Avocado

No matter how good and healthy Avocado might be for humans, it’s highly toxic for most animals. The Avocado plant, leaves, seeds, bark as well as the fruit contain a substance called Persin. Just a very little amount of it can cause your dog to be seriously sick, vomit and have diarrhea.

Alcoholic Drinks

Alcohol has the same effect on animals as on humans. It harms liver and brain. But it takes far less to leave irreparable damage! A very small dosage can cause vomiting, diarrhea, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma or even death. The smaller the dog, the greater the impact.

Onions and Garlic

Onions contain Thiosulfate which makes them poisonous to animals (Humans have an enzyme that destroys Thiosulfate). No matter if cooked, dried, powdered or raw Thiosulfate kills a dog’s red blood cells leading to anaemia. A bigger amount once or a small amount regularly (sharing human food with the dog) can cause onion poisoning. Result: vomiting, diarrhea, dullness, breathlessness, loss of appetite, reduced red blood cell count.

Caffeine (coffee, tea, Cola, Red Bull, etc.)

Caffeine in large enough quantities can kill your dog. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors and fits. In addition to tea and coffee – including beans and grounds – caffeine can be found in various beverages, chocolate, and also in some medicines meant for humans. A combined caffeine and chocolate poisoning is highly life threatening!

Grapes and Raisins

It is not 100% clear yet, why grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, but they do. Just a small amount can cause vomiting and being hyperactive. If the amount was big enough, the dog will show signs of lethargy and depression after 24 to 48 hours. The damage to the kidneys is irreparable. If you catch your dog eating grapes or raisins call your vet immediately for advice. The sooner the treatment starts the better!

Stones of Peaches, Plums, Apricots, Cherries, Mango and Persimmons

The problem with these fruits is the seeds or stones. They can cause obstruction if swallowed. Don’t allow them to play with them, peach and plum stones contain Cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. Symptoms are: dilated pupils, breathing difficulties, hyperventilation, shock and apprehensiveness. Humans know not to eat the stones, dogs don’t. Once the stone is removed the fruits are harmless.

Milk and Other Dairy Products

Dogs do NOT have the enzymes to digest cow’s milk! Hence the ingestion of any kind of dairy product causes diarrhea, upset stomach, loss of appetite, etc. Additional it can set up food allergies!

Chocolate

The toxic agent in chocolate is Theobromine. It is in all kinds of chocolate, the darker, the more. But it is even in white chocolate. Eating chocolate, chocolate cake, chocolate cookies, etc., even a very small amount, can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and be excessively thirsty and restless. Higher doses cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.

Macadamia Nuts

Dogs should not eat nuts or any food that contains or might contain nuts. Nuts can be fatal. 6 raw or roasted Macadamia nuts can poison a dog. Symptoms are abdominal pain, muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, difficulties walking, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate, pale gums, possible kidney failure and death. Eating chocolate with the nuts will worsen the situation. Please note that the Macadamia tree is as toxic as the nuts!

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a popular spice in the kitchen. But it shouldn’t be popular with your dog at all. Poisoning causes seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems and eventually death!

Bones

Although it seems natural to give a dog a bone that’s left from the steak or the BBQ, – it is not a good idea. The bones loose their elasticity when heated up and can splinter when the dog chews on them causing all kinds of internal injuries. Additionally the calcium of the bones causes very bad constipation (“bone-stool”) that sometimes needs to be removed under anaesthesia. Besides all that the herbs and spices on the bone are not good for the dog and can cause upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. It’s best to just forget about the doggie bag.

Fat (trimmed from meat)

The excessive amounts of highly concentrated fat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Miniature and toy poodles, cocker spaniels and miniature schnauzers are especially prone to hat disease. Pancreatitis signs include abdominal pain, acute onset of vomiting, and diarrhea. The pain can show through a hunched posture or signs of pain when you pick up your dog. You can easily avoid pancreatitis by not feeding your dog oily or fatty “human” treats and leftovers, and by keeping your trash bin securely fastened.

Raw Eggs

Raw Egg white contains an enzyme called Avidin that interferes with the absorption of Vitamin B7 (Biotin) . The resulting lack of that vitamin leads to skin and coat problems. (Quite the opposite of what people think when they feed raw eggs…)

Raw Meat and Fish

Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria and parasites that cause food poisoning or infection. Cook thoroughly to kill the infectious agents to protect your dog.

Crisps/Chips and other salty foods

It’s not a good idea to share salty foods like crisps or pretzels with your dog. Ingesting too much salt can cause sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, high blood pressure, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, heart failure, and seizures. It may even cause death.

Yeast Dough

Yeast produces gas to rise the dough before it’s baked. That’s exactly what it would do in your dog’s stomach if your dog ate it. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch the dog’s abdomen and cause severe pain, colic and eventually problems breathing.

Medicine for Humans

Reaction to a drug commonly prescribed for humans is the most common cause of poisoning in dogs. Keep all medicines out of your dog’s reach. And, NEVER give your dog any medicine meant for humans unless told to do so by your vet. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. And, they can be deadly for your dog.Back to top

Xylitol (Candy, Gum, diet food, etc.)

Candy, gum, toothpaste, and some diet foods are sweetened with Xylitol. This substance rises the insulin circulating in your dog’s body and makes the blood sugar drop, which can lead to liver failure. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Eventually, the dog may have seizures, and liver failure can occur within just a few days.

Baking powder and baking soda

These common items found in the kitchen are potentially dangerous for your dog. A bigger amount of these powders he can cause electrolyte changes in the body that lead to muscle spasm and in worst case to heart failure. Always keep baking powder and baking soda in a cupboard that the dog can’t reach. If you spill it, clean it up immediately.

Cat

Coming soon