The family home can be full of dangerous foods for dogs. Here is a list of poisonous and dangerous foods for dogs so you can keep your doggy pal safe and healthy.

Chocolate 

By far the most harmful thing in our homes is chocolate. In 2008, The Daily Mail newspaper reported that vets had seen a 50% increase in the number of patients who had fallen ill after eating chocolate. Despite the fact there have been several high profile campaigns by pet charities like Dogs Trust and the PDSA to warn pet owners of the dangers of human chocolate, there are still people who believe that it’s okay to give chocolate to dogs, but it is never safe. 

Chocolate intended for human consumption contains theobromine, which, even in small doses, can kill dogs. That’s why these days you can buy specially formulated chocolate for dogs from supermarkets and pet stores.

Bones

It seems like the most natural thing in the world to give a dog a bone, but bones can be dangerous. Small ones (from chicken) can stick in a dog’s throat causing them to choke and if the bone is sharp it could even puncture a lung. From a larger bone, bits can break off and become embedded in a dog’s throat. 

If you want to give your dog a bone, which many dog lovers do, then an uncooked one is best because it’s less likely to splinter. 

There are those who believe that sticks can be just as dangerous for dogs, but that’s a judgement you will have to make for yourself.

Tea and coffee

The caffeine in tea and coffee can cause similar poisoning to chocolate in dogs. Caffeine can also cause an irregular heartbeat and damage a dog’s central nervous system. This applies particularly to smaller dogs as it only takes small amounts to poison them. 

Grapes, raisins and sultanas 

Most dogs can’t digest grapes, raisins and sultanas, eating them can lead to renal failure. In some cases small dogs have died after eating just a few grapes.

Onion

Whether uncooked or cooked, onions should be avoided because they can cause anaemia in dogs as a result of a toxic chemical they contain. Onions can also cause breathing difficulties. 

Alcohol

Alcohol can affect a dog’s central nervous system and heart, and in extreme cases kill them. Avoid your dog ingesting alcohol at all costs. 

Cheese 

Dogs like cheese, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for them in large amounts because cheese contains high levels of fat and salt. Cheese has also been known to affect a dog’s pancreas and to give them diarrhoea. 

Milk 

Just like human beings, dogs can be lactose intolerant. Symptoms are smelly wind and a bloated tummy. If your dog shows any of these signs after having some milk it’s best to stop.

Xylitol 

This sweetener is found in sugar-free foodstuffs, like chewing gum and biscuits and it’s recently been discovered that it’s toxic to dogs. 

Raw foods 

Giving your dog raw egg used to be considered good for their coats, but these days it’s best not to give them this as they could end up with salmonella. Also avoid raw meats like liver, without cooking they can contain harmful bacteria like antibiotic-resistant salmonella. Remember, in the wild dogs would eat fresh meat straight from a kill.

Extract taken from Caring for Your Dog – The Essential Guide. For more information on poisonous foods for dogs and how to keep your doggy pal safe, take a look at the book available now in eBook and printed book formats. Buy the printed version and get the eBook free!