Dangerous Canine Treats

I know from vast experience with my canine pal how difficult it can be to resist giving him just one little taste of what I am eating-- especially when he gives me that "If you really loved me you would" look. But there are a few foods that can do more than just give your best friend a tummy ache. In fact, some of these tasty snacks can cause fatal reactions in some dogs.

Alcohol

I have a friend who left a glass of beer sitting on his coffee table when he went to answer the door and his six month old puppy decided to help himself. Within a few minutes the puppy was vomiting and looking pretty sickly. The vet confirmed that alcohol can have serious side-effects for dogs. Even just a little bit can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous depression, difficulty breathing, coma and even death. The smaller the dog, the more serious the effects.

Onions

This includes all types of onions, raw, powdered, cooked, or dehydrated. An occasional onion mixed in with beef most likely won't do any damage, but frequent consumption or eating a large amount at one time can cause onion poisoning in a dog- and can destroy a dog's red blood cells, which in turn, can lead to anemia. Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and trouble breathing. And speaking of beef-- meat scraps that contain fat both cooked and uncooked can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Bones are not a good idea either as they may splinter and cause obstructions or laceration in your dog's digestive tract and it is not uncommon for a dog to choke on a large piece of bone.

Guacamole

Avocados contain a substance caused persin which is highly toxic to most animals, including dogs. Even a small amount can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Caffeine

Many different food and drinks contain caffeine including coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, colas and stimulant drinks like Red Bull. It can even be an ingredient in certain cold medicines and pain killers. Consumed in large quantities caffeine can be fatal to dogs. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing and heart palpitations, muscle tremors and internal bleeding.

Dairy Products

Dogs can develop diarrhea and digestive issues when fed milk or milk based products like ice cream. Just like humans, dogs can be lactose intolerant. Milk allergies can trigger itchiness.

Raisins and Grapes

Even a small amount of either one can cause vomiting and hyperactivity, followed by lethargy and depression. Eating a larger amount can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Chocolate

The main culprit in chocolate is called theobromine--which can be toxic to dogs. The most dangerous types of chocolate are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. Symptoms from eating just a small amount can be vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and even abnormal heart beats, tremors, seizures and death. Eating chocolate with nuts is even worse, because nuts are even more toxic to a dog's system.

Xylitol

This artificial sweetener is found in candy, gum, toothpaste, and some diet foods. Consuming these products can cause a dog's blood sugar to drop which may lead to liver failure. Symptoms include vomiting and lethargy.

Raw meat, fish or eggs

Raw meat or egg products can contain bacteria that causes food poisoning in both humans and dogs. Raw fish can also contain a parasite which can cause swelling of the lymph nodes, vomiting and fever. This condition, if not treated, can lead to death. In addition, raw eggs can inhibit the absorption of a certain B vitamin which can cause skin rash.

Salt and Sugar

Eating too much salt can cause a dog to have excessive thirst and frequent urination, which can lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of too mush salt include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and elevated body temperature. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to obesity or diabetes in dogs just like it can in humans.

All prescription and over the counter medications should be kept under lock and key, as many of them contain ingredients which can be deadly to your dog.

If you think that your dog has consumed something that is toxic -- don't wait to call for emergency help. You should call your vet as soon as possible or if they can't be reached the ASPCA (Animal Poison Control Center) at (888)426-4435 can provide emergency advice