Dogs may be cherished members of the family but when it comes to mealtimes owners should be vigilant about the foods they share with their four-legged friends.
While it’s tempting to share our meals with our puppy-eyed pooches, it’s essential to remember that not all foods are safe for them.
Many of the ingredients we eat on a daily basis can pose serious health risks to pets, so it’s important owners are aware of what’s dangerous.
Experts at Battersea Dogs and Cats home in London advise owners to keep harmful food out of reach, double-check ingredients and, if in doubt, stick to dog-friendly treats.
It’s been well documented that chocolate is harmful to dogs and most pet owners are aware to keep it out of reach.
As detailed in the Yorkshire Evening Post, experts have highlighted nine common foods you might not know about that can be toxic – or even prove fatal – to dogs.
Here, FEMAIL has put together a list of the foods that could be harmful to your animals so you can best protect them.
Chocolate
The most widely acknowledged no-no for dogs is chocolate, which can be toxic even in small amounts.
According to experts, chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that can lead to kidney failure. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for your dog.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, rapid breathing, and seizures, while in severe cases, it can be fatal.
Onions and Garlic
Whether raw, dried or cooked, both onions and garlic are harmful to dogs.
These ingredients, found in many everyday recipes, can cause stomach irritation and damage red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia.
While small amounts may not cause immediate harm, long-term exposure can be dangerous.
Corn on the cob
While dogs can digest corn, the cob itself is a different story, according to the experts.
If swallowed, it can cause a dangerous intestinal blockage, which may require surgery.
Pet owners should avoid feeding corn on the cob and ensure that any food scraps are cleared away immediately to prevent accidental ingestion.
Grapes and raisins
Though often considered a healthy snack for humans, grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs.
The experts at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home warn even small quantities can cause severe liver damage and kidney failure, leading to symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
The exact cause of toxicity is still unknown, but the effects are severe.
Avocado
A popular ingredient in many dishes, avocados pose a risk as they are poisonous to dogs.
If ingested, the fruit and its stone can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and other digestive issues.
The toxin in avocados, known as persin, can lead to more severe health complications, especially if consumed in large quantities.
Cooked bones
While many dogs love chewing on raw bones, it is crucial owners avoid giving their furry friends cooked bones, as they are dangerous and can splinter easily, causing serious injuries.
They can puncture the digestive tract or cause blockages in the intestines, leading to vomiting, abdominal pain, and even life threatening complications.
Macadamia nuts
According to the experts, macadamia nuts are another food that should never be given to dogs.
They contain a compound that can affect a dog’s muscles and nervous system, leading to weakness, tremors, and even paralysis.
Chocolate-covered macadamia nuts pose an even greater risk, as they combine the dangers of both ingredients.
Alcohol
It’s a mistake many pet owners might make – thinking a tiny taste of alcohol won’t harm their dog.
But unlike Tintin’s dog Snowy, who loves to chug Loch Lomond whisky at any given opportunity, your real pets won’t thank you for it.
Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to intoxication, vomiting, diarrhoea, and damage to the central nervous system.
In severe cases, alcohol poisoning can be fatal, so owners are advised to keep their pooch away from booze.
Artificial sweetener (Xylitol)
Xylitol, a common sugar substitute found in gum, diet foods, and baked goods, is highly toxic to dogs.
Even a small amount can trigger a dangerous drop in blood sugar – also known as hypoglycemia – which can lead to seizures, liver failure, and blood clotting disorders.
The experts warn pet owners to be especially cautious with sugar-free foods.
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