Health Topics
Provided by Major Ronnie Hogan
Training Coordinator
Jefferson County Search Dog Assn
Common Foods That Are Harmful Or Even Fatal to Dogs
Many common foods are actually harmful or even fatal to dogs. Some of these (listed below) will surprise you.
Others are things you would never give your dog purposefully, but now you will be more careful to not let them
be in your dog's reach. And some just need to be limited to small amounts.
Avacados are toxic to dogs Avocados (fruit, pit, and plant) are toxic to dogs. Avocados contain a toxic component
called persin, which can damage heart, lung and other tissue in many animals. They are high in fat and can trigger
stomach upset, vomiting and even pancreatitis. Symptoms of toxicity include difficulty breathing, abdominal enlargement,
abnormal fluid accumulations in the chest, abdomen and sac around the heart. The amount that needs to be ingested to
cause signs is unknown. The effects on dogs and cats are not completely understood. GI signs are commonly seen and should
be treated symptomatically. In addition, the animal should be monitored closely for other clinical signs related to the
cardiovascular system. (This information comes from veterinarians, the American Veterinary Medicine Association, and the
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.)
Onions can be fatal to dogs Onions destroy red blood cells and can cause anemia, weakness, and breathing difficulty.
Even small amounts can cause cumulative damage over time. This includes onions or chives - raw, powdered, dehydrated,
or cooked.
Garlic is harmful to dogs Large amounts of garlic cause the same problems as onions. Garlic contains only a small amount
of the problematic substance that is in onions. Just as with people, moderation is the key.
Grapes and raisins can be fatal to dogs Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. As little as a single serving
of raisins can kill him. If the dog doesn't eat enough at one time to be fatal, he can be severely damaged by eating just
a few grapes or raisins regularly.
Tomatoes can be fatal to dogs Tomatoes (plant and fruit) contain tomatine, an alkaloid related to solanine. As the fruit
ripens, the tomatine is metabolized. Therefore, ripe tomatoes are less likely to be problematic for animals.
Clinical signs of poisoning include lethargy, drooling, difficulty breathing, colic, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation,
widely-dilated pupils, paralysis, cardiac effects, central nervous system signs (e.g., ataxia, muscle weakness, tremors,
seizures), resulting from cholinesterase inhibition, coma and death. (This information comes from veterinarians, and
the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.) (All parts of the plant except the tomato itself are poisonous to humans,
although some people are sensitive to the ripe fruit also.)
Tomatoes also contain atropine, which can cause dilated pupils, tremors, and heart arrhythmias. The highest concentration
of atropine is found in the leaves and stems of tomato plants, with less in unripe (green) tomatoes, and even less in ripe
(red) tomatoes.
Nutmeg can be fatal to dogs, Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures and death.
Caffeine is harmful to dogs Caffeine (from coffee, coffee grounds, tea, or tea bags) stimulates the central nervous and cardiac
systems, and can cause vomiting, restlessness, heart palpitations, and even death within hours.
Xylitol sweetener can harm dogs Diet products containing the sweetener Xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar,
resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. Unless treatment is given quickly, the dog could die.
Macadamia nuts can harm dogs Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, muscle tremor and paralysis. These symptoms are usually
temporary.
Walnuts are poisonous to dogs Walnuts. When dogs eat the seed hulls, they can get an upset stomach and diarrhea.
The real problem is the fungus or mold that attacks walnuts after they get wet (from rain or sprinklers), which
produces toxins. If the fungus or mold is ingested by your dogs, they can become very ill and possibly die.
Signs that should alert you to walnut poisoning are vomiting, trembling, drooling, lack of coordination, lethargy,
loss of appetite, and jaundice indications such as yellowing eyes and gums. Severely affected dogs can produce
blood-tinged vomit or stools. Dogs can take several days to exhibit serious signs of illness.
Chocolate can be fatal to dogs Chocolate can cause seizures, coma and death. Baker’s chocolate is the most dangerous.
The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. But any chocolate, in large enough amounts, can kill a dog.
An ounce of chocolate can poison a 30-pound dog, and many dogs will happily consume more than this. The symptoms may
not show up for several hours (and so might make you think all is well), with death following within twenty-four hours.
A dog can consume milk chocolate and appear to be fine because it is not as concentrated, but it is still dangerous.
Fruit pits are toxic to dogs Apple seeds, cherry pits, peach pits, pear pips, plums pits, and apricot pits contain cyanide,
which is poisonous. While a few apple seeds may not cause a problem, the effects can accumulate over time if they are
given to dogs regularly. Dogs should not be allowed to chew on a peach pit, cherry pit, apricot pit, or plum pit.
Chewing can allow ingestion of cyanide. Chewing could also result in the pit being swallowed, causing continuous exposure
to cyanide, or could cause the dog to choke.
Too much salt is harmful to dogs Too much salt can cause kidney problems. Also, large breeds of dogs that eat salty food
may then drink too much water and develop bloat, which is fatal unless emergency treatment is given very quickly.
Too much Fat is harmful to dogs Too much fat or fried foods can cause pancreatitis.
Ham and Bacon is bad for dogs, ham and bacon contain too much fat and too much salt, and can cause pancreatitis. Also, large
breeds of dogs that eat salty food may drink too much water and develop a life-threatening condition called bloat.
This is where the stomach fills up with gas and within several hours may twist, causing death.
Too much liver is harmful to dogs Raw liver or too much cooked liver (three servings a week) can lead to vitamin A
toxicity. This can cause deformed bones, excessive bone growth on the elbows and spine, weight loss, and anorexia.
Check the label of your canned dog food to be sure that it does not contain liver if you are giving your dog liver
also.
Wild mushrooms can be fatal to dogs Wild mushrooms can cause abdominal pain, drooling, liver damage, kidney damage,
vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma, or death.
Raw egg whites alone are bad for dogs Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which can deplete your dog of
biotin, one of the B vitamins. Biotin is essential to your dog’s growth and coat health. The lack of it can cause hair
loss, weakness, growth retardation, or skeleton deformity. Raw egg yolks contain enough biotin to prevent the deficiency,
so this is not a problem with raw whole eggs. Raw egg yolks could contain salmonella, so you should get your eggs from
a reliable source or cook the eggs.
Large amounts of grains are bad for dogs Grains should not be given in large amounts or make up a large part of a dog’s
diet, but rice is generally safe in small amounts.
Cooked bones can kill dogs Cooked bones can splinter and tear a dog’s internal organs.
Dogs need their vegetables cut up Dogs can't digest most vegetables (carrots, green beans, lettuce, potatoes or yams)
whole or in large pieces. Potato peels and green potatoes are dangerous.
Dairy products can be harmful to dogs Dairy products are high in fat, which can cause pancreatitis, gas and diarrhea.
A small amount of non-fat, plain yogurt is usually safe.
Raw Eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin
and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Raw Fish can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe
cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.
Yeast Dough (Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet’s stomach – leading to rupture of the digestive system)
Beer/Wine/Alcohol of any kind (Alcohol of any kind could lead to coma or even death.)
Human Vitamins (Human vitamins, especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining of the
digestive system as well as cause kidney and liver damage)
Persimmons (Persimmons can cause intestinal blockage)
Sugar-Free Foods (Sugar-free foods containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs.)
Broccoli (Broccoli is only toxic in large quantities.)
Moldy or Spoiled Food (I think this goes without saying.)
Baking Soda, Baking Powder (In large amounts these can cause an electrolyte imbalance – and severe electrolyte
imbalances can lead to muscle spasm or even congestive heart failure.)
Since many of the signs of toxicity are similar, consult your veterinarian without delay if your pet appears
distressed, listless or in pain. Bloody stools or vomiting are also possible signs of toxic poisoning.
Gastrointestinal problems can lead to gas build-up until the stomach becomes distended or bloated and hard to
the touch. This is a painful condition that can cause the stomach to burst if not treated. The good news is
that, in most cases, treatment for toxic poisoning can be successful if administered in time.
This is not a complete list, but a list of the most common foods. I will post a more extensive list soon...
Poision Plants:
Holiday Plants:
Pet owners need to take extra care with holiday plants. When the holidays roll around, we often get caught up in the festivities and don't realize that we may be bringing something very dangerous into your home for your pets. be aware of what holiday decorations may be toxic and avoid turning a happy occasion into a tragic one.
Poinsettias these plants are probably the most popular holiday plant and are easily recognizable by their large
red, white, pink, or mottled leaves. These plants also contain a thick, milky irritant sap. In general, it
would take ingestion of a large amount of this plant to see possible clinical signs in your pet. Signs could
include vomiting, anorexia and depression. The symptoms are generally self-limiting and treatment is rarely
needed. Your Vet may recommend limiting food and water intake for 1 or 2 hours if your pet is suspected of
becoming sick after ingestion of poinsettias.
Easter Lilies Some members of the Lilly family of plants can result in serious illness in cats. Specifically,
Easter Lilies, tiger lilies, Japanese show lilies, rubrum lilies, many lily hybrids and day lilies have been
known to cause kidney failure.
