Here are the dangerous foods for dogs that you should be aware of as a dog owner
Dangerous Foods For Dogs – Dog owners should remember not to give these foods to their dogs because these might affect their health or can be the cause of their death if the problem will not be addressed immediately.
Dogs are considered “man’s best friend.” There are dog owners who even consider their pets as family. Feeding and taking care of their health are among the basic responsibilities of pet owners. However, there are certain kinds of foods that could be harmful to dogs.
One of the important things that dog owners should not forget is the dangerous foods for dogs. Based on the article in Reader’s Digest, these foods can make your pet sick or can put their lives in danger.
Chocolate
Chocolate has methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine, which are not food for your dog. “Theobromine causes an overall stimulation of the central nervous system, leading to rapid and strong contractions of the heart, increased gastric secretions [vomiting and diarrhea], drinking and urinating, seizures and eventually death at a high enough dose,” veterinarian Dr. Grant Little said.
Household poison
Rat poison or any household poison has mild to life-threatening toxicity. There are poisons that can cause bleeding disorders, neurologic destruction of the brain, and vitamin D toxicity leading to kidney disease. This might happen to your dog once they ingest a household poison.
Medicines
“Any drug that would be commonly used in people to treat common diseases, especially chronic issues, is a common drug to be ingested by a pet,” Dr. Little shared. These medicines can give a higher level of toxicity to dogs because these medicines are stronger for them.
Grapes / Raisins
Although grapes can be a healthy food for humans, this fruit can actually be toxic for dogs. Right now, experts are still finding out the toxic dose for the fruit. This goes also with the raisins.
Bottles
There were dog emergency cases in which owners would call the veterinarian explaining that their dogs ate a bottle of something. “Any bottle of these drugs would be a huge risk, with the exception of some less-toxic issues. Vitamins, joint supplements, etc., could fall into less-concerning status, depending on the type and the amount,” Dr. Little said.
Raw or undercooked chicken
Raw or undercooked chicken may be contaminated with various pathogenic organisms, such as salmonella, Escherichia coli (aka E. coli) and Listeria, which can cause foodborne illnesses in your dogs, then, your pet can transfer these organisms to you.
Cookies
“Cookies can be especially dangerous when they contain certain types of sugar alcohols and chocolate,” Charles D. McMillan, DVM, owner at GoodVets in Atlanta said. Also, be aware of the sugar alcohol xylitol, which can cause liver damage and hypoglycemia, a health condition that occurs when blood glucose levels drop dangerously low. This substance is often found in sugar-free foods.
Gums
Some types of gum contain the sugar substitute xylitol. “The damage caused to the liver is usually reversible over time with proper therapy.” Dr. McMillan said.