As much as we love to share our food with our furry friends, not all human foods are safe for dogs to consume. In fact, some foods that we consider healthy or harmless can be fatal to our four-legged companions. To keep your dog healthy and safe, it’s important to be aware of the foods that are dangerous to their health. Here are seven human foods to avoid feeding them:
Chocolate: A Sweet Treat That Can be Deadly
We all love chocolate, but this sweet treat can be deadly for our canine friends. Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that can be toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death. Dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate are especially dangerous. If you suspect that your dog has consumed chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Grapes and Raisins: A Delicious Snack That Can Cause Kidney Failure
Grapes and raisins are delicious and healthy for humans, but they can cause kidney failure in dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and a decrease in appetite. Keep all grape products, including grape juice, out of your dog’s reach. If you suspect that your dog has consumed grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Onions and Garlic: Common Ingredients That Can Damage Your Dog’s Red Blood Cells
Onions and garlic are common ingredients in many dishes, but they can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms of onion or garlic poisoning include weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Be especially careful with cooked or concentrated forms of these ingredients. If you suspect that your dog has consumed onions or garlic, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Avocado: A Delicious Superfood That Can be Toxic
Avocado is a delicious superfood for humans, but it can be toxic to dogs. Avocado contains persin, a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart congestion in dogs. Keep your guacamole to yourself and avoid feeding your dog avocado or avocado-based products.
Macadamia Nuts: A Tasty Nut That Can Cause Lethargy and Tremors
Macadamia nuts are a tasty and healthy snack for humans, but they can cause lethargy, vomiting, hyperthermia, and tremors in dogs. Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion. If you suspect that your dog has consumed macadamia nuts, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Alcohol: A Beverage That Can be Fatal to Dogs
Dogs are extremely sensitive to alcohol, and even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even death. Keep all alcoholic beverages out of your dog’s reach. If you suspect that your dog has consumed alcohol, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Xylitol: A Sugar Substitute That Can Cause Hypoglycemia and Liver Failure
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free gums, candies, and baked goods. Ingestion of xylitol can cause a rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and liver failure in dogs. Keep all xylitol-containing products out of your dog’s reach. If you suspect that your dog has consumed xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What Should You Feed Your Dog Instead?
A high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for your dog’s age, breed, and health needs is the best choice. Look for dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient and does not contain fillers or artificial preservatives.
