Do you know what foods are poisonous for dogs? Be careful and never feed them to your pooch!
If you have a dog, then you probably love it so much you would do anything for it to be happy. As every dog owner should do! However, there are still some people who don’t need to read some things about it before adoption.
You won’t believe that each year there are more than 401,500 cases of dog poisoning in the U.S. Some of the poisonings are caused by household substances that seem harmless but they’re not (and we all know how nosy dogs can be) and then feeding them some foods that are poisonous for dogs.
But don’t worry, here at Geeky Gecko we are a wonderful team that values and cares for dogs and animals in general, and in today’s post, we’ll highlight some of the worst items you should never keep around your dog if you want to avoid visiting the vet’s emergency department.
Dog poisoning symptoms might include neurological and gastrointestinal issues, cardiac and respiratory difficulties, coma, and even death, depending on how the item affects your dog’s body and how much was swallowed.
Refusing to give your dog what they want might save their life, even if they may seem adorable as they sit there pleading for a bite of your chocolate cake or a slice of bread dipped in guacamole.
No matter how heartbreaking this may seem it’s important to understand the reasons behind this refusal. People’s metabolisms differ from those of animals. Certain foods and drinks that are completely healthy for humans, such as onions and garlic, can be harmful or even deadly to dogs.
Bones
No, no, this can’t be true, you might be tempted to say. Yet, bones are among the stuff you won’t be giving to your pooch to munch on. The health and well-being of your dog may be harmed by bones. A dog’s teeth, for instance, might break on a hard bone, and sharp splinters might harm their tongue, the cheeks on the inside, or a sensitive palate.
Accidentally ingested bone fragments can occasionally lodge in the trachea (windpipe) or esophagus. Furthermore, in extreme cases, the stomach can be pierced, causing internal bleeding or peritonitis, which can be fatal.
Chocolate
This should be widely known as off-limits when it comes to foods that are poisonous for dogs. Although not dangerous to humans, chocolate goods contain chemicals called methylxanthines that, in small concentrations, can induce vomiting and, in greater levels, can be fatal for dogs.
Compared to white or milk chocolate, darker chocolate has a higher concentration of these harmful ingredients. Depending on the kind of chocolate and the dog’s size, different amounts of chocolate may be dangerous. A bigger dog could survive on 4 to 8 ounces of baking chocolate, though 8 ounces would be very risky. For smaller breeds, only half an ounce can be deadly.
Citruses
Citruses aren’t exactly poisonous for dogs, yet ingested in larger quantities, they might upset the pooch’s stomach. If consumed in large enough amounts, the citric acid and essential oils found in the stems, leaves, peel, fruit, and seeds of citrus plants may induce irritation and maybe even depression in the dog’s central nervous system.
Macadamia nuts
Another food that is healthy and delicious for us humans, if eaten by dogs, can be very harmful. According to vets, after consuming macadamia nuts, dogs can suffer from a range of symptoms, such as weakness, overheating, and vomiting. And in case they eat them accidentally, go to the doctor ASAP!
Avocados
Although avocados are usually considered healthy for humans, they contain a chemical called persin that if eaten by dogs can result in vomiting and diarrhea. The primary danger to dogs is the avocado’s high-fat content, which can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and gastrointestinal tract mucosal irritation.
Furthermore, if the dog eats a big slice of avocado the digestive tract may get clogged and eventually must be surgically removed.
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Raw meat
Many people believe that feeding their dogs raw meat can keep them healthy, but they are also very wrong. Domesticated dogs aren’t feral anymore, so they can survive solely on dog food. Giving them raw meat is very dangerous because the meat may be contaminated. Raw meat can also lead to certain dangerous conditions, like salmonella or campylobacter.
The first symptoms of these illnesses are fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and in the last phase, aggressive behavior. In less than 48 hours, your dog might die.
Tomatoes
While it may be super tasty to refresh yourself during a warm summer day, tomatoes shouldn’t belong to a dog’s diet. They contain a chemical known as solanine, which in high concentrations can be poisonous to dogs. The green sections of tomato plants, such as the leaves, stems, and stalks, contain the majority of the solanine in the plant. Even if ripe cherries have less solanine than unripe ones, use caution and avoid giving your dog even a tiny amount of it.
Dairy products or milk in general
Is your dog lactose intolerant? Without any specific tests, you won’t be able to know it for sure. That’s why it is better to keep any dairy product out of their way. A dog that is allergic to dairy but accidentally ingested some dairy products will start having itchy skin, diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive flatulence. Dairy products may potentially trigger pancreatitis, depending on how fat they are.
Plants ( tulips, daffodils, azaleas and rhododendrons)
They could go in well with your décor and be attractive, but they might not be pet-friendly. If consumed by mistake, they can result in death, diarrhea, and vomiting. Tulips and daffodils can elevate heart rate and create severe gastrointestinal problems.
So if you still decide they can bring up some aesthetic in your house, it’s better to place them somewhere your pets won’t reach them ever.
Salty snacks
Munching on some potato chips while binge-watching your favorite TV show can be a relaxing way to end a stressful day. Yet, if you have a dog, they might be all over your for a tiny (or big) bite. We don’t blame them because they’re super greedy, but it’s your responsibility as an owner to keep them away from the snacks.
Consuming an excessive amount of salt can cause increased thirst, peeing, and, in rare cases, sodium ion overdose. Seizures, tremors, vomiting, and diarrhea are some signs of eating too much salt.
What can you do if you suspect that your pooch is poisoned?
Try not to panic if you suspect your dog has been poisoned. It’s critical to move quickly without losing reason. First, collect any potentially poisonous material that could still be there. Your veterinarian, who helps with the case, may find this information useful. Gather the vomit sample if your dog has thrown up in case your veterinarian desires to examine it.
After that, pull yourself together and call the vet. Stay calm while explaining the situation loud and clear.
Curious about other helpful advice regarding dogs? Check out the common causes of shaking in dogs.
