Doesn’t it seem like we usually share it with our fur babies when we eat something delicious? It doesn’t matter if it is a biscuit fresh from the oven or a big ham bone from what was left of a ham. Our dogs don’t understand exactly what we’re eating. They just know that if their human is eating it, they must also be able to.
Now, we all hate those big puppy dog eyes we get when we say no to our fur children. It isn’t because we don’t love them. On the contrary, we love them with all of our hearts. But not everything we eat as humans is safe for our dogs to eat. So here are six foods to make sure that you keep away from your dog.
Onions & Garlic
Yes, we all hate how our breath smells after we eat something heavy on garlic and onions. But bad breath is not why you should keep onions and garlic away from your dog. Dehydrated, Raw, or cooked, Onions and garlic contain a substance that, while beneficial for humans, can damage (if not destroy) your dog’s red blood cells. This is something that can lead to anemia.
So, if you are worried that your dog has eaten onions and garlic, keep an eye out for any symptoms of anemia – including weakness, pale gums, food disinterest, dullness, and breathlessness – and if symptoms do arise, make sure you contact your vet ASAP.
Grapes & Raisins
Growing up, and even as adults, we have always seen grapes and raisins as a healthy and tasty snacks. But when it comes to our beloved fur babies, these two snacks do not cut when it comes to being healthy. While to human’s raisins and grapes might seem innocent, these snacks can cause your pet to get sick. They can cause vomiting and lethargy – and in the worst-case scenario, can cause kidney failure in dogs. So, ensure your pup stays away from these sweet but poisonous snacks.
If you are concerned that your fur baby has eaten some, or is showing signs of illness, contact your vet ASAP.
Macadamia Nuts
As a great source of fiber for humans, Macadamia nuts are fatal to our furry four-legged best friends. But did you know that consumption of as little as 2.4 grams is when we will see signs of poisoning in dogs? So, yes, Macadamia Nuts are very toxic to dogs. But your dog’s size and how many macadamia nuts were consumed are factors in determining their toxicity.
If you are concerned that your dog has consumed Macadamia Nuts, contact your vet ASAP and watch for signs of poisoning – including muscle tremors, weakness, paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, fever, and rapid heartbeat.
Xylitol
Don’t forget to put to cap back on your toothpaste and push all the candy back on the counter. Found in candy, gum, toothpaste, and some diet food, Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can have an immediate and traumatic effect on your fur baby and their health. In addition, Xylitol can cause a drop in blood sugar (and even liver failure) due to a spike in insulin. Remember that liver failure due to consumption of Xylitol may take a few days to occur, so if you are worried that your pup has gotten into your toothpaste, candy, or gum, contact your vet – and be sure to be on the lookout for early symptoms including repeated vomiting, lethargy, and loss in coordination, and even seizures.
Chocolate
Arguably the sweetest of treats for humans, chocolate is one of the deadliest things our dogs can get their paws on. But it isn’t just one kind of chocolate that is poisonous to dogs. ALL chocolate is dangerous and deadly to our fur babies. What makes it so toxic to dogs is a substance all chocolate contains called theobromine. While all chocolate is extremely dangerous for dogs, dark and unsweetened chocolate are two of the most potent sources of theobromine – and, therefore, are classified as the deadliest.
The consumption of chocolate (and, in turn, theobromine) can cause abnormal heartbeats, tremors, seizures, and death. If you are concerned that your dog has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately!
Fat Trimmings & Bones
Especially on birthdays and during the holiday seasons, we all feel the temptation of sharing our food with our dogs – giving them leftover bacon and other table scraps. But before doing so, the one thing you need to ask yourself is, “Is it worth it?”.
Did you know that fat trimmings can cause pancreatitis in dogs? It doesn’t matter if they are cooked or uncooked. Bones, big or small, are considered choking hazards. They have the possibility of splintering, causing damage to your dog’s throat and or digestive tract – not to mention everyone hates subbing their toe or tripping on a bone in the dark during the night.
One thing to remember when you are tempted to share food with your dog is this. Not all meat is bad for dogs. Freshly cooked, high-quality meats are a great source of safe pup-friendly protein.
When sharing food with your dog, it is essential to be mindful of what you give them. While most food we consume as humans will not poison us, it is necessary to remember that our furry four-legged best friends cannot consume all of the same foods we can. If you are worried that your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous, contact your vet ASAP! If you have already spoken to your vet, make sure you keep an eye out for any worsening symptoms.