What's safe for you can be deadly to your dog!

It’s tempting to give your dog a little bite of something you’re eating.  But what is safe for you can be deadly to them!  Dogs and humans have vastly different tolerances when it comes to food.  Here is a list of foods that your dog should avoid.

Alcohol – Just a little alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrheas, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. The alcohol effects the dog’s liver and brain, and the smaller the dog the greater the effect.

Avocado – Persin is contained in the avocado which can make your dog sick, causing vomiting and diarrhea. If you have an Avocado plant, keep your dog away from it. Persin is in the leaves, seed and bark too.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda – While baking if you spill some on to the floor make sure you clean it up right away. If your dog eats large amounts of powder your dog can suffer from muscle spasms and heart failure.

Candy and Gum – Are sweeten with xylitol. Liver failure can occur within just days.

Cat Food – Too high in protein and fats. Dogs and cats nutritional needs are different. Nutritional imbalances may effect your dog’s health in the long run.

Chocolate – All chocolate, even white chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. The most dangerous for dogs is dark chocolate and pure baking chocolate. Theobromine can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and death.

Citrus oil extracts – Can cause vomiting.

Coffee, Tea and other caffeine – There is no cure for caffeine poisoning. In large dosage it can be fatal. Caffeine poisoning symptoms include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitation, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding.

Fat trimming and Bones – It is temping to give your dog your leftover bones and fat trimming. Cooked and uncooked fat can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Bones are bad because your dog can choke on them or the bones can cause obstructions or laceration in your dog’s digestive system.

Grapes, Raisins and Currants – These fruits can cause kidney failure. A 20lb dog can become sick just eating 4-5 grapes or raisins. Vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, decrease or lack urination, and weakness are signs of toxicity.

Hops – May cause panting, elevated temperature, increased heart rate, seizures and possible death.

Human Medicine – If it is human medicine then it is only meant for people! Keep all medicine out of your dogs reach. Medicines for people can be deadly for your dog.

Human Vitamins – Especially vitamins containing iron can damage the lining of the digestive system and can be toxic to other organs.

Macadamia Nuts – Symptoms of poisoning include, muscle tremors, depression, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, tremors, rapid heart rate and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs appear usually within 12 hours of ingestion and last 12 to 48 hours. As few as 6 raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog ill.

Milk and other Dairy Products – Dogs do not have a digestive system like we humans. They lack the lactase necessary to break down the lactose in milk.

Moldy or Rotten Foods – Keep your dog away from trash cans. Botulism can cause poison your pet. Rotten fruit produces alcohol and moldy foods contain all sorts of toxins that may harm your dog. Vomiting and diarrhea can also be the result of your pet consuming moldy or rotten foods.

Mushrooms – Different types of mushroom have different effects on pets from diarrhea, vomiting to hallucination to death.

Nutmeg – High levels of nutmeg can be deadly for your dog. Symptoms include seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems and death.

Onions, Chives and Garlic – All forms of onion and garlic, raw, cooked, or dehydrated can destroy a dog’s red blood cells causing hemolytic anemia and possible kidney damage. The chemical contained in onions and garlic is called thiosulphate. Symptoms of anemia include, pale gums, rapid heart rate, weakness, little interest in food, breathlessness, vomiting, diarrhea and bloody urine. These symptoms might not appear for a few days.

Persimmons Peaches and Plums – Seed pits are to be avoided because of intestinal obstructions.

Raw Eggs - Like raw meat can contain Salmonella and E. Coli that can be harmful to your dog. Raw eggs also contain an enzyme which interferes with the absorption of a type of vitamin B. This can lead to skin and coat problems.

Raw Meat and Fish – Raw meat can contain bacteria, salmonella, parasites or viruses. Like human your dog can suffer from food poisoning. In addition, raw fish such as salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon can contain a parasites that cause “fish disease”. “Fish Disease” can be fatal within 2 weeks and the first signs of this illness are big lymph nodes, fever, and vomiting. . Cooking your food is the only way to make these foods safe for your dog’s consumption.

Rhubarb Leaves – Can cause digestive, nervous and urinary problems.

Salt – Salt may cause sodium ion poisoning and electrolyte imbalances. It is not a good idea to give your pets salty chips or snacks. Vomiting , diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature and seizures are a sign your dog has had too much salt.

Seed pits – Apple seeds, cherry pits and plum pits contain cyanide. Signs of cyanide poisoning include vomiting, heavy breathing, coma, skin irritation and cardiac arrhythmias.

Sugary Foods and Drinks – Just like people, too much sugar can cause tooth decay, obesity and diabetes.

Walnuts – Gastrointestinal problems, vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory issues can be caused by your dog eating walnuts.

Xylitol – Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener often found in chewing gum and candy. Can cause hypoglycemia and can also cause liver failure. Only as little as two pieces of gum can cause a 20lb dog hypoglycemia. Within 30-60 minutes of consumption dogs can experience weakness, seizures and collapse.

Yeast Dough (unbaked bread) – Yeast Dough can rise and cause gas in your puppy’s digestive system. It can be really painful for your pet and could cause their intestines to rupture. In addition, when yeast ferments it produces ethanol alcohol that can poison your dog as it sits in its stomach.

If you think your pet has been poisoned, contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435. This is a 24-hours hotline. Also be sure you have your veterinary’s phone in a place you can find it quickly in case of an emergency.

Safe foods for dogs

Each dog has its own special personalities and allergies as well. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you in dog food selection and recommendations. These “safe foods” are to be treated as a treat and only given in moderation. If it is the first time you are giving your pet any type of new food please be aware of your pets behavior. If there are any concerns consult your vet.

Lean meats that are thoroughly cooked and unseasoned. Be sure to remove visible fat, on poultry remove the skin. Remove and throw away all bones.

Apple slices, oranges, bananas and watermelon are safe fruits. Be sure to remove seeds, stems, and leaves before treating your pet.

Carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber and zucchini slices are great little snakes.

Cooked plain white rice or pasta is safe for your pet.