It can be tempting to feed your dog a treat every now and then, however dogs cannot consume many foods that humans do. Pet owners need to be aware of common everyday foods within the home that can be harmful to their dog’s health. To help keep your pets safe here, we’ve provided a list of 8 everyday human foods that should be kept away from dogs.
CHOCOLATE
Chocolate is commonly known to be potentially lethal to dogs and should be avoided in any quantity. It contains caffeine and theobromine
which are both toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more poisonous it will be for your dog. This is because darker chocolates contain higher levels of theobromine often higher levels of caffeine as well. Regardless of the shade, it’s best to keep the chocolate for yourself and invest in some dog appropriate treats.
GRAPES AND RAISINS
Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs. Although some owners will insist that a small grape every now and then is a treat enjoyed by their dog, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Even small amounts of these foods can cause problems related to kidney failure that are noticeable from the day they are eaten. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, lack of appetite, and dehydration. Consumption of these foods can lead to death if large quantities are consumed and veterinary treatment is not sought immediately. To keep your beloved dog safe, it’s best to keep grapes and raisins out of reach.
ONIONS AND GARLIC
Regardless of the form in which onions and garlic come, they can be hazardous to your dog’s health. Onions and garlic damage a dog’s red blood cells, which can lead to your dog becoming anaemic. Large doses can cause poisoning, which can then lead to a variety of symptoms such as vomiting, shortness of breath, and weakness.
TEA AND COFFEE
Similar to chocolate, tea and coffee contain caffeine, albeit in higher quantities which is again, toxic to dogs. Caffeine can cause diarrhoea and vomiting in dogs, as well as elevated heart rate, high blood pressure and seizures among other symptoms. Let’s be honest, it’s likely your four legged friend does not need the ‘morning pick me up’ quite as much as we do.
AVOCADO
Avocados contain the substance persin, which in large amounts can bepoisonous, potentially causing vomiting and diarrhoea, so best not let your pooch taste test your guacamole. Additionally, the pit of an avocado is a hazard to your dog, as they can become stuck in your dog’s intestinal tract.
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Milk and other dairy based products can cause stomach problems as dogs in general are lactose intolerant. Feeding your dog dairy products can lead to diarrhoea and vomiting in dogs due to their inability to digest dairy based foods.
SALT
Too much salt in a dog’s diet can lead to a variety of problems and high levels of salt can cause poisoning which may be fatal. Some symptoms include imbalance in electrolyte levels, lethargy, dehydration, diarrhoea, kidney failure, and seizures. Try to keep salty substances away from your pets and do not feed treats that contain added salt.
SUGARY FOODS
Foods that contain high levels of sugar can be harmful to your dog’s dental health and cause obesity. Large consumption of sugary foods and obesity in dogs can put your dog at risk of developing diabetes.If your dog consumes any foods that you are unsure they can consume, consult your veterinarian immediately for advice.
If your dog consumes any foods that you are unsure they can consume, consult your veterinarian immediately for advice.
This article originally appeared in the Australia Times Pets Magazine.
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