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Avocado
Avocados contain Persin and when ingested, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Though not usually fatal, it is best to avoid feeding your dog this people food.
Xylitol - Common Sweetener - PLEASE READ!
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol occurring naturally in fruits and berries. It is used as a sweetener in a lot of people food and products including gum, sugarless candy, baked goods, toothpaste, nasal spray, mouthwash and more. Though not poisonous to humans, in many animals (including dogs) it causes a rapid release of insulin resulting in low blood sugar.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be life-threatening to both pets and people. Signs include a loss of coordination, depression, collapse and seizures - sometimes in 30 minutes or less - and it lasts for up to 12 hours, even with aggressive treatment. An intake of high doses of xylitol has caused liver failure and death in dogs within 2-3 days.
Always check the ingredients of any people food you give to your dog. Look closely Xylitol in the following common household products:
- Gum - Just 2 pieces can be fatal!
- Sugar-free Candy
- Sugar-free Pudding - One pudding cup can be lethal to a 20 pound dog!
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Throat Lozenges
- Chewable Vitamins
Chocolate
The toxic effect is caused by the substance theobromine which dogs cannot safely digest. Symptoms include an increase in the dog's heart rate, muscle twitching, increased urination, and excessive panting. Additional signs of trouble are nausea, vomiting, and hyperactivity. Too much chocolate can be fatal.
The most dangerous chocolate is baker's chocolate. Milk chocolate is less dangerous but still a potential problem. White chocolate is the least troublesome, though it should not be given to your dog.
Caffeine
Tea, coffee, soda and other caffinated beverages that contain caffeine also contain theobromine, or theophylline, which causes problems with the heart and nervous systems, sometimes fatal.
Milk - Lactose Intolerant Pets
Some dogs and cats do not have enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Just as with humans, lactose-free milk products are also available for pets.
Onions and Garlic
Onion toxicity can lead to a serious condition known as haemolytic anemia, in which the dog's red blood cells burst within his body. This leads to decreases in oxygen circulation and can result in death. Early symptoms of toxicity include vomiting and diarrhea. Decreased – or no – interest in food, lethargy, weakness, and shortness of breath are symptoms.
Garlic, being part of the onion family is also potentially toxic to dogs.
Grapes and Raisins
Consumption of these items can lead to kidney failure. Small amounts can be harmful. The early signs of trouble include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Undigested remnants of the grapes or raisins are often visible in vomit or feces. The dog will become lethargic and quiet, often showing signs of abdominal distress. Get veterinary help as soon as possible.
Peach and Plum Pits
The pits can get stuck in dogs throats or digestive tracks and cause suffocation.
Macadamia Nuts
The specific toxin is not known, but the macadamia nuts cause difficulties moving. Swelling of the limbs occurs in some dogs, and muscular tremors as well as weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs have visible difficulty moving and often have trouble getting up or are unable to do so at all. The good news is that the effects are not permanent. With time the dog's system is able to flush out the toxins and the dog's health returns. |
