While dog owners are well aware that chocolate poses a significant risk to their furry friends, there are a number of other everyday foods that can also have harmful, even catastrophic, effects on their health.
Dogs have a significantly different and less complex digestive system than humans, making them unable to process some of the foods that humans consume without issue. While it is common practice to feed your dog table scraps, this act of kindness can inadvertently cause harm to them.
It is important for dog owners to understand that some of the foods we enjoy are not only unhealthy for our pets, but can also be dangerously toxic. Therefore, these foods should be kept out of reach of curious dogs to avoid accidental ingestion. Educating ourselves about these potentially dangerous foods is an important step in ensuring the health and safety of our beloved pets.
Here is a list of 7 foods you should never feed your dog:
#1 Onion:
Based on Wikipedia“Allium is a genus of monocotyledonous flowering plants that includes hundreds of species, including cultivated onions, garlic, scallions, chives, leeks, and chives.”
This means that onions, garlic, scallions, leeks, and chives (and any food seasoned with them) are potentially TOXIC! Alliums can cause hemolytic anemia, which can damage a dog’s red blood cells.
Image source: Photo in public domain
According to Pet Poison Helpline:
“Onions, garlic, chives and leeks are of Onion and is toxic to both dogs and cats. Garlic is considered to be about five times more potent than onions. Onion and garlic poisoning results in oxidative damage to red blood cells (making them more susceptible to rupture) and gastroenteritis (e.g., nausea, mouth irritation, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea). Other clinical signs of anemia may be seen, including lethargy, pale gums, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, weakness, exercise intolerance, and collapse. Onion and garlic poisoning can be slow in onset and clinical signs may not be apparent for several days.
Signs of Allium poisoning:
- drooling
- Nausea
- Mouth irritation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- lethargy
- Stomach-ache
- Increased heart rate and respiratory rate
- Weak
- No compromise
- Fall
- Pale gums
#2 Rotten or spoiled food:
If you are too disgusted to eat it or you know it is spoiled, DO NOT FEED IT TO YOUR DOG! Moldy food, expired food, or food that has not been properly refrigerated is bad for you, therefore NOT GOOD for Fido!
Throw it away and forget it!
Image source: WikimediaCommons
#3 Fried, fatty foods:
Foods like fried chicken and french fries can be toxic to dogs. Eating fried foods can cause inflammation of the pancreas leading to pancreatitis, which can become a life-threatening event.
Image source: WikimediaCommons
If you are concerned that your dog has eaten fried food, take him to the vet immediately – pancreatitis can cause severe vomiting and requires immediate emergency care.
#4 Grapes:
Veterinarians don’t know why grapes make dogs so sick, but there is a direct correlation between dogs eating grapes and kidney failure.
Image source: Maximum pixels
Including raisins, blackcurrants, and currants! Raisins and currants can be more deadly because they are more concentrated. Of course, including foods containing raisins, blackcurrants, and currants.
If you think your dog has eaten these foods, look for the following signs of kidney failure: diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, low urine output, and weakness. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately!
#5 Macadamia nuts:
Like grapes, veterinarians and scientists don’t understand why dogs can’t tolerate macadamia nuts BUT when eaten in large quantities, they can be extremely harmful. Nuts in general are not good for dogs but this one can be toxic. Symptoms include fever, muscle weakness and vomiting.
Image source: WikimediaCommons
#6 Salty Snacks:
Salty snacks are a staple in many households. But just as they aren’t exactly good for humans, they aren’t good for dogs either. Eating too much sodium can actually lead to sodium ion poisoning. A single chip or cookie won’t put your dog in danger, but leaving out a large bowl or eating an entire bag of them might!
Image source: GoodFreePhotos.com
Symptoms of sodium ion poisoning include high fever, diarrhea, excessive thirst, seizures, kidney damage, and vomiting. If you think your dog may be showing signs, give him a full bowl of water and call your vet immediately!
#7 Xylitol:
This sugar substitute is commonly found in sugar-free gum, low-calorie snacks, mints, and toothpaste. Even small amounts can be fatal to your dog. It spikes their insulin levels, causing fatal (often irreversible) results.
Image source: Wikipedia
Make sure all products containing xylitol are kept away from your pets. Or better yet, don’t use them at all. Check the ingredient label to keep your pets safe. Your home is your dog’s home too. Always keep your dog safe!
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