As dog owners, our furry friend’s health and safety are always important. While it’s tempting to share our snacks and leftovers with those pleading eyes under the table, many everyday foods that are harmless to humans can in fact be dangerously toxic to dogs.
Being aware of what is and isn’t suitable for your dog to eat is key, however, it can be easy to forget in the moment, especially with foods that we take for granted as enjoyable. To help, below we’ve highlighted five natural substances that should never find their way into your dog’s diet. Each of these foods can cause health issues, from the common household treats many of us have to less obvious dangers lurking in our kitchens and gardens.
What is Dog Poisoning?
‘Dog poisoning’ is two words you ideally never want to see together, but can be more common than you may think. It occurs when our dogs eat or drink substances that their bodies cannot tolerate, sometimes completely by accident when on a walk or sometimes if they get access to food they shouldn’t.
When it happens, it can lead to a range of health complications and potentially severe outcomes. Many natural foods contain toxins that are harmless to us humans, some that we even find delicious and healthy, but can actually be dangerous to dogs, affecting their heart, liver, kidneys, or nervous system. A balanced diet and plenty of hydration are important for your dog’s health, so avoiding harmful foods will keep them in the best shape, along with regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Being able to spot what ingredients are toxic to dogs is crucial, as the symptoms of poisoning can vary from mild gastrointestinal upsets to severe, life-threatening conditions. Everyday foods we take for granted need careful consideration before giving to a dog. Sometimes this can be out of our control, especially if your dog finds food outside that people have left behind, so being vigilant and aware of what could be a risk will help you take precautions.
Symptoms of Poisoning to Watch For
Identifying the early signs of poisoning in dogs can be the key to timely and effective treatment. As per experienced vet Dr Scott Miller, writing for insurance provider Petgevity, different types of poison can cause a range of symptoms in dogs. These are the general signs to look out for:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Jaundice
- Bruises or bleeding
Any of these signs require immediate contact with your vet, and early intervention is crucial in preventing more severe health issues from developing. It’s best as an owner to always be cautious and consult with your vet if you think that your dog has eaten something harmful.
Top 5 Natural Things Your Dog Should Never Eat
Chocolate
Chocolate is widely loved by many of us, but it’s extremely dangerous for dogs. In fact, it is the most commonly reported type of dog poisoning according to the RSPCA. The key toxic component in chocolate is the stimulant theobromine, which dogs process much more slowly than humans. Dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate contain higher levels of theobromine compared to milk chocolate, but all forms can be hazardous in sufficient quantities.
Consumption can lead to heart problems, seizures, and in severe cases, death, so it is always recommended to keep chocolate products securely out of your dog’s reach and never given to them as a treat.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins might seem like a healthy snack for dogs like they are for us, but they can actually cause gut and kidney problems. The exact substance that causes the toxicity in grapes and raisins is unknown as per the PDSA, which makes them all the more dangerous because it’s difficult to predict how much is too much.
Some dogs may suffer from toxicity after just a small amount compared to others. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhoea and noticing blood in their poo. Given the potential severity, it’s safest to eliminate any chance of your dog consuming these fruits either directly or from foods like fruit cakes, hot cross buns, Christmas cake or trail mix.
Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, and other members of the allium family (which includes chives and leeks) can cause gastrointestinal issues and could potentially lead to red blood cell damage and anaemia in dogs. This is because they contain toxins called disulphides and thiosulfates, according to the PDSA. This is true for raw, cooked, or even powdered forms found in some foods.
The symptoms may not appear immediately, sometimes within 24 hours, and can include dehydration, reduced appetite, as well as vomiting and diarrhoea. It’s important to avoid feeding your dog any leftovers from dinner that may contain onions and garlic, as well as leeks and chives, for this exact reason.
Avocado
What is seen as a superfood for us is actually the opposite for dogs, and their popularity means many homes have these regularly. Avocado contains persin, which can cause health problems in many animals, including dogs. While dogs are somewhat resistant to persin according to PetMD, the larger concern often lies in the physical risks of the avocado pit which can be quite large, which can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract if swallowed.
It’s best to keep your dog away from avocados, especially whole, and any food products that might contain avocado just in case. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, difficulty going to the toilet and vomiting.
Xylitol
Other common products we have at home that are highly toxic to dogs are those that contain xylitol, a sugar substitute you’ll find in things like sugar-free gum, toothpaste, mouthwash candies, and some peanut butter according to the Blue Cross.
It’s highly toxic to dogs as it can be absorbed into the bloodstream rapidly, causing low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). Symptoms of xylitol poisoning can appear within 30 minutes but sometimes up to 12 hours, and include vomiting, lethargy, lack of coordination, seizures, and in severe cases, liver failure. However, if you suspect your dog has eaten anything with xylitol, it’s best not to wait for symptoms to appear and immediately contact your vet. Always check ingredient labels and keep these products securely out of reach of your dog.
What to Do If Your Dog Ingests These Foods
If you suspect your dog has eaten any toxic foods, you’ll want to stay calm and act fast.
- Remove any remaining food out of reach and observe your dog for symptoms of distress.
- As per the RSPCA, do not induce vomiting and do not attempt to treat or medicate your dog yourself – this can sometimes cause additional harm as some medicines or other animals can also be poisonous for dogs to have.
- Contact your vet immediately informing them of what your dog has eaten and any symptoms they are displaying.
- Keep a sample of the food, if possible, as it may help the vet determine the best treatment.
Quick action can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of the treatment and your dog’s recovery.
Being a responsible dog owner means you’ll need to be vigilant about what foods are accessible to your dog. Avoiding the natural toxins listed above can significantly reduce the risk of accidental poisoning. Always store these types of foods securely away from reach and ensure everyone in your household understands these dangers.
We all want the same thing and that’s for our dogs to enjoy long, healthy, and happy lives. If you need further information, the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) is the UK’s only animal poison centre. You can call their Animal Poison Line 24/7 for help if you’re concerned your pet has been poisoned.