As a dog owner, it's important to know which treats are safe for your furry friend. Many human foods can be toxic to dogs. Our veterinarians at Somerset can help keep your dog healthy and provide a list of toxic treats to avoid.
10 Foods You Should Never Give Your Dog
Please note that this list is just a summary of some of the most common foods that are toxic to dogs, it is not a comprehensive list. To find out more about which foods are toxic or poisonous to dogs, speak to your Somerset vet.
Garlic, Onions & Chives
It's important to be aware that garlic, onions, shallots, and chives have substances that can harm red blood cells and potentially cause anemia. Dogs should not consume any onion family members, whether raw or cooked, as it is toxic to them. It's important to keep a watchful eye on any onions you may be cooking with to ensure your furry friends stay safe and healthy. Remember that signs of illness may not appear for several days, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Alcohol
It's important to note that even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause serious harm to dogs. Symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhea to more severe damage to their central nervous system. It's best to keep all alcohol out of reach from your furry friends to ensure their safety.
Grapes & Raisins
It's vital to keep grapes and raisins away from dogs as they can cause severe liver damage and even kidney failure. Be cautious and avoid leaving any grape-containing treats within reach of your furry friend. Your canine companion will surely appreciate your attentiveness.
Chocolate
While chocolate may be a tasty treat for humans, it can be harmful for dogs. The reason for this is because chocolate contains a stimulant known as theobromine, which can lead to kidney failure in canines. Dark chocolate tends to have higher levels of theobromine than other types of chocolate.
Corn On The Cob
Although corn kernels are not poisonous for dogs, if they ingest the cob, it can lead to a dangerous intestinal obstruction.
Tobacco
You might be thinking, "Hold on, tobacco is not food?" and you're correct. We both know that it's not food, but our dear dogs might not know that. Tobacco can be highly toxic to dogs, so keeping it out of their reach is crucial. If dogs ingest tobacco, they may show symptoms such as vomiting, abnormal heart rate, tremors, and weakness, which are signs of tobacco poisoning.
Xylitol
It is important to note that Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can have severe consequences if ingested by dogs. These consequences include vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, liver failure, and potentially life-threatening hypoglycemia. Some dog treats, including certain brands of peanut butter, may contain Xylitol, so it is crucial to review the nutrition label before giving any food to your furry friend.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can affect your dog's muscles and nervous system resulting in weakness, swollen limbs, and panting.
Avocado
Did you know that avocados can be harmful to dogs? They contain a substance called persin, which is found in the leaves, fruit, and seeds and may cause vomiting and diarrhea in our furry friends. It's important to keep avocados out of reach of your pets to ensure their safety.
Cooked Bones
It might seem counter-intuitive, but you've likely always been told that all a good dog wants is a bone to chew on, but giving your pup cooked bones is a recipe for disaster. Cooked bones splinter easily and often lead to a perforation of the gut when given to dogs, an injury that is liable to prove fatal.