Common Kitchen Foods That Can Poison Your Dog

Dog poison comes in many forms. While most of us are aware that such substances as antifreeze and rat poison are dangerous to dogs, there are some common kitchen foods that can poison dogs as well.

Foods Containing Caffeine

Chocolate is harmful to dogs because of the caffeine it contains. Don't feed your dog chocolate; also avoid coffee, tea, and other foods that contain caffeine. Caffeine is toxic to dogs; it affects their hearts and central nervous systems.

Fruits and Vegetables

Some fruits and vegetables are toxic to dogs. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, can cause vomiting. Grapes and raisins contain a toxin which causes kidney damage in dogs.

Hops, which are used to make beer as well as other foods, are very toxic to dogs. Symptoms of hop poisoning in dogs include heavy panting, increased heart rate, fever, seizures and death.

Potatoes, as well as the leaves and stems of potato plants, contain oxalates, which can harm the digestive, nervous, and urinary tracts. Rhubarb and tomatoes, as well as tomato leaves and stems, also contain these oxalates.

Persimmons are dangerous to dogs because they can cause enteritis. Mushrooms, macadamia nuts, walnuts, onions and garlic are also dangerous to dogs. Garlic is less toxic to dogs than onions, but both contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which damage red blood cells and can lead to dog anemia.

Drugs and Alcohol

Drugs and alcohol are dangerous to dogs. Alcohol can cause intoxication, coma, and death. Tobacco comsumption can cause collapse, coma and death in dogs.

Other Foods That Can Poison Your Dog

Baby food may be toxic to your dog; it sometimes contains onion powder, which is toxic to dogs. Cat food is not good for dogs, as it contains high levels of fat and protein. Some dogs may not tolerate milk and dairy products, so avoid feeding these as well.

Human vitamin supplements containing iron can poison your dog. Pits from peaches and plums may not pass through the digestive tract. Yeast dough may expand in your dog's stomach, causing internal injury. Table scraps, sugary foods, fat trimmings, and large quantities of salt can all damage your dog's health in the long term.

Spoiled food and garbage can contain any number of harmful bacteria. Large amounts of liver may give your dog vitamin A poisoning. Nor should you feed raw eggs or fish regularly, as this may lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency.

 

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