You may feel bad when you’re about to enjoy a delicious meal, and you notice your dog salivating for the food, but it’s not recommended to share your dish with your best companion. No matter how much you love your furry friend, you should resist giving them your food because it may be toxic
Chocolate, Candy, and Gum
Chocolate can be dangerous for your dog because it contains caffeine and theobromine, both harmful substances to dogs. When you give your pup chocolate, you’re not doing her any favor, but causing a health hazard. Therefore, you should never attempt to give your dog even a small bar of chocolate. Candies, on the other hand, contain high sugar content, which can be problematic for your dog because it upsets your dog’s stomach. As a result, high sugar content disrupts your dog’s natural biome in the gut. Additionally, you should avoid giving your dog sugar-free gums and candies because they contain a dangerous chemical called xylitol.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are very toxic to dogs, so you should avoid them at all costs. The dangers of grapes to dogs have been widely studied, but it is not known how they cause toxicity to dogs. All grape products must be kept away from the reach of dogs because they are toxic. Ingestion of raisins and grapes can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and renal disease. Although some dogs might not react to grapes and raisins, it is recommended that you keep away these products from your dog to ensure quality health care for your friend.
Bread Dough and Yeast
Fresh bread produces a nice smell and is often appetizing, but it is dangerous for your dog. Yeast and unbaked bread dough are dangerous for dogs to consume because they release carbon dioxide that twists and bloats your dog’s stomach. In worst cases, if a dog eats bread dough, it will experience elevated heart rate, which leads to collapses and eventually death. Yeast in bread dough contains sugars, which can lead to fermentation and the release of alcohol. As a result, your pet will suffer from alcohol poisoning.
Garlic and Onion
Vegetables belonging to the Allium family are harmful to dogs because they produce toxins. These vegetables include the following:
- Garlic
- Chives
- Onions
- Leeks
These vegetables are dangerous to dogs because they can rupture or damage red blood cells. As a result, a dog will suffer from anemia, vomiting, increased heart rate, and other health issues. You should never include these toxic vegetables in your dog food since they can harm it.
Alcohol and Ethanol Products
Alcohol and other ethanol products cause alcohol poisoning in dogs. Your dog may lick spilled beverages on the floor, or they may sip from your glass. Even if your dog accidentally consumes alcohol, it can be dangerous. Therefore, keep all alcoholic beverages away from your dog. Alcohol products include the following:
- Beer
- Wine
- Vodka
- Hops
Alcohol Poisoning in your dog can cause drops in body temperature, blood pressure, or blood sugar. In severe cases, your dog can experience seizures and breathing failures which lead to death.
Mushrooms
Wild mushrooms can be harmful to dogs although other species may be safe. However, it may be difficult to distinguish safe mushrooms from dangerous ones, especially if you are not an experienced wild mushroom forager. The Death Cap mushroom found in coastal areas in the US is toxic to dogs. You should not let your dog eat any kind of wild mushroom since it can be harmful. It is recommended that you buy special dog food to protect your pet from harmful substances found in wild foods.
Nuts
Nuts are good for human health, but not all of them are safe for dog consumption. Your dog can leak peanut butter and eat shelled and roasted nuts since they are safe. However, the main issue is that even safe nuts can negatively impact a dog’s digestive system. The following types of nuts are not safe for your dog to eat.
- Walnuts
- Macadamia nuts
- Pecans
Avocado
Although a dog can safely consume small amounts of avocado flesh, other parts of the fruit like skin, pits, and leaves are harmful to dogs. An avocado contains a fungicidal toxin known as persin, and this is highly toxic to dogs. If a dog consumes the avocado pit, it can experience a blockage in its digestive system. In the worst-case scenario, a blockage of the digestive system can be fatal. Therefore, you should always keep an avocado away from your dog to safeguard its health.
Meat Bones
Whether cooked or raw, meat bones are not good for your dog. Once a bone is cooked, its structure weakens and it can splinter. Once swallowed, it can badly damage your pet’s digestive system. On the other hand, raw bones from small animals like rabbits, and chickens should be avoided because they can cause problems once swallowed. However, raw bones obtained from bigger animals like beef, ham, and lamb are good for your dog’s dental health. You can only give your dog bones under supervision.
Raw fish and meat might have bacteria that lead to food poisoning. Different types of fish, such as trout, salmon, shad, or sturgeon can have parasites that cause poisoning or fish disease. Once you notice symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and lymph nodes after your dog has consumed raw meat or raw fish, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Milk and other Dairy Products
You may think that it’s fashionable to share a milkshake or an ice cream with your dog on a hot day, but this can be dangerous to your pet. Milk and other dairy products can cause digestive problems, such as diarrhea for your pup. These products can also cause food allergies, which are not good for your dog.