10 Foods That Are Toxic For Dogs

A curse on waggy friend

We humans are advised to eat different foodstuffs to maintain a balanced diet. Foods that are packed with enriched nutrients, but do you even realize the fact, the same food which favors our body can be a curse for our cute dog companions.

For dogs, the level of toxicity these foods comprise is uncountable. Complications differing from vomiting, diarrhea, uneven heart beat to coma in harsh cases and eventually leading to ultimate tragedy of death. So it should be remembered, whether it be dog lovers or owners, these foods should be excluded from dog's diet.

List of toxic food for dogs

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are sour in taste, due to the presence of natural acids and substances like antioxidants, but on the other hand for dogs they are unfavorable and can cause harm with the body functions.

Although, there is no proper evidence as to what substance in grapes is affecting dogs health, but generally its tartaric acid hold accountable for medical consequences.

Don't speculate that small volume will not hinder health, as this sounds risky and can cause uneasiness and implications.

These fruits can hamper kidney regulating functions, like urination problems, body waste filtration and in due course of time leading to kidney failure in critical cases, which if not considered can be life threatening.

Garlic and Onion

Onion and garlic are a rich source of of vitamins and minerals, but are effectively dangerous for dogs, even if you are adding these in cooked food, using in powdered or any other form, then also it must be avoided completely.

Whenever you see your dog vomiting or showing signs of diarrhea, after having these greens, the affects displayed are due to onion or garlic poisoning.

They consists of substance called alliums which has presence of poisonous toxins, that can harm the red blood cells, thus intensifying the medical situation.

Alcohol

Alcohol consists of ethanol as the main active component, produced by fermentation of different fruits and vegetables like grapes, apples and sugarcane etc.

Meanwhile ethanol can be identified in different items like sanitizer, fragrances, cough syrup and oral mouthwash.

Consumption can lead to intoxication, showing signs like puking, lethargy, loss of consciousness and if situation worsens signs of tremors, seizures, coma moreover resulting in loss of life.

Even ingesting in small amount is not recommended as the problems can escalate and go down to the wire.

So keep this into account, that any products containing alcohol should be kept in safe or neglected places, so as to avoid from dog's reach.

Mushrooms

Multiple mushrooms are edible for humans and are a good source of protein and fiber, although it should be kept away from dogs.

Regardless of the fact that, some class of mushrooms can be eaten, but some are risky for dogs, its best advisable to ignore them entirely, due to lack of awareness, as to which ones are potentially advantageous or deceptive.

Wild mushrooms are mainly to be blamed for the unwelcomed medical reactions such as gastrointestinal dysfunction and serious cases indicating kidney or liver damage.

Always watch out for areas where this stuff is growing like park, garden or backyard, might be your dog is visiting and eating at those places.

Xylitol

Xylitol is used in different products, from small candies, gums to toothpaste and baked cakes.

Xylitol is also used as a sugar substitute also called artificial sugar as it includes low calories than sugar.

A safer option for humans when taken in reasonable volume, but can be immensely harmful to dogs body resulting in reactions.

Consumption of this product can lead to difficulties causing reduced levels of blood sugar or if the case progresses, risk of liver damage.

Cherries

Cherries are not that harmful for dogs, the flesh portion is generally eatable without problems.

But it should be considered that, except the fleshy part some sections like stems and leaves carry a poisonous toxin called cyanide which can result in sickness.

Cyanide intake from cherries can result in cyanide poisoning discovering headaches, vomiting, a sense of panic state, suffocation and problems in breathing.

Major complications can lead to a state of coma and if not taken into consideration on timely basis, can put your dog's life on risk.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are beneficial for humans, as they are a good source of antioxidants, fats and fibers but on the other hand, can cause significant harm to our dogs if fed to them.

Toxicity can show harsh symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, elevated body temperatures, body movement difficulty and drowsiness. 

Heavy fat content in these nuts can result in weight gain, breathing issues and in extreme circumstances inflammation of the pancreas.

Considering the unfortunate sufferings that these macadamia nuts poisoning could bring, dog lovers should be cautious of the edibles like baking products, snacks, cookies that contains these nuts and keep them at unnoticed places so as to escape from dog's reach.

Chocolate

We on many occasions let our dog have some chocolates thinking, they can feel delighted and rewarded like us. 

But do you ever realize that, chocolate is a nightmare for them, consisting theobromine and caffeine as its main ingredient.

Theobromine is a injurious substance that is present in cocoa of the chocolate which is deadly for dogs. 

Due to such negative health impact on dogs, theobromine does not break down into energy easily and take a long time gap and large attempts for the ingestion process. 

Thus allowing the toxin to settle down and form a bond, which the body is not able to absorb resulting in reactions such as illness and infections.

The percentage of theobromine and caffeine is significant in dark and milk chocolates, on comparing it with white chocolates but its strictly advised to avoid them entirely.

Tea, Coffee or caffeinated items

Tea and Coffee have active amount of caffeine present which helps humans to excite their brain, stay conscious and concentrated, however for dogs it can be problematic. 

Caffeine is present in different products like dark chocolate, soft drinks, tea bags and if ingested in any form, so it could be certainly unsafe.

Absorption time of the caffeine in dog's body is instant, so its required immediately to rush for medical attention.

Caffeine when ingested even in tiny amount can lead to caffeine toxicity, showcasing various complications like anxiety, inflated pulse rate and impact upon the nervous system as in loss of coordination.

So any type of caffeinated products or beverages should be stored yards away or at places which are not easily accessible for dogs.

Avocado

Avocado consists of a dangerous fungicide called persin. Although comfortable for human consumption but can cause digestive issues with the dogs.

Avocado ingestion can potentially result in symptoms showing excessive vomiting, diarrhea, irregular breathing and gathering of excessive fluids, consequently deepening difficulties. 

A tiny amount of avocado flesh is permissible to feed to dogs but its preferable to distance away or avoid them totally for the health betterment of our dogs.

What steps to follow if dog ate these toxic foods ?

• Instead of making the situation chaotic think wisely and respond instantly.

• Try to contact your nearest clinic or emergency vet clinic.

• Inform them about the dog's weight, type of toxic stuff eaten and approx. quantity.

• If possible find and keep any proof like a wrapper or ingredient list, leftover food or stool samples so as to determine the toxicity, that the item packs.

• At the same time watch out for any symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting or their impatient state and very gently calm them down.

• Without medical instruction from the doctor, don't try to provoke vomiting by yourself.

• Doctors will probably advocate to administer activated charcoal or IV fluids to keep them hydrated and absorb the content, hence minimizing the reactions.

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