What human food is bad for my dog?
Let’s face it, dogs love treats and we dog owners love giving them treats, but dogs also have a habit of finding their own by getting their paws on everyday foods around the house (and garden). Those items, perfectly safe for human consumption can be extremely toxic for dogs. Here we will learn some of the most dangerous foods they may encounter.
1. Apple, Pear and Cherry Seeds
Apple, pear and cherry seeds are extremely toxic for dogs. They contain a chemical called amygdalin.
Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside, which is a composition of cyanide and sugar. Amygdalin can cause cyanide poisoning in your dog and should never be given as a treat. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning are brick-red mucus membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting and shock.
Amygdalin is also found in apricots, bitter almonds, peaches, plums and many other fruits, seeds and plants. It is important to remember that you may encounter these fruits when walking through orchards and even in the garden.
2. Chocolate
Probably the most well-known toxin for dogs is chocolate. While you may know chocolate is toxic for dogs, recent research by GoCompare Pet Insurance found almost 32% of dog owners were unaware of the harms chocolate can cause their dogs and new research from The Kennel Club by Agria Pet Insurance has revealed cases of chocolate poisoning in dogs rose by 54% in April, making it the second-highest month for pet insurance claims after the Christmas period.
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is also toxic to humans, the lethal dose is 711 standard-sized bars! However, the lethal dose for dogs is far lower.
Theobromine can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, excessive urination, and a racing heart rate.
3. Caffeine
Caffeine, as with chocolate contains the chemical theobromine. It is important to remember that caffeine is not only in tea and coffee, it is also a common flavouring in fizzy drinks, foods and diet pills. Worryingly, it can take only a couple of diet pills to kill a small dog.
Items containing caffeine should be stored well away from your dog’s reach.
4. Onions, Garlic and Chives
The entire onion family, in any form, is extremely toxic to dogs. Symptoms include gastrointestinal irritation and damage to red blood cells. Signs of illness are not always immediate and can be delayed by a matter of hours or even days.
5. Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are toxic to dogs. Studies have shown them to cause gut problems and in serious cases, kidney failure. It is important to remember that some of these can also grow in the wild and in gardens, so special care should be taken to prevent your dog from consuming them when out on walks or in the garden.
6. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob can be potentially fatal for dogs. While the corn is digested, the cob can cause a blockage in your dog’s intestine. Corn on the cob is grown by farmers and may be encountered on walks, so it is important to take care when on walks that your dog does not consume it without your knowledge.
7. Avocado
Avocados are another toxic food for dogs. The avocado plant contains a chemical called persin, which is in its leaves. The fruit and seeds of the plant can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.
8. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sweetener and is found in many common staples of a human diet, it is used in items as varied as baked goods, sweets, chewing gum, mouthwash, desserts, ketchup, barbecue sauces, and syrups.
More apt is the fact that it is also a common sweetener in many peanut butter products, which can be one of your dog’s favourite treats. Care should be taken to only feed your dog peanut butter without xylitol.
Even in small amounts, xylitol can cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure and even death.
Always check the ingredients of peanut butter and other items you may like to treat your dog with to ensure xylitol and other toxic chemicals and compounds are not included.
9. Cooked Bones
Uncooked bones are a great chew for your dog, they can keep them occupied for hours, but you should always avoid giving your dog cooked bones. Cooked bones have a tendency to splinter, these splinters can be ingested by your dog and can cause constipation and can even perforate the gut, which can be fatal.
10. Alcohol
Even in small amounts, alcohol can be extremely toxic for dogs. Alcohol causes intoxication, the same as in humans, but it can lead to sickness and diarrhoea and can even cause central nervous system damage.
11. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are extremely toxic for dogs. Symptoms include weakness, ataxia (loss of balance), depression, vomiting and tremors. Interestingly, the mechanism of toxicity is currently not known.
12. Dairy Products
Dairy products, such as cheese and milk can cause diarrhoea and digestive issues in dogs. This is due to the fact that they do not possess enough of a certain enzyme in their stomach called lactase, this leaves them unable to break down dairy products, similar to lactose intolerance in humans.
13. Salt and Salty Foods
Products containing high levels of salt can cause excessive thirst and urination in dogs which can lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, tremors, raised body temperature, seizures and can even cause death.
To dogs, human foods are extremely salty and high levels of salt can easily build to dangerous levels if your dog is being fed salty scraps.
How can I prevent my dog from eating human foods?
Preventing your dog from eating human foods that are toxic can be tough and you may not even know when they have ingested them, so care should be taken to always keep these foods in cupboards, up high and out of their reach.
What should I do if my dog has eaten one of these foods?
If your dog has eaten something toxic, we know it can be worrying. Even if your dog has only eaten a small amount, you should act immediately and contact a vet. The quicker your dog is seen, the more chance they will be able to minimise any possible effects.
