Harmful Foods for Dogs

woensdag, 4 september 2024

We all know that look—those irresistible puppy eyes staring at you when there's food on the table. But before you give in, it's crucial to know which foods can be harmful to your dog. In this blog, we’ll cover some common foods and products that are dangerous for dogs, the symptoms of poisoning, and what you should do if your dog accidentally eats something toxic. We’ll also share tips on how to prevent these incidents from happening.

Harmful Foods for Dogs
As a responsible dog owner, it’s vital to be aware of what foods are unsafe for your furry friend.

Chocolate (theobromine):
Chocolate is one of the most well-known toxic foods for dogs, especially dark and milk chocolate. While white chocolate is less harmful, it's still not recommended in large quantities.
Avocado (persin):
Avocados are popular, but they can be dangerous for dogs. While the flesh is safe in small amounts, the pit, skin, and leaves contain toxins that can harm your dog.
Fruits and Vegetables:
Be cautious with fruits like apples, pears, cherries, and nectarines—especially the pits, which contain cyanide. For vegetables, avoid giving your dog unripe tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes as they contain solanine, a harmful substance. However, cooked potatoes are healthy for dogs. Additionally, avoid vegetables like spinach, broccoli, leeks, and Brussels sprouts.
Raw Pork:
Raw pork can carry parasites and harmful bacteria, making it risky for dogs. It may also contain a virus that’s particularly dangerous for both dogs and cats.
Dairy Products:
Small amounts of dairy products like milk, cream, and cheese are generally safe, but too much can cause digestive issues.
Herbs, Raisins, Grapes, and Currants:
Certain herbs like garlic, onions, and chives are toxic to dogs. Consuming too much can lead to symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. Grapes, raisins, and currants are especially dangerous and can cause kidney failure.
Nuts and Mushrooms:
Nuts are high in fat, which can cause digestive upset. Many mushrooms are toxic and can lead to severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

Other Dangerous Products

In addition to foods, there are other common household products that can be dangerous for your dog:

Medications:
Human medications are a leading cause of poisoning in pets. Keep them out of reach.
Pesticides and Fertilizers:
These substances are harmful if ingested by dogs.
Toothpaste:
Human toothpaste contains fluoride, which is toxic to dogs.

During walks, it’s essential to be vigilant about what your dog might consume. Watch out for:

Stagnant water
Toxic animals like toads and slugs
Dead fish or birds
The feces of other dogs, horses, or cats
Bones

Be cautious with tobacco, nicotine, and drugs around your dog.

Symptoms of Poisoning

The most common signs of poisoning in dogs are vomiting and diarrhea, but symptoms can vary depending on the substance ingested. Always consult your vet if you suspect poisoning.
Watch for changes in behavior, such as lethargy, tremors, or reduced consciousness. Monitor your dog’s heart rate and breathing, and be alert for other symptoms like bleeding, foaming at the mouth, seizures, urinary problems, or paralysis.

What You Can Do

If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, it’s critical to act quickly:

Contact your vet immediately. Provide them with details about your dog’s age, size, breed, and the suspected poison.
Keep the packaging of the ingested substance handy, if possible.
Induce vomiting only under certain conditions: This should only be done if the ingestion occurred within the last two hours, you know what the toxin is, and your dog is conscious. Do not use salt to induce vomiting, as this can lead to salt poisoning.
Offer water, but only if your dog is conscious.