Our Plains veterinarians know that dog-owners love giving their canine companions small treats now and again. However, some people foods are actually quite toxic—and even potentially deadly—to your pup. Here is a list of foods you should never feed to your puppy or adult dog.
Why shouldn't I give my dog people-food?
Dogs are smart creatures and sometimes will manage to get inot things they really shouldn't. When it comes to food you may have in your home, knowing which of them are actually toxic to your dog is incredibly important.
Your dog's body just doesn't metabolize foods the way a person's body does, that's why some things that are relatively harmless to us can be potentially deadly for dogs.
10 Foods You Should Never Give Your Dog
Remember that the following list is just a summary of some of the most commonly toxic foods to dogs. It isn't, nor is it meant to be, comprehensive. In order to find our more about what kinds of food are toxic or poisonous to your pup, ask your Plains vets.
Garlic, Onions & Chives
Onions, shallots, garlic and chives all contain a substance which can cause damage to your pup's red blood cells and, eventually anemia. Whether raw or cooked, the onion family are all toxic to dogs and it may take a few days for signs of illness ot become apparent in your pet.
Alcohol
Even in very small amounts, alcohol can cause intoxication in dogs as it does in people. Alcohol may also lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and in extreme cases damage to your dog's central nervous system.
Grapes & Raisins
Any cakes, cookies or treats containing raisins or graps should be kept far away from your dog,. Grapes and raisins may cause severe kidney and liver damag in your pup, even causing failure in certain situations.
Chocolate
This popular treat is featured on this toxic dog food list because, in partilcular dark chocolate, contains a stimulant called theobromine which can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Corn On The Cob
While corn kernals themselves aren't toxic to your dog, if your pet swallows a whole cob, it may cause serious blockage in their intestines and a whole host of associated health issues.
Tobacco
You caught us, so tobacco is not a food. However, it's important to mention because nicotine is extremely toxic to dogs. Signs of tobacco poisoning in dogs include vomiting, abnormal heart rate, tremors and weakness.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that may cause vomiting, loss of coordination, liver failure, hypoglycemia and seizures. In combinations, these can cause loss of consciousness or even death in your dog.
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
Avocado leaves, fruit and seeds contain a substance called persin which may cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Cooked Bones
While it may be a tempting treat, you should absolutely never give your dog a cooked bone to chew on. Cooked bones can splinter very easily in their gut or intestines and lead to perforation of their organs. This could be fatal.