Beware! Dangerous People Food for Dogs

You are eating, and your beloved dog is staring at you with those pleading brown eyes. You try to ignore him or her. However, if you’re like me, you give in. Unfortunately, this is not a good idea, and it can even be harmful to your dog. Although we attribute many human features to our dogs, their bodies are different than ours. Before you give in next time, consider this list. There are many foods that are outright dangerous for our canine friends. If you dog does ingest any of these dangerous foods, take them to the vet immediately. The situation can go downhill too quickly. Furthermore, if you know any dog-owners, be sure to give them a copy of this list. It may save a dog’s life.

Dangerous foods for dogs:

• Alcohol

Toxic to dogs. May cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, central nervous system depression, and even death.

• Avocado

Contains persin. May damage the heart, lungs, and other tissues. High in fat content. May cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The seed can become lodged in the intestinal tract.

• Chocolate

Contains a stimulant diuretic called theobromine. Affects the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. Symptoms of chocalate poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle tremors, increased urination, increased heart rate. May cause death, especially with exercise. Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most dangerous followed by semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate. A dog needs to eat a 250 mg. block or more to be affected.

• Coffee and Tea

Caffiene affects the central nervous system and the heart. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning may include vomiting, a racing heart, seizures, and even death in come cases.

• Fat from ham and other meats

May cause pancreatitus. Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. Extremely painful. Turkey skin also has a high fat content.

• Grapes, raisins, or sultanas

May cause kidney damage. As little as a small serving of raisins may kill a dog.

• Macadamia Nuts and walnuts

May cause muscle tremors and weakness in dogs. Limit other types the of nuts. High phosphorous levels may cause bladder stones. Peanut butter is an exception; they can have it.

• Milk and dairy products

As many as 50% of dogs are lactose intolerant. May cause severe diarrhea.

• Green potatoes are potato sprouts

Gastrointestinal toxin. Contains solanine glycosides. May cause vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, nervous system stimulation, depression, trembling, paralysis, and cardiac arrest.

• Salt and salty food

Avoid.

• Apple seeds

Seeds contain cycanogenic glycosides which can result in cyanide poisoning.

• Apricot pits, cherry pits, or peach pits

These are a respiratory toxin.

• Any candy containing Xylitol

Xylitol is used in sugarless candy. Even a small amount may cause liver damage and death

• Hops used in home beer brewing

Contain unknown substances which may cause panting, elevated heart rates and temperatures, seizures, and death

• Moldy foods
• Mushroom plants
• Mustard seeds
• Onions, onion powder, garlic, and garlic powder

Gastrointestinal toxin. Contains thiosulphate. Causes hemolytic anemia. Causes the red blood cells to burst in the body during circulation. May cause gastroenteritis, vomiting, and diarrhea Onions are more dangerous.

• Tomato leaves and stems
• Almonds

Respiratory toxin.

• Yeast dough

The dough may rise in the stomach, and alcohol forms during this process. May cause abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, disorientation, and depression.

• Rhubarb leaves and stems

Kidney/organ failure toxins.

• Broccoli

Contains isothiocynate. Not very harmful. May cause upset stomach.

• Corn on the cob

May cause an intestinal blockage.

• Bones

Can splinter and lodge in teeth and throat and cause choking. Can rupture or puncture the stomach lining or intestinal tract. Turkey, chicken leg, ham, pork chop, and veal bones are worst. Symptoms of choking are: pale or blue gums; open mouth gasping; pawing at face; slow, shallow breathing; and unconscious with dilated pupils. Raw bones are usually safe. Frozen oxtail or knuckle bones are a good alternative; however, when they have gnawed it down to a small piece, take it away. Otherwise, they many choke.

• Acetiminophen

In cats, it affects the oxygen supply in blood. In dogs, it may cause abdominal pain.

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