Everyday Foods that Can Poison Your Dog

We all know that chocolate is bad for dogs, but it is only one food among many that can be harmful to dogs. Learn what foods you should avoid letting your dog eat.

CHOCOLATE
Chocolate can poison a dog and the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound in the same family as caffeine and it can have devastating effects on your dogs bodily systems. Chocolate toxicity in dogs can cause an increase in heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle twitches. If your dog accidentally swallows a chocolate kiss you shouldn't be too worried, but if your dog manages to eat a whole candy bar you should be concerned. Unfortunately there is no cure for chocolate poisoning in dogs and only time will help ease the symptoms. If your dog ate a large amount of chocolate you should either take them to the veterinarian right away, or call the ASPCA Poison Control Center to get help.

ONIONS AND GARLIC
Onions and garlic can cause serious internal problems for dogs, including anemia and bursting of red blood cells. Onions and garlic contain Thiosulphate which can be fatal to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning from garlic and onions may include lethargy, blood in the urine or stool, panting, diarrhea, and vomiting. Dogs should never be fed onions, garlic, or any other alliums including chives. A small amount may not be enough to cause serious health problems in your dog, but over time or in large doses garlic and onions may be very dangerous, possibly fatal to your dog.

XYLITOL
Xylitol is a natural form of sugar derived from birch and can have wonderful health benefits for humans. But, when it comes to letting your dog eat it, you may want to reconsider. Xylitol is used in many commercial products including sugar substitutes, gum, mouthwash, mints, and other "sweet" products. Xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs because it causes a rapid drop in blood sugar. Xylitol may also cause your dog to become depressed, have seizures, or to vomit. Xylitol may also cause muscle weakness or twitches in dogs. One piece of Xylitol gum or a packet or sugar substitute is enough to poison a dog, and for small breeds it may be fatal. Keep all products with Xylitol out of the reach of your dog and other pets you may have. If your dog consumes a large amount of Xylitol you should immediately call your veterinarian to determine the best remedy.

RAW DOUGH
Because raw dough contains active yeast cultures you should not let your dog consume it. Fermenting yeast also produces alcohol which can poison a dog so it is best to avoid it all together. The active yeast cultures can rupture or block your dogs intestines causing serious health problems. If your dog swallows raw dough take them to the veterinarian right away because it could be fatal.

COFFEE
Caffeine is extremely bad for all breeds of dogs. Dogs should never be allowed to sip or taste coffee/tea, eat chocolate, or drink soda. Caffeine poisoning can be fatal in large doses and should be avoided at all costs. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning may include restlessness, increased heart rate, increased urination, muscle twitches, bloody urine or stool, and heavy panting. If you believe your dog may have ingested a food or drink that contains caffeine call your veterinarian right away or the ASPCA Poison Control Center. There is no cure for caffeine poisoning and as with chocolate only time will ease the symptoms. In large doses caffeine can be fatal for dogs.

GRAPES AND RAISINS
One or two grapes can be harmless to a dog, but a handful or more can be fatal or cause lifelong complications. Scientists are not sure why, but grapes and raisins have been shown to cause kidney failure in dogs. Kidney failure in dogs can lead to death and problems passing urine. Once the damage is done it cannot be reversed and may cause lifelong complications for your dog. Raisins and grapes should not be used a treats or training tools. Instead, you may want to give apples or carrots to your dog. If your dog ingests a large amount of grapes or raisins you should take them to the veterinarian immediately.

NUTS
Most nuts seem to be bad for dogs and cause a variety of problems including stomach pain, vomiting, fever, and depression. Recently, the ASPCA included macademia nuts in their list of toxic foods for dogs. Macademia nuts can cause temporary paralysis in dogs, as well as lethargy, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. Your dog should not be allowed to eat nuts, of any kind because there's a good chance they will cause adverse health effects. As with most of the foods on the list, you should not be too worried if your dog only ingests a small amount, but large amounts should be treated like an emergency.

If you can't get in touch with your veterinarian or animal hospital right away, call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Although many foods have great health benefits for humans they could have a disastrous effect on your dogs health and well being. Pesticides, Dental Floss, Fluoride, Over the Counter (OTC) drugs, dryer sheets, moth balls, some house plants, and rubber bands can also be really bad for dogs. Items like these and toxic foods should be stored in a cabinet or drawer that your dog cannot open.