A dog is a man's best friend; we share our homes with them because we consider them part of the family. Dogs love being actively involved in everything we do, including eating with us. But did you know that not all human food is safe for consumption by dogs?
Several foods we eat can cause serious health problems for your dog. Therefore, it is important to be cautious about what you feed your dog.
Below are ten foods that are toxic to your dog.
The avocado plant contains a compound known as persin, which is toxic to dogs. Persin is present in the fruit, leaves, and seed. When a dog ingests high amounts of avocado, it's likely to experience diarrhea and vomiting. Besides that, there is an increased risk of choking from the avocado seed, obstructing the intestines. Therefore, if you have avocado trees in your home, ensure your dog keeps away from them.
Chocolate is considered to be toxic for dogs. Theobromine, a stimulant in chocolate, is known for causing central nervous system dysfunction and cardiac arrhythmias. Common symptoms include hyperactivity, seizures, diarrhea, high body temperature, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and restlessness.
Toxicity levels may vary from one dog to another depending on the type of chocolate consumed, the amount eaten, and the dog's size. Therefore, as you enjoy your treat, be sure to keep it away from your dog.
The toxic ingredient in grapes remains unknown. Dogs that ingest grapes are likely to suffer kidney failure and liver damage. Signs and symptoms manifest 12 hours after consumption. Early symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. As poisoning progresses, your dog may appear sluggish and depressed.
Not all dogs are affected by eating these fruits. However, to be safe, avoid feeding your dog these fruits. These include foods that contain raisins like biscuits, cookies, and cakes.
Under no circumstances should you give alcohol or foods containing alcohol to your dog. Dogs suffer severe poisoning even from the smallest doses. It causes diarrhea, difficulty breathing, central nervous system depression, abnormal blood acidity, decreased coordination, vomiting, coma, and death. Smaller dogs are affected the most by alcohol poisoning.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener in baked products, gum, candy, and diet foods. When a dog ingests a product containing xylitol, it can result in a drop in blood sugar linked to blood clotting disorders and liver failure. Common symptoms include coordination problems, lethargy, and vomiting.
The onion family is a no-go zone for dogs. Whether raw, powdered, dried, or cooked, they are all toxic. When ingested, they bring about gastrointestinal irritation. Besides that, they damage red blood cells resulting in anemia. Signs of onion poisoning show several days after ingestion. Common symptoms include breathing problems, vomiting, weakness, orange to dark-red tinged urine, and lethargy. Other factors that influence toxicity levels in dogs include the type of breed and dog size. Japanese species are affected the most.
Methylxanthines is a compound present in cocoa beans and coffee. When a dog ingests either of these products, it's likely to suffer increased thirst and urination, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, panting, hyperactivity, and death.
Dogs are more sensitive to caffeine than humans. Ensure you keep your coffee grounds, tea bags, and energy drinks away.
Like many mammals, dogs experience lactose intolerance after consuming milk or milk products. Dogs lack significant amounts of enzyme lactase responsible for breaking down lactose in milk. Not all dogs are affected by drinking milk; some turn out ok, whereas others experience digestive discomfort or diarrhea.
Prenatal supplements such as iron supplements are unfit for consumption by dogs. Iron supplements obviously contain high amounts of iron. Dogs lack a mechanism to excrete excess iron resulting in a buildup in the dog's body, and as a result, the dog is likely to suffer iron toxicity.
Corn on the cob is not suitable for your dog as it is indigestible and because of its cylindrical shape and size; besides, it's likely to cause intestinal blockage when ingested. Common signs and symptoms include abdominal discomfort, absence of feces, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.