Never Feed Your Dog These Foods

[Dot]

Hello Dot

It’s no secret that most dogs love food. While giving in to those hopeful eyes and sharing food from your plate may seem tempting, it is important to remember that there are some human foods that need to be avoided at all times.

The foods listed below are highly toxic to canines and even small doses can make your dog very sick or in some cases can be fatal. If you do keep these foods in the house be sure to store them well away from curious noses and remind guests (particularly children) to always ask before feeding anything to your pet.

If you suspect your dog has consumed any of the foods listed below please seek veterinary assistance immediately.


Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that acts as a cardiac stimulant and can affect the lungs, kidneys and central nervous system. Just like humans, chocolate is very appealing to dogs and it is one of the most common causes of canine poisoning, particularly around holidays such as Easter and Christmas. The level of toxicity relates to the type of chocolate, with milk chocolate being the least toxic and dark chocolate the most, due to the higher levels of cocoa.

Small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea and unusual levels of thirst (due to the diuretic effect) while large quantities can induce tremors, hyperactivity, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

Onions
An extremely common pantry item, onions contain thiosulphate, which is highly poisonous to dogs and causes hemolytic anemia - the destruction of red blood cells. Onions (and their close relatives shallots) are toxic in all forms but raw in particular. Common symptoms of hemolytic anemia include weakness, vomiting, blood in urine and breathlessness. In severe cases a blood transfusion may be needed.

Note: Garlic also contains thiosulphate, albeit in much smaller quantities therefore a very large amount would need to be ingested to cause an adverse affect. Small amounts of dried garlic can actually have a positive effect on your pets health.

Xylitol
Xylitol is type of artificial sweetener commonly found in sugar-free chewing gum and baked goods. Ingesting xylitol can stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and in large amounts can cause fatal liver damage. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include disorientation and seizures, which can occur within 30 minutes of consumption.

Caffeine
Along with the usual suspects (coffee, tea and soft drinks), caffeine can also be found in some medications. Dogs are more sensitive than humans to the effects of caffeine and ingestion of a moderate amount (such as coffee grounds) can cause damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys and central nervous system. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include hyperactivity, vomiting, staggering gait, muscle tremors and convulsions.

Macadamia Nuts
Although the macadamia nut poisoning is not usually fatal it can cause uncomfortable symptoms in dogs including weakness, drunken gait and joint swelling within 6-24 of consumption.

[shonky]

Hi, all.

Steffie loves bantams..

[BernieQ2]

Carol had a little dog some time back that knew when the peanuts were ready for picking.
She would dig them up and eat them.
Cause she was a bitch and wouldn't share with me..But she loved those nuts.
Bernie.
Good on ya shonky

[dapope]

How do they manage the bantam feathers?

[glenda]

Not nice Steffie
Will have to keep you away from my little guys
as soon as I learn to deal with my own new pup
Glenda