8 “Everyday” Foods That Can Make Dogs Very Sick
If you have a dog yourself, you probably know what is good for them to eat and what is off-limits. But if you don’t have a dog (and there happens to be one nearby), you might be inclined to thoughtlessly feed them some of your own food or toss something into their sweet, begging mouth. You really need to be careful, though, because a lot of “everyday” food is highly toxic to dogs…
So if you have some leftovers after cooking (or something from your breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack platter), don’t be careless and make sure Fido doesn’t eat any of these things:
Avocado
Dogs can mainly get stomach pain and diarrhea from the pit and skin, as well as vomit. The flesh itself apparently causes problems too, but to a lesser extent. They also risk choking or developing an intestinal blockage if they swallow the pit whole. So be very careful after you’ve removed the pit from that avocado safely!
Grapes, raisins or currants
They may seem healthy and harmless, but they are very bad for dogs’ kidneys (and probably cats’ and ferrets’ too). Raisins are also often found in snacks such as granola bars, so be sure not to accidentally give a dog a piece of one of those either.
Raw meat
Although you might think raw meat appeals to a dog’s primal instinct, it’s better to heat meat thoroughly before giving it to dogs. Raw meat can contain parasites, viruses and bacteria that can make dogs just as sick as people.
Snails or frogs
Whether or not they belong on the list of overrated delicacies, if your dog eats one in the wild, a snail or frog can transmit French heartworm. The most common symptoms this causes are lethargy, poor appetite, shortness of breath and bleeding, and in the worst case, dogs can die from infections.
Bread dough
Sneaking a taste of bread dough is less enjoyable than cookie dough anyway, but for a dog it is downright dangerous. The dough rises in the stomach, expands and produces alcohol, with potentially very nasty consequences: stomach distension or even rupture, behavioral changes or coma caused by the alcohol, and neurological symptoms due to low blood sugar.
Macadamia nuts
Research has not yet determined exactly what the toxic substance is that dogs react to, but so many cases have occurred by now that veterinarians warn that dogs can become seriously ill from macadamia nuts. More nuts for you, then—at least if you’re not allergic to them. Just one nut can make a three-kilogram dog sick and cause muscle weakness, vomiting, overheating and pale mucous membranes.
Chocolate and caffeine
Toxic to both dogs and cats, so be very careful that they don’t accidentally chew on a tea bag or coffee pod, or take a bite from your Tony’s Chocolonely bar. White chocolate contains barely any toxic substances, but sugar is of course a no-go for pets anyway.
The allium family
Our own meals almost always improve with sautéed onions or shallots and garlic, but for animals, things such as leeks, chives, spring onions, garlic, shallots and onions are not good at all, whether raw or cooked. Cats are more sensitive to them than dogs, but you should still prevent your dog from eating them. If they have eaten a considerable amount, keep a close eye on the dog for a few days to check that no symptoms of illness develop. These can also appear after a delay.
Read also:
- 8 dogs who look at food more dramatically than you do
- Woof! Here’s how to make dog biscuits for your favorite four-legged friend
- Why you should start keeping chickens in your backyard
