Foods that are Hazardous to Your Dog

There are a number of common 'human' foods that can be toxic
for your pets... The important thing is to know exactly what to
avoid. Here is a complete list.

Alcoholic beverages

It is often sweet - attracting dogs and cats, but can cause
serious and fatal intoxication. Don't ever offer this to your pets.

Here are some of the signs and side effects:
- Incoordination/ataxia
- Excitement
- Depression
- Excessive urination
- Breathing rate is slowed
- Cardiac arrest and death

Avocado

Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle
known as Persin. The Guatemalan variety is most toxic - but all
have toxic potential. They cause vomiting/diarrhea - primarily
gastrointestinal distress.

Chocolate (all forms)

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac
stimulant and a diuretic.

Signs:
Initial excitation.
Increased drinking and urinating.
Vomiting and Diarrhea.
Theobromine causes an increased heart rate and arrhythmia -.
Seizures can then be seen.
Death is then possible.
ACTION PLAN: Induce vomiting, give activated charcoal, and go to
the Vet if depression and seizures begin. Baker's chocolate and
high cocoa content chocolate is the most toxic; the toxic dose is
2 baking squares for a 10lb dog. Regular chocolate bars have
little real chocolate and are seldom toxic.

Coffee (all forms)

Coffee contains dangerous components called xanthines, which
cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle
stimulation

Fatty foods

The primary concern here is severe gastrointestinal upset- and
in some cases Pancreatitis.
This can be fatal in some pets- and it is ALMOST always triggered
by a High Fat Meal, such as gravy or bacon.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the
digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs. This has
lead to paralysis. A small number of nuts and even the butter
can cause this.

Moldy or spoiled foods
Many molds contain a type of toxin called an Aflatoxin. This is
thought to be a common cause of "compost toxicity". Signs include
GI (Vomiting/Diarrhea), muscle tremors, in-coordination, elevated
temperature, excessive salivation, and liver damage. Avoid
feeding ANYTHING moldy to your dog or cat.

Onions, onion powder

Onions contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate.

Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop anemia. 1 Onion can
cause this. Fortunately ALL dogs recover once they are stopped
from ingesting onions.

Raisins and grapes

As few as 6 grapes and raisins have caused acute kidney failure
in some dogs.
The toxic ingredient is not yet known.
There is no treatement.
AVOID feeding ANY grapes or raisins to your dogs.

Yeast dough

The yeast dough/uncooked bread dough will rise in your pet's
stomach causing severe gastrointestinal distress (vomiting/diarrhea),
bloating, and signs of alcohol toxicity.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a artificial sweeter found in "SUGAR FREE" Products,
such as gum, candy etc.

Signs relate to a sudden drop in glucose (blood sugar),
in-coordination, collapse and seizures.

Avoid feeding any gum/candy to your pets.

Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plums.

Ingestion of large amounts of stems, seeds and leaves of these
fruits can be toxic.

They contain a cyanide type compound and signs of toxicity include
apprehension, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation
and shock.

Note - it's the seeds and stems that contain the toxic component,
not the fruit itself.

Potato peelings and green looking potatoes

Potatoes and other Solanum species, including the tomato, are
members of the nightshade family of plants.

These plants contain solanine and other toxic alkaloids which, if
eaten in large enough amounts, can produce drooling, severe
gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, loss of
appetite, drowsiness, central nervous system depression, confusion,
behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils and slowed heart rate.

Nutmeg

High levels of nutmeg can be toxic, even fatal.

The toxic component is unknown.

Signs of toxicity include tremors, seizures, nervous system
abnormalities or death.

Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)

The green parts of the tomato plant are considered toxic because
they contain solanine, which has the potential to produce
significant gastrointestinal and central nervous system effects.