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Foods that are Toxic to Dogs
There are some foodstuffs that humans relish which cause illness and possibly even death if eaten by pets. Each of these foods contains chemicals which rarely cause problems for humans, but for dogs, these same chemicals can be deadly. Immediately contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) if you suspect your dog has ingested any of the following:
Chocolate - contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. When affected by an overdose of chocolate, a dog can become excited and hyperactive. Due to the diuretic effect, it may pass large volumes of urine and it will be unusually thirsty. The effect of theobromine on the heart is the most dangerous. Theobromine will either increase the dog's heart rate or may cause the heart to beat irregularly. Death is possible, especially with exercise.
Onions - Contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Dogs affected by onion toxicity will develop hemolytic anemia, where the pet's red blood cells burst while circulating in its body. At first, pets affected by onion poisoning show gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea. They will show no interest in food and will be dull and weak. The red pigment from the burst blood cells appears in an affected animal's urine and it becomes breathless due to reduced capacity to carry oxygen in the blood. The poisoning occurs a few days after the pet has eaten the onion. All forms of onion can be a problem, including commercial baby food that contains onion.
Macadamia nuts - The toxic compound is unknown but the affect of macadamia nuts is to cause locomotory difficulties. Dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated.
Pear pips, the kernels of plums, peaches and apricots, apple core pips (contain cyanogenic glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning)
Raisins and grapes - symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea; may lead to kidney failure
Potato peelings and green looking potatoes
Alcohol - serious intoxications have occurred when dogs have been given alcohol to drink as a "joke". Dogs are attracted to alcoholic drinks, so drinks should not be left unattended.
Yeast bread dough - yeast from homemade bread produce alcohol. Ingestion of raw yeast dough can result in serious alcohol intoxication. Additionally, there is a risk of bloat and gastrointestinal obstruction from the dough as it rises in the stomach.
Coffee grounds, beans & tea - caffeine is a no-no for dogs, as it acts as a stimulant and can cause severe heart acceleration and seizures.
Tomato leaves & stems (green parts) - a Nightshade plant, tomatoes contain trace elements of nicotine, mostly concentrated in the leaves and stems.
Cooked bones - bones become brittle in the cooking process and splinter when broken. These splinters have sharp edges that can rupture/puncture the stomach lining. Amongst the most dangerous cooked bones are ham bones, pork chop, chicken and turkey legs.
Rhubarb leaves (oxalic acid)
Cigarettes, tobacco, cigars, hops (used in home brewing), moth balls, anti-freeze
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