Translated by Nick R
I know sometimes we enjoy spoiling our furry friends by giving them a bite of our food.
But have you ever thought that maybe that snack you give them frequently could be harmful to their health and even cause their death one day?
Many of us know some foods that are prohibited for dogs, like chocolate, for example. But here I’ ll show you 35 toxic foods for your furry one that you want to avoid at all costs.
Table of Contents
Natural foods
Fruits
1. Avocado
Avocado contains a compound called persine, present in small quantities in the edible part of this fruit. However, the pit or seed, peel, stems, and leaves do contain it in high concentrations. Unripe avocado contains high levels of persin compared to mature fruit.
This substance is toxic to dogs and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and heart damage. Moreover, all these parts can cause gastrointestinal blockages and choking, especially the seed.
So, a small bite won’t hurt, but it’s better to avoid it in any case. If you have an avocado plant at home, make sure to keep it away from your furry friend.
2. Grapes and raisins
Although the exact toxic substance in grapes and raisins is unknown, we do know how harmful they can be for our dogs.
Either minimal or high consumption can cause stomach upset leading to vomiting, lethargy, and depression, as early symptoms that occur 12 hours after ingestion.
When the symptoms are not treated, the canine will first begin to experience an increase and then decrease in urination (urinating), dehydration, and decreased appetite. In more serious situations it can lead to liver damage and kidney failure.
3. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits include lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit, among others. Their fruits, seeds, peel, leaves, and stems have different amounts of citric acid and essential oils. No matter the acid concentration percentage, they can cause irritation, stomach distress, and vomiting.
Large amounts of citrus can cause depression in the central nervous system. This means that the dog will show signs of sadness, difficulty concentrating, and loss of energy.
Also, sugar is another component that citrus fruits contain in large quantities. Again, in significant quantities, sugar can lead to obesity and diabetes problems.
4. Fruit pits and seeds
The first problem caused by these seeds and pits is the obstruction of the digestive tract, causing discomfort in the small intestine.
In addition, they contain cyanide which is a substance that happens to be poisonous and toxic. Fruits that contain cyanide are plums, peaches, persimmons, watermelons, apples, apricots, and watermelons.
These fruits may be safe to eat if your canine is not restricted to eating them as long as he only eats the pulp (without the seed or stone).
5. Coconut
Coconut is harmless when given occasionally in small amounts; it provides lauric acid effective in fighting viruses and bacteria.
However, not all is good about coconut. Its fresh milk containing oils and the pulp can give your canine diarrhea, stomach aches, and gastrointestinal bloating due to the presence of medium-chain triglycerides; i.e., it “passively diffuses into the digestive tract”. While the shell can cause throat obstruction and choking. On the other hand, coconut water has a high content of potassium, which can be dangerous for the dog’s health in high amounts, a little should not be a problem.
Dried fruit
6. Macadamia nut
This type of nut is one of the most poisonous for dogs. This is another food whose toxin or internal biological response that causes health problems in dogs is unknown.
Even in small amounts, it can cause vomiting, lethargy, weakness (mostly in the hind legs), mild tremors, tachycardia, and depression as primary “mild” symptoms.
On the other hand, if the symptoms are not treated and the situation worsens, the dog may experience an inability to walk, hyperthermia (increased body temperature), constant tremors, ataxia (impaired coordination and balance), and in the worst scenario, damage to the nervous system.
7. Almonds
Almonds are not as toxic but are difficult to digest for canines. Common symptoms caused by their ingestion include diarrhea, vomiting, gas production, general discomfort, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
In addition, due to its high content of fats and oils, canines, especially puppies, can develop pancreatitis.
Moreover, as I mentioned, that they are difficult to digest, and your dog’s trachea, intestines, or esophagus can block and cause asphyxia or severe gastrointestinal distress, being more dangerous in small breeds.
Some almonds are accompanied by flavorings, which can irritate the canine’s stomach; and others, such as salty almonds, will cause intoxication and fluid retention if consumed in large quantities.
8. Black walnut
The black nut comes from one of the most poisonous trees, the black walnut. This nut causes intoxication either by ingesting the nut itself, the shell, or the shell with mold, which grows after a rainy period.
They are also toxic when in a state of decomposition. The nuts that fall to the ground contain Penitrem A mycotoxin, a toxin produced by penicillium mold.
Minor symptoms produced by this food are excessive salivation, panting, vomiting, lack of coordination, fever, muscle tremor, restlessness and hyper-reactivity to stimuli.
On the other hand, if the symptoms are not treated and the animal’s condition worsens, it can cause convulsions, liver damage with signs of abdominal pain, fatigue and jaundice (yellowing of the mucous membranes and skin), and, finally, death.
Vegetables, tubers, or mushrooms
9. Garlic
Canines cannot process food in the same way as humans and this happens with garlic. This food has a toxic substance called thiosulfate. Although it’s not harmful in very small doses, it should be avoided.
If it eats too much in one bite or too little, but frequently, it can have health consequences.
Garlic can make the canine develop hemolytic anemia because the toxin causes oxidative damage to red blood cells. Other symptoms associated with this anemia are lethargy, pale mucous membranes, weakness, dark-colored urine, jaundice, and rapid breathing.
On the other hand, garlic causes dehydration, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal discomfort associated with abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting, and depression.
10. Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a vegetable native to Asia similar to swiss chard and celery. Its stems are fuchsia pink and its leaves are large and green with a slightly triangular shape.
Both leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate crystals that are soluble and toxic to canines. This oxalate is more concentrated in the leaves and can cause multiple symptoms if ingested.
Minor symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, loss of appetite, rubbing the face or muzzle, tongue or lip swelling, vocalization problems with hoarse barking, and excessive drooling.
Advanced intoxication may cause cardiac arrhythmia, difficulty breathing, blood in the urine, difficulty swallowing, irritation or numbness of the soft tissues exposed to the oxalate, airway obstruction, and in a severe situation, there is a risk of renal failure and coma.
On the other hand, when rhubarb is ingested, the irritation produced when in the intestinal tract causes swelling and intense pain in this area. Besides, the symptoms will appear one after the other immediately after the ingestion.
11. Spinach
Spinach is not harmful in small amounts, but long-term intake can cause various health.
This vegetable contains high levels of oxalic acid, a natural chemical that prevents the body from absorbing calcium and causes renal damage, to the point of evolving into renal failure.
Frequent consumption can cause kidney stress, abnormal heart rhythms, muscle weakness and sometimes respiratory paralysis. Oxalic acid, being soluble, binds to calcium and magnesium in the blood, limiting their availability in the body.
This problem causes low levels of calcium in the blood, leading to a sudden metabolic imbalance.
12. Leek
Leeks are highly toxic because of the organosulfur compounds they contain, which are “organic compounds that share a common functional group” or molecule that reacts according to its own characteristics.
They can cause hemolytic anemia, also called oxidative hemolysis. Hemolysis is very dangerous because it destroys red blood cells at an advanced level, while the bone marrow is only capable of producing new ones at a moderate level that is not enough to cover the loss of red blood cells.
Having a very low amount of red blood cells leads to other problems of which oxygen depletion is the main one, followed by respiratory distress and organ damage. The severity of the poisoning will depend on the amount ingested by the canine and his/her size.
Common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, loss of appetite, depression, bad breath, tiredness, the yellowish coloration of the eyes and skin and dark urine; all these as “mild” signs.
On the other hand, severe symptoms such as blue or white gums, excessive drooling, extreme weakness, rapid heart and respiratory rate, seizures, loss of muscle function, stomach pain, cramps, and inflammation of the spleen and liver may also appear.
13. Onion
Onion is one of the most common and toxic foods for canines, in all its variants. The toxic substance found in onions is N-propyl disulfide, which degrades red blood cells causing anemia.
Like garlic, it also causes oxidative damage to red blood cells, as it binds to the oxygen molecules belonging to the cells and causes them to carry less oxygen.
This toxin tricks the body into believing that the red blood cells themselves are a threat and thus causes hemolysis, meaning that the red blood cells begin to be destroyed, causing more specifically hemolytic anemia.
Every part of the onion is toxic, eaten raw or cooked in any way, and combined with other foods. Even if it is processed in other forms such as powdered form, it is still dangerous in both high and low amounts.
In addition to anemia, other symptoms it may cause are lethargy, fainting, vomiting, elevated heart rate, reddish urine associated with anemia, decreased appetite, panting, weakness, and pale gums.
14. Beets
Beet is not labeled as a toxic food as long as the intake is kept to a minimum because it provides vitamins and minerals beneficial to your dog’s health.
However, too much beet in your dog’s diet will cause health problems. They should be consumed once they are well cooked and chopped because raw beets increase the risk of clogging the small intestine.
Beets also contain high levels of oxalates, which, as you may remember, are toxic in large quantities and cause kidney and bladder stones. Also, its natural acid can upset the dog’s stomach.
In the form of juice, it contains a high sugar content, which can cause overweight problems and a hazardous increase in sugar levels in diabetic dogs.
15. Green or unripe tomato
Tomato is a safe food when it is fully ripe. However, when they are immature, they contain a substance called solanine.
Solanine is toxic and is found in the leaves and stems of tomatoes. In addition, this toxin has a high concentration in both the flesh and the other parts when green. This problem is also called tomato poisoning.
Whether with minimal or very high intake, symptoms that may occur are loss of appetite, gastrointestinal distress associated with diarrhea, vomiting, muscle weakness, excessive salivation, tremors, dilated pupils, and drowsiness.
If not treated early, more dangerous signs such as confusion, behavioral change, abnormal heart rate, seizures, loss of coordination, and central nervous system depression may occur.
16. Green or unripe potato
This tuber can be toxic for dogs since it contains not only solanine but also chaconine, both dangerous substances for the dog’s organism.
Whether in small or large quantities, either raw or cooked, it can cause various health problems. Solanine is present not only in the potato but also in its peel and in the plant’s foliage (branches and stems), while chaconine is contained in the peel and in the pulp itself.
Solanine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine. By suspending the function of this neurotransmitter (acetylcholine), the nervous system decreases its function and that of the organs due to the accumulation of solanine and causing it to accumulate in the tissues, especially in the liver, causing discomfort.
Chaconine can also cause irritation in the digestive tract, tremors associated with nervous system failures, and kidney function disorders.
If the dog had minimal ingestion of green potatoes or any of its parts, it will present mild symptoms such as dilated pupils, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, burning in the throat, headache, burning sensation and numbness and swelling in the mouth, lips and tongue, weakness, vomiting and excessive drooling.
On the contrary, if the canine consumed a large amount, more serious signs will appear such as labored breathing, fever, bleeding, cardiac arrhythmia, jaundice, progressive paralysis, vision changes, slow breathing and pulse, loss of sensibility, hypothermia, convulsions, until reaching a state of delirium and finally death if the symptoms are not treated quickly.
17. Mushrooms
Mushrooms like the ones sold in the supermarket or elsewhere are safe for dogs as long as they are eaten without any accompaniment and are not combined with any sweet or salty sauce.
However, those that are toxic for dogs are wild mushrooms, which grow in forests, trails, and even in your garden. The symptoms will depend on the type of fungus and the toxins it has, which can be represented in 4 groups according to the organ or system they affect.
Hepatotoxic mushrooms
Hepatotoxic mushrooms mainly affect the liver showing signs of a gastrointestinal disorder, lethargy, jaundice, and weakness. It can reach hepatic failure, which in some cases can put the dog in a coma and finally cause death.
When dealing with this type of toxins, the onset of symptoms occurs within the first 6 to 24 hours after ingestion starting in the gastrointestinal area. In addition, the mushrooms characteristic of producing this condition are the Amanita.
Mushrooms with gastrointestinal toxins
Toxins from other mushrooms such as Muscarinic are responsible for causing stomach upset, resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, weakness, and sometimes bradycardia (slow heart rate) and breathing problems. The estimated time for signs of intoxication to appear is 15 minutes to 6 hours.
Neurotoxic mushrooms
On the other hand, there are mushrooms with toxins that affect the neurological system such as hydrazine, psilocybin (known as magic mushroom or hallucinogen), and isoxazole. The symptoms associated with these mushrooms are tremors, hallucinations, lack of coordination, weakness, disorientation, and convulsions, which begin 30 minutes to 6 hours later.
Nephrotoxic mushrooms
The kidneys also are affected by nephrotoxic mushrooms such as Cortinarius spp, but poisoning cases by these mushrooms are sporadic.
Apart from affecting renal functioning, there are signs such as dehydration, vomiting, and nausea in approximately 12 hours up to a week, sometimes it can take longer to appear.
18. Chives
It belongs to the Allium species (onion, leek, garlic, etc.) and like its family, this plant is toxic to canines. This food has organosulfoxides, which when decomposed become oxidants that affect the blood causing anemia.
Whether with small or large amounts, the animal will become intoxicated and may show signs such as vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, mouth irritation, nausea, weakness, excessive drooling, pain in the abdomen, rapid heartbeat, white gums, rapid breathing, and collapse.
Proteins
19. Meats rich in fat
Meats such as bacon, and ham, among others, are rich in fat, and this makes them dangerous for canine consumption.
The intake of either too little or too much can cause the dog stomach discomfort such as diarrhea and vomiting. Also because of its high salt content, it will make the dog drink more water than normal and swell up.
In addition, if the symptoms are not treated and consumption persists, the dog may develop pancreatitis (inflammation in the pancreas) and in turn, the pancreas may produce enzymes that affect and damage the intestines.
20. Raw meat and fish
Although some veterinarians consent to feeding raw meats to dogs, others definitely don’t see it as a positive option.
Both red meat and fish have some pathogens present while raw: Salmonella, E coli and Campylobacter. In addition, there are other pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii, Echinococcus, Clostridium, Sarcocystis, and Neospora that can contaminate raw meats.
On the other hand, raw fish can also contain parasites such as trematodes, intestinal worms, and tapeworms. Not only pathogens, but the very composition of some fish such as sardines, horse mackerel, or mackerel contain accumulated heavy metals such as mercury or lead.
The problems that may appear after ingestion are associated with stomach upset, such as diarrhea and vomiting, fever, intoxication or infection depending on the pathogen or metal consumed.
However, the BARF diet, which is composed of raw food, includes meat, and for these cases, there is clearly a control with the veterinarian to check the canine’s diet.
In addition, if you are going to consume raw meat, the meat should be purchased in a totally hygienic place with the minimum risk of pathogens, otherwise, it’s best to avoid the dog from consuming it raw.
21. Raw egg
Eggs are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals for both humans and dogs, as long as they are cooked. Raw eggs, on the other hand, can be harmful to canine health.
Raw eggs also contain Salmonella, so eating an egg with this pathogen can lead to salmonellosis infection. Signs of this infection include fever, lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Raw egg whites contain an enzyme called avidin, which prevents the absorption of biotin into the body, so frequent consumption of this enzyme can lead to biotin deficiency in the canine. Biotin is important because it helps maintain healthy skin, metabolism, body cells, and digestion.
Veterinarians recommend that, if the dog consumes eggs occasionally, they should be cooked. This is because raw eggs are also part of the BARF diet, so if you are not sure if the place the egg came from is healthy and hygienic, it is better to refrain from feeding it raw.
22. Bones
Popular culture through different cartoons has made us believe that it is good to give dogs bones, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The ingestion of bones is dangerous and can cause serious injuries not only when raw but also when cooked.
Bones are hard and brittle, thus dogs can break a tooth and this would be very painful for them. Also, because the edges of the bones are broken, some of the bones can be sharp and can cause punctures to the soft palate, tongue or cheek.
Although there are several types of bones, you should choose carefully which ones your dog can consume if it is fed a BARF diet, as in this diet they are consumed raw and their size is minimal. Clearly, there is still a risk of contracting a pathogen if the bones come from an unsafe and unsanitary place.
Bones can also cause choking and their pieces can become lodged in the esophagus, allowing them to enter the soft tissues at the back of the throat and perforate the esophagus.
Once the bones make their way into the stomach, they can cause damage there as well. They can perforate both the walls of the stomach and the intestines, causing the contents of each organ to leak into the abdomen.
Such substances leaking into the abdomen can cause peritonitis, a very dangerous infection that can lead to death if not treated promptly.
In addition to blocking an area, the size of some bones can impede the next step of digestion. Because they are large, they can become trapped in the stomach causing irritation and chronic vomiting.
Like meat, bones can also be contaminated with various pathogens such as those mentioned above, Salmonella, E coli and Listeria, which can cause an infection in the canine’s body.
Dairy
23. Milk, cheese, and ice cream, among others
A small mouthful of some dairy products won’t cause a serious problem, only gas and, in some cases, diarrhea. Canines become lactose intolerant once they are weaned from their mother’s milk.
Also, dogs don’t have “significant amounts of lactase” as they age, so they produce less and less in their body. This becomes complex, as milk and other dairy products cannot be broken down, so they cause digestive upsets such as intestinal cramps and diarrhea.
Lactase is the enzyme that helps break down lactose in dairy products. What happens is that when it is not broken down, the lactose sugar is the component that stays in the system and causes the bacteria in the canine’s intestines to ferment and this causes discomfort.
Processed foods
Beverages
24. Alcohol
Alcohol intoxication is caused due to substances such as ethanol, isopropanol, and methanol (depending on the type of alcohol) that are absorbed by the dog.
This is more harmful in high quantities; however, avoid at all costs that the canine consumes any type of alcohol.
Signs of intoxication become present within 30 to 60 minutes: vomiting, drunkenness, excessive salivation, diarrhea, dehydration, disorientation, depression, convulsions, difficulty breathing, ataxia (loss of body control), slow heart rate, and loss of consciousness.
With these signs, the canine’s death can occur for a variety of reasons if not treated in time, such as respiratory distress, low blood sugar levels, low body temperature, and metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the body).
Seasonings and spices
25. Salt
Salt poisoning is caused by the consumption of large amounts of salt in a short period of time. Sodium toxicity is caused by sodium chloride, which helps maintain proper water levels in the body.
In addition, intoxication can also occur due to the lack of fresh water (a very long time), as the canine has no means of getting rid of the salt in its body.
The most serious signs are gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurological. Minor” signs include vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, headache, extreme thirst and urination, lack of energy, weakness, swelling of the tongue, and loss of appetite.
If not treated in time, symptoms may worsen to convulsions, confusion, fluid accumulation, increased heart rate, respiratory distress, muscle spasms, and high fever, with a likelihood of coma and death.
26. Cinnamon
Although cinnamon is not toxic for dogs at all, it can cause some discomfort, at least in large quantities.
The ingestion of cinnamon or products derived from it, such as ground cinnamon or cinnamon oils, can cause skin irritation, digestive irritation causing vomiting and diarrhea, irritation in the mouth, and if inhaled it will cause coughing, choking, and difficulty in breathing.
In an overdose of cinnamon can produce a change in heart rate, development of liver disease, and low blood sugar levels.
27. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a spice widely used for its fragrance in recipes such as cookies, and cakes, among others. However, it turns out to be toxic for dogs because it has a very dangerous compound called myristicin.
Minimal consumption can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but if it is a larger intake in a short time, it could cause disorientation, increased blood pressure, hallucinations, abdominal pain, dry mouth, increased heart rate, and convulsions. These signs may last up to 48 hours.
28. Sugar
Sugar is necessary for a balanced diet in the canine, but it should be consumed in the right amount and not exceed the intake, because it can be detrimental to their health.
In a short period of time, it can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, excess causes tooth decay because the bacteria in the canine’s mouth use the sugar to produce acid. When acids increase, they cause the teeth to lose minerals in the enamel, and dental problems such as cavities develop.
Another dangerous sign is overweight because it leads to other problems such as joint problems, development of heart disease, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
There will be metabolic changes when the intake is indiscriminate because insulin, which is responsible for using and storing sugar in the body, works too much. This substance affects other functions in the body, such as fat storage, change in muscle mass, and energy levels. When insulin is altered, it causes weakness, less activity, and obesity and makes the dog more susceptible to acquiring other hormone-related diseases and infections.
If this is not treated and insulin levels continue to rise, the dog will develop type II diabetes, which means elevated blood sugar levels because the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to counteract the sugar.
29. Mustard
Mustard is dangerous for dogs as it is made from mustard seeds which are toxic especially if consumed in large quantities in a short period of time.
Not only natural mustard but also processed mustard sold in supermarkets is very likely to have mustard seeds in its composition.
Possible signs of consumption are abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and inflammation of the intestinal tract and stomach leading to gastroenteritis.
Other substances
30. Chocolate
Chocolate is toxic not only because it contains caffeine, but also because of the chemical substance called theobromine. Canines cannot process theobromine as well as we humans can, which makes them more susceptible to its effects.
The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more toxic it is, some types from the most dangerous to the least dangerous are cocoa powder, unsweetened baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate. White chocolate is not considered a threat, as its theobromine levels are very low.
However, both milk chocolate and white chocolate have milk in their composition, so they can cause stomach upset, being not a risk for theobromine intoxication, but for lactose intolerance.
Symptoms can vary depending on the amount consumed and the size of the dog, so a small amount is likely to affect a small breed more than a large one, anyway, it is still toxic for all dogs.
The “mild” signs they show are increased thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, panting, rapid heart rate, and excessive urination. On the other hand, if the ingestion was exaggerated in a short time and is not treated quickly, the symptoms can be severe: convulsions, muscle tremors, and heart failure leading to collapse and, perhaps, death.
These symptoms appear within approximately 6 to 12 hours and can last up to 72 hours. This occurs because theobromine has a half-life and remains longer in the bloodstream.
31. Caffeine
Caffeine is toxic to dogs due to its stimulant effects; furthermore, the level of intoxication will depend on the amount consumed, the size, and the health of the canine.
After ingestion, there may be signs such as increased heart rate, hyperactivity, restlessness, and nervousness, excessive howling, increased blood pressure. The dog may have convulsions and lose muscle control.
In addition, caffeine affects the gastrointestinal tract causing vomiting (which is partly good for eliminating the substance), diarrhea, and more frequent urination. Symptoms appear approximately 30 minutes after ingestion and this intoxication can last 12 hours or longer.
The products with caffeine that most households have are coffee (or coffee beans), tea leaves, sodas or soft drinks (which specifically have in their composition kola nut, which is used to flavor them), energy, and sports drinks.
32. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sweetener that replaces sugar in some foods. Some products that have xylitol in their composition are gummies, sugar-free desserts, candies, chewing gum, mints, peanut or nut butter, jams, and jellies, all of which are sugar-free.
Xylitol intoxication occurs because this substance, when consumed, is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing an excessive release of insulin in the pancreas, which is dangerous because it automatically causes a drop in blood sugar levels. This causes hypoglycemia, which if not treated, can be dangerous for the canine within 10 to 60 minutes, which is the estimated time for the appearance of these signs.
Other symptoms that occur are decreased activity, incoordination, fainting, convulsions, staggering, vomiting, difficulty walking or standing, bleeding problems, and liver failure, which can lead to coma and then death.
33. Nicotine
Although it is not a food for dogs, it’s for human consumption and dogs can accidentally ingest it. It’s dangerous both in small and large quantities. Nicotine is highly toxic, as it is easily absorbed through the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal system.
The absorption of nicotine is delayed by the stomach acids, but it will eventually reach the liver and intestines and be absorbed, which is problematic because it will also make it difficult to eliminate once it reaches the bloodstream.
Depending on the amount consumed and the size of the canine mild or severe signs can occur in about 15 minutes.
Some “mild” symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, weakness, tremors, dilated pupils, extreme excitement, incoordination and spasms.
More serious signs include tachycardia, hallucinations, convulsions, hypertension, hypotension, hyperthermia, paralysis, rapid breathing, and irregular and weak pulse.
Some products containing nicotine are cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, nicotine gum and lozenges, tobacco and pipe tobacco, patches, and pipes.
34. Fat
All foods that are fried and cooked in fat can be toxic to dogs, especially if they are consumed in large quantities and within a short period of time.
The ingestion of fats causes inflammation in the pancreas, and once it is inflamed it will produce enzymes that affect the intestines of the canine developing pancreatitis. The symptoms include vomiting, and diarrhea and in the long term, it can cause obesity.
35. Yeast dough
The yeast that bread and other foods take to grow is toxic if the canine eats it raw. When ingested, the yeast mass reaches the gastrointestinal tract and there the environment helps the yeast organisms to proliferate.
This mass expands in the stomach and makes it press on nearby organs, causing respiratory difficulties. In addition, the dough will ferment more and more, producing ethanol, which will increase the alcohol level in the blood dangerously. Among the symptoms that can appear due to ingestion are disorientation, excessive salivation, depression, distended stomach, vomiting and unproductive retching, weakness, convulsions, low body temperature, and if it reaches a more serious situation, it can put the dog in coma.
The importance of a balanced diet for dogs
A proper diet will provide the dog with the vitamins and minerals necessary for all the metabolic processes of the body to be carried out correctly.
When the dog’s diet is altered by foods that he should not eat in excess or avoid, he may begin to have health problems, starting from a simple diarrhea and vomiting and ending up developing serious diseases such as renal insufficiency.
In addition, dogs should eat what they need according to their stage of life. Puppies and senior dogs can no consume the same food and quantity because their systems are not yet well developed or in the case of senior dogs, they have a deficit of some enzyme or substance that helped them to process certain foods.
Aspects to take into account
From the owner’s behavior to the canine’s adoption of an incorrect behavior are aspects to take into account.
Owner behavior
The first reason why some canines get sick is because of the owner’s irresponsibility in feeding them the wrong food. Some owners tend to please their pets and sometimes spoil them by feeding them food for humans to eat. Not only the owner, but people close to him can also copy this behavior.
Even though, once in a while a very small amount is fine, it must not go beyond that. Accustoming the dog to other foods that are not healthy for him is wrong and impacts his health.
Health problems
Dogs lack the ability to adapt and break down food as we humans do. If they ingest something that their body cannot process properly, it will cause their systems and organs to modify their function drastically, causing them to stop working or overwork.
The reason why some foods are toxic to dogs is that they don’t have a complex digestive system to process such substances as humans do. But this is not the only problem, apart from intoxication and its common signs such as diarrhea and vomiting, there are other diseases that can develop if the canine overeats these foods.
One of the problems that can occur is weight gain, leading to obesity; giving way to problems of the joints, bones, and ligaments and all these problems will affect the mobility and lifestyle of the animal.
In addition, depending on the food consumed, there may be other diseases such as cardiac, respiratory, hepatic, renal, and in severe situations may even develop neurological diseases.
Pet behavior
Pets learn everything we teach them and memorize the stimuli we give them, for example, showing them the collar as a signal to go for a walk. As you start feeding the dog with these treats, they will get into the habit.
This will get them used to ask for these meals insistently and everywhere. Since they want these foods so badly, they will start to behave hyperactively and jump around the person, bark excessively, sometimes whine, and will not stop following the person to get what they want.
This insistence will strengthen the begging behavior, which as its name says is begging or asking for food from anyone and also being insistent at people’s feeding times.
On the other hand, if you do not please him, he may look for food where he should not, such as on the plates in the dining room, or in the kitchen cupboards, and that makes it more dangerous because he may consume a processed product that is toxic for him.
Besides getting used to that kind of food, the dog will always expect those foods that he likes and will leave aside the food concentrate that he really should eat.The problem lies in creating this habit, because once the canine is used to it, it will be very difficult to stop it. What matters is to avoid starting it in order to prevent unnecessary headaches.
