Top 7 Dangerous Foods For Dogs

It can be so hard to resist those puppy dog eyes that look upon you as you enjoy a meal or snack. Can the odd bit of food here and there really harm your dog?

Well, that depends on what it is and the quantity they have. This is not to say they should have even a little of these foods, but if they have consumed a lot all at once, they may need urgent veterinary assistance.

A lot of the food we eat contains preservatives, high salts, sugars and much more. We’ll take a look at the top 7 dangerous foods for dogs and why they can cause such harm.

Xylitol

Xylitol is affectively a sugar substitute, it contains traces of sugar molecules and alcohol molecules. It’s found in chewing gum, candy, baked goods and even some diet food is sweetened with xylitol.

Xylitol is dangerous for dogs as it can cause their blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Early symptoms include vomiting, lethargy and even coordination problems.

Eventually, your dog may have seizures. It important to be aware of how dangerous this can be to your dog, liver failure can happen within just a few days.

Avocado

It can be a common misconception that because fruit and veg are healthy for humans, that it’s ok for dogs too. This is not the case. Avocados, for example, contain something called persin. People can actually be allergic to persin.

Too much avocado can cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs. If you happen to have avocados at home in your garden, keep your dog away from the plants.

Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as the fruit. Also, the avocado seed can become stuck in the intestines or stomach, and obstruction could be fatal.

Alcohol

It can seem like a bit of fun when your dog starts sniffing your friend's beer or even sneaking a lick, however it can be extremely harmful to your dog.

Alcohol has the same effect on a dog’s liver and brain that it has on people however it takes a lot less to hurt your dog. Just a little beer, liquor, wine, or food with alcohol can be bad.

It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing problems, coma, even death. And the smaller your dog, the worse it can be.

There are dog-friendly beers available on the market today and even doggy prosecco. These don’t include any alcohol, but rather act as a great prop for Instagram!

Onions and Garlic

Another one to be extremely conscious of as it can be in a lot of foods is onions and garlic. Whether powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated – keep them away from your dog.

They can kill his red blood cells, causing anemia. Eating a lot just once can cause poisoning. Look for signs like weakness, vomiting, and breathing problems.

Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeine

Just like alcohol, it might be that your dog has had a quick drink of your tea when you’ve left your mug on the floor. But beware caffeine can be fatal to dogs.

Watch out for coffee and tea, even the beans and the grounds. Keep your dog away from cocoa, chocolate, colas, and energy drinks.

Caffeine is also in some cold medicines and pain killers. Think your dog had caffeine? Get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

Grapes and Raisins

There are lots of great healthy treats that dogs love such as cucumber and carrot, however, grapes are not one of them.

Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Just a small amount can make a dog sick. Vomiting over and over is an early sign. Within a day, your dog will get sluggish and depressed.