17 Foods That Will Make Your Dog Sick
Dogs are adorable, loyal, and, most of all, hungry. They will eat anything from the trash to that fresh pizza on the counter if given half a chance. They are always looking for ways to get their paws on tasty treats, but not all foods and beverages are safe if they come into contact with your dog. These can have disastrous consequences if eaten incorrectly or in large quantities. In fact, some of them can make your dog sick or even kill them.
Chocolate
Dogs are at risk of chocolate poisoning because they lack the specific enzymes that break down theobromine and caffeine, both found in chocolate. Chocolate contains two stimulants — caffeine and theobromine -and just a tiny amount can be toxic to dogs.
Cooked Bones
Some think it’s fine to give your dog a raw, uncooked bone to chew on, but dogs should avoid cooked bones at all costs. These can easily splinter, causing constipation or, in the worst-case scenario, a rupture of the gut, which can be fatal.
Grapes and Raisins
Nobody knows what chemical or compound in grapes and raisins causes them so toxic to dogs. Even little amounts can induce renal failure, which is usually indicated by your dog’s inability to pee. Other signs and symptoms include bad breath, hunger, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some dogs are susceptible to grape and raisin poisoning, while others can consume them without issue, which doctors find perplexing.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the more toxic vegetables for dogs and should never be given to them. Dogs are less tolerant of the chemical that causes this toxicity than cats and humans, making them more susceptible to potentially painful side effects.
The artificial sweetener called Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute in various human foods, including candy, chewing gum, and many baked goods. It’s highly poisonous to dogs, triggering fast insulin release and putting them into a coma in 15 to 20 minutes.
Macadamia nuts
While almost all nuts are fine to eat, some can cause health risks and even death to dogs. Most notably, macadamia nuts can be very dangerous and poisonous to dogs.
Interestingly, the poison in macadamia nuts that can harm dogs is unknown. When ingested by a dog, macadamia nuts can cause rapid heartbeat, muscle tremors, vomiting, weakness, and essential bodily functions.
Avocado
While avocados are fruit, they’re also perfect for guacamole and healthy green salads, but don’t expect your dog to eat them up with glee. You might want to think twice before giving those slices of avocado—or the pit, seed, or skin—to your four-legged pal.
Avocados are difficult to digest and contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
Onions
Onions are another food in the allium family that can be toxic to dogs because of the thiosulfate content. Certain dog breeds, like other alliums, are more vulnerable, and their size makes a significant impact.
Chives
Another member of the allium family of foods, like garlic, leeks, and onions, is chives, which can be alarming to dogs if eaten in high quantities. “Toxic concentrations of chives can harm red blood cells (making them more susceptible to rupture), resulting in anemia,” according to the Pet Poison Helpline. Symptoms might be delayed, sometimes taking several days to show.
Yeast
Never let your dog eat unbaked bread dough or other yeast-based bakery products, even if that means dismantling the entire batch to prevent them from snacking on it. While yeast dough may simply make your dog sick in small quantities, it can damage its internal organs if consumed in large amounts.
Citrus Oil
While oranges are generally okay for your dog to consume, citrus oil, commonly used for medicinal purposes, is not. It is due to the oil’s insecticidal effects, which can cause liver failure in dogs. It would be best if you never massaged it on your dog’s skin medicinally because they are likely to lick it off, in addition to keeping them from eating it.
(Note: Citrus is found in many essential oils, not simply citrus oil.)
Wild Mushrooms
While most types of mushrooms sold in stores are generally safe for dogs, wild mushrooms found in your yard or nature can be poisonous. If you have mushrooms on your property, make sure to remove them regularly.
If your dog is attempting to eat them in the wild, put a stop to it right away.
Iron Supplements
Iron-containing vitamins, particularly prenatal pills, which have more extensive levels than ordinary vitamins, can be harmful to dogs. It is because dogs cannot excrete excess iron, resulting in accumulation in the body.
Iron poisoning can also be caused by dogs eating oxygen absorbers, in addition to vitamins.
Fat Trimmings
Although it may appear like feeding your dog the fat you’ve removed from meat is harmless, vets advise against it. High-fat diets and raw fats can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even pancreatitis or blood infections.
Coffee
Caffeine is harmful to dogs, and while one or two drinks will not kill them, a large amount will have catastrophic impacts. Coffee grounds and other condensed caffeine sources can potentially be dangerous.
Alcohol
Although modest doses are unlikely to kill most dogs, severe poisoning and other health problems are possible. In extreme cases, alcohol can induce severe reductions in blood pressure, body temperature, and blood sugar, leading to seizures and even respiratory failure.
Leeks
Leeks contain thiosulfate, the same allium component that renders garlic poisonous to dogs. In fact, according to Live Science, alliums are one of the top seven foods that kill pets.
It will help eliminate the risk of any future mishaps. Even small amounts of these products can be dangerous if swallowed, so always act quickly and take your dog to the veterinarian.
