Sharing food with your dog can feel like an act of love, but some common human foods are genuinely dangerous for dogs. A few can cause life-threatening problems even in small amounts. Here are the foods every dog owner should keep out of reach, why they are harmful and what to do if your dog eats one.
1. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in some sugar-free gum, mints, candy, baked goods, toothpaste and even certain peanut butters. In dogs, it triggers a rapid release of insulin that can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, sometimes within minutes, and larger amounts can cause liver failure. Signs include vomiting, weakness, wobbling, collapse and seizures. Always check ingredient labels, and keep purses and bags with gum out of reach. Some products list it as “birch sugar.”
2. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs process much more slowly than people. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Baking chocolate and cocoa powder are the most toxic, while milk chocolate is less concentrated but can still cause problems in small dogs. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, a racing heart, tremors and, in severe cases, seizures.
3. Grapes and raisins
Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas can cause sudden kidney injury in some dogs. The exact cause was a mystery for years; researchers now suspect tartaric acid plays a role. What makes them so concerning is that there is no known safe amount, and some dogs react badly to just a few. Watch out for raisins hidden in trail mix, cereal, bagels and baked goods.
4. Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
All members of the allium family can damage a dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. This includes raw, cooked and powdered forms, so onion and garlic powder in seasonings, soups, gravies and baby food count too. Symptoms may not show up for several days and include weakness, pale gums, fast breathing and reddish urine.
5. Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts can cause weakness (especially in the back legs), vomiting, tremors and fever. The reaction usually appears within about twelve hours. It is rarely fatal, but it is very uncomfortable, and macadamias are often combined with chocolate in cookies, which makes things worse.
6. Alcohol
Dogs are far more sensitive to alcohol than people. Even small amounts from drinks, desserts or mouthwash can cause vomiting, disorientation, low body temperature, low blood sugar and breathing problems.
7. Caffeine
Coffee, coffee grounds, tea bags, energy drinks and caffeine pills affect dogs in much the same way chocolate does. Signs include restlessness, rapid breathing, a fast heartbeat and muscle tremors.
8. Raw yeast dough
Uncooked bread or pizza dough can keep rising in the warm, moist environment of the stomach, causing painful bloating. As the yeast ferments, it also produces alcohol that is absorbed into the bloodstream.
9. Cooked bones
Cooked bones, especially poultry bones, can splinter into sharp pieces that may injure the mouth, throat or intestines or cause a blockage. Never give leftovers from the table that still contain bones.
10. Fatty and salty foods
Bacon, fat trimmings, fried foods and rich holiday leftovers can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that can become serious. Salty snacks in large amounts can also cause problems. Holidays and barbecues are when vets see many of these cases.
What about avocado?
Avocado contains a substance called persin, which is much more dangerous to birds and some other animals than to dogs. For dogs, the bigger concerns are the pit, which can cause a choking hazard or intestinal blockage, and the high fat content. It is best not to offer it.
What to do if your dog eats something toxic
- Stay calm and act quickly. Remove any remaining food and keep the packaging so you know the ingredients and amount.
- Call for advice right away. Contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital or a pet poison hotline. In the United States, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.
- Do not induce vomiting on your own. Only do this if a veterinarian specifically tells you to. Some substances cause more harm coming back up, and home methods like salt can be dangerous.
- Do not wait for symptoms. With toxins like xylitol and grapes, early treatment makes a big difference.
Safer treats you can share
If you love sharing snacks, there are plenty of dog-friendly options in small amounts: plain cooked chicken or turkey without skin or seasoning, plain cooked rice, carrots, green beans, cucumber slices, apple slices without the core or seeds, and blueberries. Keep treats to about ten percent of your dog’s daily calories, and introduce anything new slowly.
This article is for general information only. If you think your dog has eaten something harmful, contact a veterinarian immediately.