Despite having a vastly strong stomach that can usually handle something dragged out of a trash can, many things are toxic or poisonous to a canine and even potentially deadly and poisonous if consumed.
Some poisonous foods are human foods; however, things appear around your home that you wouldn’t usually anticipate a dog to eat.
Some foods which are considered healthy for people can be extremely risky for dogs. The list below highlights the top 20 common foods which are risky to animals.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, and any choice to give your dog food not particularly planned for dogs should be discussed with the pet nutritionist or veterinarian.
1. Garlic
Garlic belongs to a family food called allium which can be risky to canines because of the thiosulfate compound, which harms red blood cells. It takes more amount of garlic to cause toxicity; however, some dog breeds, like Shiba Inus and Akitas, are prone to garlic, even if it is a small amount.
Symptoms of poisoning can be delayed and not visible for many days. While small amounts of garlic in dogs might be safe, huge amounts can be extremely toxic.
2. Avocado
Certain fruits are bad for dog’s wellbeing, and one of them is avocado. This fruit has lots of essential proteins and minerals that are good for human beings. However, this is risky for many animals, especially dogs, because of the person, a fungicidal toxin.
Generally, it is understood that just high doses o poison are deadly. Still, even milder signs, including diarrhea and vomiting- should be put at bay, not to mention the big pits, which can be a choking hazard.
3. Yeast
Consuming raw or unbaked dough can be very risky for your canine as the fermenting yeast gets absorbed fast in the bloodstream, where it generates enough amount of ethanol that leads to alcohol poisoning.
What is more, the dough can expand as it moves in the stomach, potentially twisting the digestive system- this is a condition that can result in death. Although yeast does not cause a life-threatening emergency, it can seriously bloat the stomach of your puppy, causing discomfort and intense pain.
4. Caffeine
A small amount of soda, tea, or coffee would not do much damage to your canine. But, once he gets a moderate amount of coffee beans or tea bags, that is when you must be concerned.
This substance can lead to serious health problems in your four-legged friend, even mortality, particularly in small breeds of dogs.
Rapid breathing, heart palpitations, tremors, and restlessness are the first indications of poisoning in a dog.
5. Chocolate
This is one of the most favorite foods of many dog owners that are sadly risky to pets, especially dogs. Chocolate has an ingredient the same as caffeine called methylxanthine theobromine that is very lethal to pets.
One piece of chocolate is safe when consumed by your dog accidentally; however, it can lead to hyperactivity, diarrhea, irregular heartbeats, seizure, vomiting as well as death once taken in huge amounts. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous type of chocolate for dogs.
6. Rhubarb
A lot of us love this food. The sweet treat can cause kidney malfunction to furry friends because of oxalic acid called antinutrient.
This substance makes crystals in the urinary tract and can lead to the shutdown of the kidney. Some signs show if your dog was poisoned by this food, such as vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, bloody urine, tremors, changes in thirst, and other signs.
7. Raisins or Grapes
Nobody knows what compound or ingredient in raisins and grapes makes them very lethal or dangerous to pets, especially dogs. Grapes and raisins rank among the most serious and poisonous food threats.
Even consumed in a small amount can cause various health issues like kidney shut down, often signaled by the dog ceasing to urinate. Other signs take account of loss of appetite, foul breath, diarrhea as well as vomiting.
Some canines are prone to these foods poisoning while some can consume them without any issue, another factor that confounds experts.
8. Spinach
This is the topic of widespread debate and argument amongst vets and other dog professionals. It has a high level of oxalic acid. This substance can block or interfere with the dog’s capabilities to assimilate calcium, which causes an issue to the kidney.
Like other foods included in this list, how much is taken has something to do with its poisonous and deadly. Perhaps it is fine for your pet to have small amounts of spinach from time to time, but regular or daily intake can result in serious medical issues.
9. Milk
Mammals are intended to drink milk from mothers as young, slowly weaning off as they mature and transition to solid foods and water. After an infant, it is unusual for mammals to experience a level of lactose tolerance once drinking milk.
Surely, those from other mammals react differently, as will people within those groups. Therefore, while milk isn’t technically lethal for canines, it is worth considering it on the don’t fee list. Some breeds are fine with it; others may experience discomfort and possible health issues, particularly amongst specific breeds.
10. Xylitol
A renowned alternative to sugar is commonly found in chewing gum, candy as well as baked sweets. It is very poisonous to canines, leading to fast insulin release, which can put a dog in a coma in just a matter of fifteen to twenty minutes.
Vets might advise giving your pet honey or syrup on the way to the vet to boost blood sugar. On the other hand, you must do this once you get an instruction to do so.
11. Wild mushrooms
Some kinds of mushrooms are safe for canines when consumed, like those you buy in a department store; however, wild types of mushrooms found in the backyard or out in nature can be lethal.
If you see mushrooms around the backyard, ensure to eliminate them immediately. If you see your pet trying to eat them, stop him right away.
12. Iron supplements
Any vitamin that contains iron is fatal for canine, specifically prenatal supplement that is likely to have a high level than standard vitamins.
That is simply because canines do not have a way to excrete excess iron that causes an upsurge in the body. What is more to vitamins iron toxicity cases can also come from eating oxygen absorbers.
13. Apples
Even if apple flesh isn’t risky or poisonous, the seeds can be toxic because it contains amygdalin compound. This compound should be consumed in huge amounts and should be chewed to be lethal; therefore, a couple of apple seeds are not lily to keep a canine.
On the other hand, if you plan to give your dog apples, the vet suggests that you need to remove the seeds first and foremost.
14. Tobacco
This is not considered food; however, it is surely something that human beings use or ingest, which can be poisonous to your little friend.
If you smoke, it is vital to keep cigars out of his reach, particularly if your dog is susceptible to chewing on any objects. Liquid nicotine, ecigar, nicotine inhales, and chewing tobacco are all bad for your little ones. So, you need to make sure that you store them in the right place.
15. Nutmeg
This food has a myristicin compound that, when consumed in big amounts, can result in fast heart rate, seizures, and hallucinations in dogs.
Baked goods and other recipes that contain a small number of nutmeg don’t pose a risk. On the other hand, when your pet chews on the container with nutmeg, it could potentially be extremely serious.
16. Macadamia Nuts
A lot of nuts aren’t good for canines. On the other hand, a macadamia nut ranks amongst the most poisonous and toxic ones. Experts do not understand the reason behind this. However, it is renowned that it results in vomiting, hyperthermia, weakness, and loss of body functions.
Weakness, specifically at the back of the hind legs, is one common sign. Always contact your vet when you think your dog has consumed a poisonous amount of this nut.
17. Onion and Garlic
These spices are healthy for human health but sad to say, and they are poisonous or bad to furry friends. Initially, garlic and onion can cause various health issues like stomach problems and mouth irritation.
Once taken in bigger volumes, it can result in red blood cells rupturing. You need to be mindful of the food you give your dog, as most comes with these two spices.
18. Citrus oil
Oranges are fine for canines to eat or consume; citrus oil often utilized medicinally- isn’t. This is due to the insecticidal properties of this oil that can result in liver shut down in canines.
What is more, to avoid the dog from taking it, you must never rub it on the dog’s skin as he is likely to lick it off. Keep in mind that a lot of essential oils have citrus, not only citrus oil itself.
19. Cherries
In the same way as apples and peaches, cherries also have amygdalin that is bad for dogs. This fruit can be riskier as the pits are smaller, which makes dogs likely to swallow them. What is mot to the poisonous pits, cherry flesh can also lead to stomach upset?
20. Potato
Potato has solanine which is the main culprit for dogs’ toxicity. This compound hinders the acetylcholine that dogs need in transmitting nerve impulses. The outcome can be problems with the nervous systems as well as intestinal tracts.
So what must you do if one of these poisonous foods is swallowed or consumed by your four-legged friend?
The objective here is to have something available before the case happens. There’s a product out there with a very powerful decontaminating agent made to assimilate toxins in dogs stomach, providing you more time to make to the nearest clinic.
Some of these products are safe to use for suspected cases of poisoning without ill-effects to your four-legged friend. This is something that should reside in the first aid kit for the pet.
Now keep in mind that the substances present in the foods mentioned above are risky foods for canines, not humans. Most likely, you will not experience any consequences or results from taking the food; however, keep in mind to eat the unhealthy stuff in moderation.
Many other foods might cause danger to your furry-legged friend. The food that may cause toxicity to your cute friend is not just limited to twenty. There are more. If you have any particular concerns, it would be ideal to call a veterinarian.
