Unfortunately dog poisoning is all too common and is actually on the increase in recent years. The surge in new pet owners following the Covid-19 lockdowns, coupled with the increase in pet humanisation has potentially been a contributor here, with less experienced pet owners unaware of some of the dangers that many common foods pose to our four-legged friends.
Axel is no stranger to stealing foods that aren’t intended for him and I’m sure we can all relate to that same feeling of dread when we see our pet with a mouthful of something that wasn’t designed for them being gleefully devoured. In this blog we’ll highlight five of the most common foods that are harmful to dogs and offer advice on what to do if your pet does ‘accidentally’ ingest any of them.
1. Chocolate
This is probably the most well-known food that is harmful to dogs. Chocolate contains a substance called Theobromine, a compound that is highly toxic to dogs. Theobromine can affects the heart, kidneys and central nervous system of dogs, with the level of toxicity depending on the type and amount of chocolate ingested. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous due to its higher theobromine content, however if you’re more of a Dairy Milk, Caramac or even a Milky Bar kid, you still should keep your chocolate well out of your dog’s reach.
2. Grapes & Raisins
You’re always told growing-up that fruit is good for you and that raisins are a healthy snack. This isn’t true for dogs though. Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currents can cause severe kidney damage in dogs, even if ingested in very small quantities. Scientists are still unsure of what specific substance within them is toxic to dogs; all we know is that it doesn’t take much to make them extremely poorly, so they should be avoided at all costs.
3. Onions & Garlic
Onions, garlic, and other members of the allium family (such as leeks and chives) are all toxic to dogs. This is true whether they are raw, cooked, or in powdered form. These foods contain Disulphides and Thiosulfates which can damage red blood cells, causing anaemia. It’s also worth being aware that many pre-packaged human foods like pasta sauces may contain alliums, so always check the label before giving your dog some of that leftover lasagne they’ve been eyeing-up.
4. Avocado
If you’ve over-faced yourself with your smashed avocado on toast, don’t be tempted to let your dog finish off that last bite, as avocados are also harmful to dogs. Avocados contains a substance called Persin, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Whilst small amounts of avocado flesh may not cause significant harm, it’s best to avoid feeding this food to your dog. Avocados present the further risk to dogs, with the large round stone in the centre presenting a choking hazard, if they manage to get their paws on it.
5. Xylitol
Unlike the earlier foods, Xylitol is perhaps an ingredient that you may not have heard of. Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in a range of confectionary and whilst it’s safe for human consumption, it is highly toxic to dogs. It causes a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and can in some cases be fatal. It can also lead to liver failure if consumed in large amounts. One of the most common mistakes is feeding dogs human peanut butter, as this often contains xylitol. If you are thinking of using peanut butter as an enrichment treat for your pet, ensure that you source a dog-friendly one that also doesn’t contain any unwanted salts or sugars.
Other Food Hazards
There are a range of other common household foods that are harmful to dogs including alcohol, coffee and caffeine, which are all not designed for canine consumption, even in small quantities. Like avocados, other foods containing stones or pits like peaches or plums should also be avoided, as should corn on the cob, which can cause a blockage if swallowed. Most nuts could also present a choking hazard to dogs, therefore it’s best that these are avoided too. Macademia nuts are the most hazardous, as not only are they a choking hazard, but are also toxic if ingested.
Mouldy foods often contain dangerous Mycotoxins which can be fatal to dogs, so it’s important to ensure your dog can’t get into any food waste bins or compost bins. Mouldy cheeses should also be avoided at all costs.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning:
Many of the symptoms of poisoning are the same for all these foods, with gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea the most common. Below is a broader list of many of the common symptoms that could indicate that your dog has ingested something toxic:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Rapid Breathing
- Increased Heart Rate
- Seizures or Tremors
- Lethargy or Weakness
- Abdominal Pain
- Dehydration
- Loss of Appetite
- Pale Gums
- Jaundice
What To Do
If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance it is crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately. The quicker the intervention, the better the chances of a full recovery. Make a note of what you think your dog may have ingested and share that information with the vet. If you still have the product packaging, consider taking that with you.
Preventive Measures
There are several preventative steps that you could take to minimise the risk to your dog. These could include:
- Keep Harmful Foods Out of Reach: Store any potentially harmful foods in secure locations that are inaccessible to your dog. We know what some dogs are like, so consider using child-proof locks on cabinets if necessary.
- Be Mindful of What’s Hanging Around: Our four-legged friends can be sneaky little ninjas sometimes, waiting for unattended tables or counter tops to pounce upon. Be vigilant about cleaning up after cooking or eating, making sure that nothing is left in easy reach for your dog.
- Educate Family and Guests: Ensure that everyone who interacts with your dog is aware of what foods are unsafe. This includes children and other family members who may accidentally feed the wrong thing. The same goes for any guests, who may not know the dangers certain foods pose.
- Train Your Dog: This is one of the most important things you can do. Training your dog with basic commands like “leave it” or “drop it” (rewarding them when they do) can help prevent them from ingesting something dangerous.
- Read The Labels: Always be cautious when feeding your dog human food or treats. Check labels for ingredients that could be harmful and avoid them at all costs.
Conclusion
There is always a risk that your dog will ingest something that is potentially toxic and you cannot have eyes on them 100% of the time, however there are things you can do to minimise the risks. As outlined above, if you ever suspect that your dog has ingested something poisonous, it is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. The faster you act, the better chance of your dog making a full recovery. Understanding which foods are harmful to dogs can help prevent an unwanted emergency trip to the vet and will help ensure that your four-legged friend stays safe, because let’s be honest, there’s plenty of other stuff to eat.
For more helpful advice and guidance, check out our Blog Hub or contact us directly by emailing hello@axelselixir.com and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.