Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
These products all contain substances called
methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to
make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by
pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive
thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures
and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk
chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while
baking chocolate contains the highest.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can
cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system
depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and
even death.
Avocado
The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain
Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are
especially sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion,
difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestions
may even be fatal.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and
candies. However, they can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts
have caused weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs.
Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to
48 hours.
Grapes & Raisins
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is
unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have
certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic.
Pits and Seeds from Fruits
Apricot / Cherry / Peach / Plum, etc. and Seeds from Apples and Pears are not good for your dog.
Can cause respiratory difficulties such as breathing, coughing and sneezing.
Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your
pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or
intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked
and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats.
However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent
of your pet’s daily caloric intake.
Mushrooms
Depending on the type of mushroom. The symptoms
may vary - depression, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, tearing,
hallucinations, defecation, liver failure, seizures, drooling, urination,
kidney failure, heart damage, hyperactivity and in some cases, death.
Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E.
coli that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs contain an enzyme
called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can
lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a
natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild.
However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on
bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in
or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.
Raw Marrow Bones are good for your dog if you get them from your pet store.
Xylitol
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including
gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most
species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to
hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include
vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy
and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few
days.
Onions, Garlic, Chives
These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal
irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more
susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed.
Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic
confirmation of Heinz bodies. An occasional low dose, such as what might be
found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend
that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods.
Milk
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase
(the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based
products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.
Some dogs are not lactose intolerant and plain yogurt in small amounts can be good for your dog.
A little hard cheese or cottage cheese is also good.
Salt
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and
urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have
eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors,
elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. In other words, keep those
salty chips to yourself!
If your dog eats any of these and you know they won't harm your dog to come back up you can induce vomiting.
To induce vomiting, give your pet 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (1 tablespoon per 15 pounds of the dog’s body weight) with an eye dropper, syringe, or turkey baster by dribbling the liquid onto the back of his tongue or into his cheek pocket until swallowed. Collect any vomit and take it, along with the poison container or other substance that you think you dog may have ingested and take it to the veterinarian
To dilute caustic poisons such as pine oils, detergents, bleaches, and swimming pool chemicals, feed your dog large quantities of water, milk, or egg whites. Activated charcoal (or even burned toast) may be recommended to absorb insect repellents like DEET.
