FOODS TOXIC TO DOGS
Grapes & Raisins: Scientists are not sure just what makes grapes and raisins toxic to dogs, even just a very small amount can damage the kidneys. For this reason it's not wise to feed these to your dog, even if small amounts are tolerated.
Garlic, Onions, and Powders: Whether fresh, cooked or powdered, garlic and/or onions can be found among the ingredients of many prepared meals, including baby food. Garlic and onions can be toxic to dogs because sulfoxides and disulfides found in them can damage red blood cells which lead to anemia. Onions cause more of a problem than garlic, but both should be avoided.
Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts are soft, light-colored nuts often used in cookie recipes. They're considered toxic to dogs because they tend to cause gastrointestinal upsets, lethargy, vomiting and muscle tremors or stiffness.
Mushrooms: Various types of mushrooms are toxic to dogs, and can cause shock and death. The effects will differ depending on what type is ingested, but do not feed any type. Remove "backyard mushrooms" that might sprout on the lawn, as these are known to be toxic to dogs.
Tomatoes and tomato plants: The red, ripe tomato may cause not more then a stomach upset, but the green parts and green tomatoes are hazardous to dogs causing vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and a decreased heart rate.
Chicken Bones: Though not toxic, chicken bones can get stuck in the roof of the mouth, throat and intestines. Many veterinarians do not recommend chicken bones. Splinters of chicken bones can also become lodged internally.
Coffee Grounds: Coffee, coffee grounds, tea, and teabags containing caffine cause many of the same symptoms as chocolate in dogs. It can cause seizures, coma ,and death.
Avocados: Avocados contain a toxin called persin and needs to be kept away from dogs. If ingested it usually leads to cardiovascular problems and can also cause fluid around the heart, as well as severe repiratory distress.
Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in many types of candy, chewable vitamins, sugarless baked goods, and in sugarless gums. As little as three grams (about five pieces of gum) can kill a 65 pound dog, with smaller dogs succumbing to just one or two sticks. Within 15-30 minutes of ingesting xylitol insulin levels in a dog will surge and blood sugar levels will drop, resulting in lethargy and loss of balance. Permanent brain damage can occur and without treatment liver failure will result in death within 24 hours. Diabetics that might have sugarless baked goods or other sugarless products in the home need to be especially careful to keep items containing xylitol out of reach.
If a dog should ingest a product that contains xylitol call your veterinarian immediately. You may be instructed to induce vomiting if the dog is already having a reaction or if your more than 30 minutes away from your veterinarian.
Other foods to avoid include raw potatoes, especially those containing green spots; turkey skin; nutmeg; and anything with caffeine, including tea.
If you know or suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance and seems distressed, listless or in pain, contact your veterinarian without delay. Bloody stools or vomiting are also possible signs of toxic poisoning. Gastrointestinal problems can lead to gas build-up until the stomach becomes distended or bloated and hard to the touch. This painful condition can cause the stomach to burst if not treated. The good news is that, in most cases, treatment for toxic poisoning can be successful if administered in time.
Garlic, Onions, and Powders: Whether fresh, cooked or powdered, garlic and/or onions can be found among the ingredients of many prepared meals, including baby food. Garlic and onions can be toxic to dogs because sulfoxides and disulfides found in them can damage red blood cells which lead to anemia. Onions cause more of a problem than garlic, but both should be avoided.
Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts are soft, light-colored nuts often used in cookie recipes. They're considered toxic to dogs because they tend to cause gastrointestinal upsets, lethargy, vomiting and muscle tremors or stiffness.
Mushrooms: Various types of mushrooms are toxic to dogs, and can cause shock and death. The effects will differ depending on what type is ingested, but do not feed any type. Remove "backyard mushrooms" that might sprout on the lawn, as these are known to be toxic to dogs.
Tomatoes and tomato plants: The red, ripe tomato may cause not more then a stomach upset, but the green parts and green tomatoes are hazardous to dogs causing vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and a decreased heart rate.
Chicken Bones: Though not toxic, chicken bones can get stuck in the roof of the mouth, throat and intestines. Many veterinarians do not recommend chicken bones. Splinters of chicken bones can also become lodged internally.
Coffee Grounds: Coffee, coffee grounds, tea, and teabags containing caffine cause many of the same symptoms as chocolate in dogs. It can cause seizures, coma ,and death.
Avocados: Avocados contain a toxin called persin and needs to be kept away from dogs. If ingested it usually leads to cardiovascular problems and can also cause fluid around the heart, as well as severe repiratory distress.
Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in many types of candy, chewable vitamins, sugarless baked goods, and in sugarless gums. As little as three grams (about five pieces of gum) can kill a 65 pound dog, with smaller dogs succumbing to just one or two sticks. Within 15-30 minutes of ingesting xylitol insulin levels in a dog will surge and blood sugar levels will drop, resulting in lethargy and loss of balance. Permanent brain damage can occur and without treatment liver failure will result in death within 24 hours. Diabetics that might have sugarless baked goods or other sugarless products in the home need to be especially careful to keep items containing xylitol out of reach.
If a dog should ingest a product that contains xylitol call your veterinarian immediately. You may be instructed to induce vomiting if the dog is already having a reaction or if your more than 30 minutes away from your veterinarian.
Other foods to avoid include raw potatoes, especially those containing green spots; turkey skin; nutmeg; and anything with caffeine, including tea.
If you know or suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance and seems distressed, listless or in pain, contact your veterinarian without delay. Bloody stools or vomiting are also possible signs of toxic poisoning. Gastrointestinal problems can lead to gas build-up until the stomach becomes distended or bloated and hard to the touch. This painful condition can cause the stomach to burst if not treated. The good news is that, in most cases, treatment for toxic poisoning can be successful if administered in time.