7 Foods Dogs Should Avoid

Although most dogs are very resilient animals, there are 7 foods dogs should avoid eating. While very small quantities of these foods may be tolerable for some dogs, ingestion of large amounts of these foods can be dangerous for dogs. After consumption, dogs may exhibit symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, bloody urine, hyperactivity, increased heart rate, difficulty in breathing, muscle tremors, joint swelling, lethargy, depression and muscle weakness.

#1 Onions

Onions are one of the foods dogs should avoid, whether they are raw, cooked, dried or powdered. Onions contain n-propyl disulfide that destroys red blood cells in your dog. If the bone marrow can not regenerate enough new red blood cells, the dog could develop Heinz body anemia.

#2 Grapes and Raisins

Although the cause is unknown, grapes and raisins cause the calcium levels in the blood to be severely elevated, indicating kidney damage. Kidney failure and death can occur in as little as 48 hours.

#3 Chocolate

Chocolate is very dangerous for dogs and is another one of the foods that dogs should avoid. Chocolate contains the stimulant theobromine. Theobromine affects the central nervous system and heart muscle of your dog, causing the heart rate to increase dramatically. This stimulant can produce seizures, coma and even death in extreme cases.

#4 Macadamia Nuts

While not lethal to your dog, macadamia nuts, and all nuts in general, are foods that dogs should avoid. Nuts can trigger severe illness including stomach upset, weakness and lethargy. In some cases, dogs have been unable to stand or walk without assistance for one to two days. The specific reason for this is has not been identified.

#5 Gum and Candy

Most gum and candy contain the sweetener called xylitol. Xylitol causes a sudden surge of insulin to be released and the blood sugar level to decrease rapidly, resulting in possible liver failure. Brain trauma and death can also occur.

#6 Alcohol

Dogs can become intoxicated by alcohol just like humans. Alcohol, which is digested quickly by the dog's body, can also result in labored breathing, liver damage, seizures, coma, cardiac arrest and in severe cases, it can be deadly.

#7 Avocados

Although avocados are used in the formulation of some commercial pet foods, experts agree that avocados are one of the foods that dogs should avoid. Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin, which can cause acute intestinal upset, respiratory distress, congestion and a buildup of fluid around the heart. Ingestion of persin can be fatal in extreme cases.