calories from our regular food diet. If you want to share pet-safe snacks with us, here are some foods dogs can eat:
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cooked pumpkin
- Cauliflower
- Popcorn
- Apples
- Bananas
- Cucumbers
- Strawberries
- Xylitol-free peanut butter
- Cheese
Remember that snacks—including dog treats—should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s calories.
People’s food also tends to be higher in fat and sugar than dog food. A dog’s digestive system has difficulty processing fatty foods, so offer us only a small taste of table scraps. Too much fat and sugar could lead to stomach upset, obesity, and pancreatitis.
Signs of food poisoning
The signs of food poisoning differ depending on the specific toxic substance your dog ate. However, dog poisoning will often appear as gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms.