Toxic foods for our doggies

10 toxic foods you should never give your dog!

Artificial sweetener

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in chewing gum, unsweetened peanut butter, toothpaste and other products and is derived from deciduous wood. Excessive consumption of xylitol can cause bloating, flatulence and diarrhea in humans. However, for dogs, xylitol is toxic. It is important to keep products containing xylitol away from where your dog can eat them, even accidentally.

Alcohol

Unlike humans, dogs’ kidneys cannot effectively process alcohol, which can cause them medical problems. Fresh, clean water is always best for your dog.

Avocado

It is not the flesh of an avocado, but the pit, skin and leaves that can harm your dog. These contain a substance called persin, which causes vomiting and diarrhea.

Caffeine

While caffeine is not toxic to dogs, it has the same effect on them as it does on humans: and because they are more sensitive to these effects, it can be very unpleasant and uncomfortable for them. If your dog consumes even a small amount of caffeine, he may become hyperactive or start to have tremors.

Chocolate

It is well documented that chocolate is highly toxic to dogs. This is because it contains theobromine, a stimulant that interrupts your dog’s metabolic processes. Dark chocolate and cooking chocolate are particularly high in theobromine, which makes it even more dangerous for dogs. Depending on the amount a dog has consumed, it can suffer from stomach upset, heart problems, seizures or even death.

Fried and fatty foods

Just as fried and fatty foods can be harmful to humans, they can also be harmful to dogs. High-fat foods can cause your dog to have an upset stomach, as well as lead to pancreatitis in some others. Additionally, regular consumption of these foods can lead to obesity and related health problems.

Garlic and onions

Many people regularly cook with onion and garlic, but for dogs these key ingredients are toxic. Whether garlic and onions are cooked or raw, if your dog consumes them, they can damage his red blood cells, which can then lead to anaemia.

Grapes and raisins

These fruits are quite healthy for humans, but toxic for dogs. Grapes and raisins have a dramatic effect on your dog’s health and can lead to acute and sudden kidney failure.

Nuts and nuts

Although nuts may seem healthy, avoid offering them as food to your dog. Their size causes a choking hazard and they are high in fat which can cause stomach upset in your pet. In particular, macadamia nuts have been shown to be extremely poisonous to dogs: although they do not usually result in death, they can cause your dog to be unable to walk, vomit, lethargy and tremors.

Milk, cream and cheese

As dogs mature, their ability to digest dairy products decreases as they do not have the enzymes to do so. This means they can develop symptoms of lactose intolerance if they eat milk, cream or cheese, such as vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach upset.

If you think your dog has eaten something it shouldn’t, it is important to get advice from your vet immediately. You should also keep these toxic foods away from your dog to ensure that he eats only the best for him.