Foods that are poisonous to dogs

 

Avocados – Avocados contain a toxin called persin, which is harmless to most humans but can cause serious issues in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart problems in severe cases. The pit also poses a choking hazard or risk of intestinal blockage.

Apples – While apple flesh is safe in small amounts, the seeds and core contain cyanogenic compounds that can release cyanide when chewed, which is dangerous for dogs. Swallowing large pieces of core can also cause choking or digestive blockages.

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Milk and other dairy products – Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme lactase needed to break down lactose in dairy. Consuming milk, cheese, or ice cream can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.

Garlic – Garlic contains compounds called thiosulfates that damage red blood cells, leading to anemia in dogs. Even small amounts can cause weakness, lethargy, pale gums, and in severe cases, organ damage.

Macadamia nuts – Just a few macadamia nuts can cause poisoning in dogs, leading to symptoms like weakness, tremors, vomiting, and an elevated body temperature. The exact toxin is unknown, but its effects can be severe.

Mustard – Mustard seeds contain compounds that can cause irritation in a dog’s stomach, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can also damage the digestive lining if eaten in larger amounts

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Artificial sweetener (xylitol) – Xylitol, found in sugar-free gum, candy, and some baked goods, causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and possible liver failure within hours.

Chocolate – Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Dark and baking chocolates are the most dangerous, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and heart problems.

Onions – Onions, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, contain compounds that destroy a dog’s red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia. Symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite, and dark-colored urine.

Grapes and raisins – Even tiny amounts of grapes or raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. The exact toxic substance is unknown, but effects include vomiting, lethargy, and a dangerous drop in urine production.

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Caffeine – Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and even some sodas, is highly toxic to dogs. It stimulates the nervous system and heart, potentially leading to restlessness, rapid breathing, abnormal heart rhythms, muscle tremors, and seizures. Even small amounts can cause harm, so keeping all caffeinated products far from a dog’s reach is crucial.

Yeast – Unbaked yeast dough can expand in a dog’s stomach, causing painful bloating and potentially life-threatening gastric dilation. Additionally, the fermentation process produces alcohol, which can lead to ethanol poisoning. Dogs may experience vomiting, disorientation, and difficulty breathing if they ingest raw dough.

Rhubarb – Rhubarb leaves and stems contain oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption in dogs, leading to kidney damage. Symptoms of rhubarb poisoning include drooling, lethargy, tremors, and blood in the urine. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if ingestion is suspected.

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Nutmeg – Nutmeg contains myristicin, a compound that is toxic to dogs in significant amounts. Ingestion can cause disorientation, hallucinations, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and seizures. While small traces in baked goods might not be lethal, it’s safest to keep nutmeg-containing foods away from pets.

Currants – Like grapes and raisins, currants can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, even in tiny amounts. Symptoms may not appear immediately but can include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Because the toxic dose varies among dogs, any exposure should be treated as an emergency.

Iron vitamins – Vitamins containing high amounts of iron, especially prenatal or multivitamins, can cause severe gastrointestinal and organ damage in dogs. Early signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, progressing to lethargy, shock, and potentially death if untreated.

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Wild mushrooms – Some wild mushrooms contain toxins that can severely damage a dog’s liver, kidneys, or nervous system. Poisoning symptoms vary but may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and collapse. Because mushroom identification is tricky, any wild mushroom ingestion should be considered dangerous.

Citrus oil – Citrus essential oils, including lemon, orange, and grapefruit oils, can irritate a dog’s skin, mouth, and stomach. Ingesting concentrated citrus oil can cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, and tremors. Even inhaling strong vapors can be harmful to sensitive pets.

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Cat food While not instantly deadly, cat food is harmful to dogs because it’s formulated for feline nutritional needs, meaning it’s often too high in protein and fat for dogs. Over time, eating cat food can lead to digestive upset, pancreatitis, obesity, and strain on the liver and kidneys. Some dogs may also develop diarrhea or vomiting after consuming it, especially in large amounts.

Black walnuts These nuts can be toxic to dogs due to the presence of a mold that produces tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can cause severe muscle tremors and seizures. Even fresh, non-moldy black walnuts are risky because their high fat content can trigger pancreatitis. Additionally, the hard shells pose a choking hazard or risk of intestinal blockage.

Spinach While small amounts might not be harmful, spinach contains oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption and damage the kidneys in dogs. Over time, regular consumption may lead to kidney stress, especially in dogs with pre-existing kidney issues. Puppies and older dogs are more vulnerable to these harmful effects.

Chives Chives, like onions and garlic, contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Symptoms of chive poisoning include weakness, rapid breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea, sometimes appearing several days after ingestion. Even small amounts can be dangerous, particularly for smaller breeds.

Tobacco Tobacco products contain nicotine, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Ingesting even a small amount can cause symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death. Dogs can be poisoned by chewing cigarettes, cigars, nicotine gum, or ingesting tobacco leaves.

Green tomatoes Unripe tomatoes and their stems or leaves contain solanine, a toxic compound that can cause gastrointestinal distress, weakness, confusion, and, in severe cases, heart issues in dogs. While ripe tomatoes are generally safe in moderation, green ones should be completely avoided.

Cherries The flesh of cherries is not inherently toxic, but the pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, which can interfere with oxygen transport in the blood. Swallowing a pit also risks choking or intestinal blockage. Signs of cyanide poisoning in dogs include difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and bright red gums.

Potatoes Raw potatoes, especially green ones, contain solanine, which can be toxic to dogs and cause nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and heart irregularities. Cooking potatoes reduces solanine levels, but feeding too much potato (especially fried or seasoned) can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

Alcohol Dogs are far more sensitive to alcohol than humans, and even small amounts can cause serious problems. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, breathing problems, coma, and potentially death. Beer, wine, spirits, or foods prepared with alcohol are all dangerous to dogs.