Avoid
These Harmful Foods When Feeding Your Dog
As
a dog lover, you probably want to share everything with your
furry friend, including your food. But did you know that some
human foods can be dangerous or even deadly for dogs?
Some foods can cause digestive problems, allergic reactions,
organ damage, or poisoning in dogs. Here are some of the most
common harmful foods for dogs that you should avoid at all
cost.
Grapes
and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are one of the most toxic foods for dogs.
Even a few of them can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs,
which can be fatal. The exact mechanism of how grapes and
raisins affect dogs is not fully understood, but it seems
to vary from dog to dog.
Some
dogs may show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy,
or loss of appetite after eating grapes or raisins, while
others may not show any signs until it is too late. Therefore,
it is best to keep these fruits away from your dog at all
times.
Chocolate
Chocolate is another well-known food that is poisonous to
dogs. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which
is similar to caffeine.
Dogs are much more sensitive to theobromine than humans, and
can experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased
heart rate, tremors, seizures, or even death if they consume
too much chocolate.
The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains,
and the more dangerous it is for dogs. So don’t let your
dog get a taste of your chocolate cake or candy bar.
Onions
and Garlic
Onions and garlic are part of the allium family of plants,
which also includes leeks, chives, and shallots. These plants
contain a compound that damages dogs’ red blood cells,
causing anemia.
Anemia can lead to weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, or
collapse in dogs. Onions and garlic can be harmful to dogs
in any form, whether raw, cooked, dried, or powdered. So check
the ingredients of any food you give to your dog, and avoid
anything that contains onion or garlic.
Avocado
Avocado may seem like a healthy food for humans, but it is
not so good for dogs. Avocado contains a toxin called persin,
which can cause diarrhea and vomiting in dogs.
Avocado also has a high fat content, which can trigger pancreatitis
in dogs. Pancreatitis is a painful inflammation of the pancreas
that can cause loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fever, or
dehydration in dogs.
Avocado pits are also a choking hazard for dogs, as they can
get stuck in their throat or intestines. So keep your guacamole
and avocado toast to yourself.
Macadamia
Nuts
Macadamia nuts are another food that can cause serious problems
for dogs. Macadamia nuts can affect the nervous system of
dogs, causing symptoms such as weakness, tremors, depression,
or paralysis.
The exact cause of macadamia nut toxicity in dogs is unknown,
but it seems to be dose-dependent. That means that the more
macadamia nuts your dog eats, the worse the effects will be.
So don’t let your dog snack on your cookies or trail
mix that contain macadamia nuts.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is often used in sugar-free
gum, candy, baked goods, or toothpaste. Xylitol is safe for
humans, but it can be deadly for dogs.
Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels in dogs,
leading to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such
as weakness, confusion, seizures, or coma in dogs.
Xylitol can also damage the liver of dogs, causing liver failure.
So always check the labels of any products you give to your
dog, and avoid anything that contains xylitol.
Alcohol
Alcohol is obviously not a food for dogs, but it is still
worth mentioning as a potential hazard. Alcohol can have similar
effects on dogs as it does on humans, but much more severe
and faster.
Alcohol can impair the coordination, breathing, and heart
function of dogs. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, low
blood sugar levels , or acidosis (a dangerous imbalance of
blood pH) in dogs.
Alcohol poisoning can be fatal for dogs if not treated quickly.
So never give your dog any alcoholic beverages or foods that
contain alcohol.
Other
Harmful Foods for Dogs
There are many other foods that are harmful for dogs that
we cannot cover in this article. Some examples are:
Cherries:
The stems , leaves , and pits of cherries contain cyanide
, which can interfere with oxygen delivery to tissues and
cause death in dogs.
Tomatoes: The green parts of tomatoes contain solanine
, which can cause gastrointestinal and neurological problems
in dogs.
Mushrooms: Some mushrooms are toxic to dogs, and can
cause liver or kidney damage, seizures, or death. It is hard
to identify which mushrooms are safe and which are not, so
avoid giving any mushrooms to your dog.
Dairy products: Some dogs are lactose intolerant, and
can experience diarrhea, gas, or bloating after consuming
dairy products. Dairy products are also high in fat, which
can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
Caffeine: Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, energy
drinks, chocolate, and some medications. Caffeine can cause
hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, or
death in dogs.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Harmful
If you suspect that your dog has eaten something harmful,
you should act quickly and contact your vet, an emergency
animal clinic, or an animal poison control center.
Depending on the type and amount of food your dog has ingested,
they may advise you to induce vomiting, give activated charcoal,
or bring your dog in for treatment. Do not try to treat your
dog at home without consulting a professional first.
How
to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Harmful Foods
The best way to prevent your dog from eating harmful foods
is to keep them out of reach. Store your food in closed containers
or cabinets, and do not leave any food unattended on the table
or counter. Dispose of any food waste properly, and do not
let your dog access the trash can.
Teach
your dog the “leave it” command , and reward them
for ignoring food that is not meant for them. Educate yourself
and your family members about what foods are safe and what
foods are harmful for dogs, and do not feed your dog anything
that you are not sure about.
Dogs
are curious and opportunistic animals, and they may try to
eat anything that smells or looks appetizing to them. However,
some human foods can be very dangerous for dogs, and can cause
serious health problems or even death.
As
a responsible dog owner, you should avoid giving your dog
any harmful foods , and keep them away from any potential
sources of poisoning. If your dog does eat something harmful
, you should seek veterinary help as soon as possible. By
following these tips , you can keep your dog healthy and happy.
|
