Most people know that foods like chocolate, garlic, and grapes can be very harmful to your dog's health. Giving your dog table food is a common way to spoil them, but you may not know why some of these foods can be dangerous for dogs.
If you're not sure what foods are safe for your dog, consult your veterinarian and avoid giving your dog these 5 human foods.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most common foods people know not to give their dogs, but it's also one of the most dangerous. Chocolate contains theobromine, a toxic compound that can cause serious health problems in dogs, including seizures and death. It can also make your dog sick.
If your dog gets into enough chocolate, you'll see vomiting after an hour, hyperactivity after two hours, and seizures within the next 12-24 hours. Your dog may also have an irregular heartbeat for up to 24 hours. Only give your dog food that is healthy for dogs. Eating a small amount of chocolate won't have any long-term effects, but it can still make your dog very sick and could even be fatal if you don't get help right away.
2. Grapes and raisins
You should avoid giving grapes or raisins to dogs because it can cause them to become very sick. Some of the symptoms that may occur after a dog eats grapes or raisins include diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy.
The other reason grapes and raisins are bad for dogs is that they contain a toxin that can damage the kidneys and make the kidney fail. If your dog has eaten any grapes or raisins and noticed some side effects, it is essential to contact your veterinarian immediately.
3. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in chewing gum, candy, and baked goods. It is also sometimes used as an artificial sweetener in dog food. Xylitol is highly harmful to dogs because it causes their blood sugar levels to drop quickly. This can cause your dog to have seizures, go into a coma, or even die.
4. Onions
Onions contain a chemical that is harmful to dogs, called N-propyl disulfide. This compound can cause damage to your dog's red blood cells, sometimes leading to anemia. Onions are also very poisonous for dogs because they contain thiosulphate. This chemical can damage your dog's kidneys and lead to life-threatening situations where your dog needs emergency veterinary care. If your dog does happen to get a hold of some onion, he or she may have dry skin, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and respiratory problems.
5. Chives
Chives are a widespread herb found in many homes across the world. In large doses, chives can be poisonous for dogs, causing them to develop anemia through losing their red blood cells after they digest chives. When this happens, your dog might seem weak or tired and may have a loss of appetite. Your vet may need to give your dog fluids to combat the low blood cell count.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
