As a caregiver, it’s your responsibility to ensure the health and wellbeing of your furry friend. While it can be tempting to share your snacks with your dog, some foods are harmful or even lethal to them. Here, we’ll explore five types of food that you should never give to your dog.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is well-known to be toxic to dogs. Why? It contains theobromine, a substance that their bodies cannot metabolize as quickly as ours.
- Dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate are the most dangerous types. They contain high levels of theobromine, leading to chocolate poisoning.
- Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause seizures or even death.
2. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs, and it’s unclear why. Even small amounts can lead to kidney failure.
- Both dried and fresh grapes are harmful.
- Signs of grape or raisin toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, and depression.
3. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sweetener found in many products, including sugar-free gum, toothpaste, and baked goods.
- Xylitol can cause insulin release, leading to liver failure, seizures, and hypoglycemia.
- Symptoms of xylitol ingestion include vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures.
4. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage.
- Both raw and cooked onions and garlic are hazardous.
- Signs of onion or garlic toxicity include weakness, vomiting, breathlessness, and a decrease in interest in food.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol can cause various problems in dogs, including difficulty breathing, abnormal blood acidity, tremors, coma, and even death.
- Even small amounts of alcohol can cause significant damage.
- Symptoms of alcohol ingestion include vomiting, disorientation, high body temperature, and seizures.
| Dangerous Food | Symptoms | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea | High |
| Grapes/Raisins | Vomiting, lethargy, depression | High |
| Xylitol | Vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures | High |
| Onions/Garlic | Weakness, vomiting, breathlessness, decreased interest in food | Moderate |
| Alcohol | Vomiting, disorientation, high body temperature, seizures | High |
FAQ
Q: Can dogs eat apples?
A: Yes, but ensure to remove the seeds and core as they can be choking hazards.
Q: Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
A: Yes, but make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, a sweetener that’s toxic to dogs.
Q: What should I do if my dog eats something toxic?
A: Call your vet immediately. If possible, let them know what your dog ate and how much.
