Toxic foods for dogs are a real danger. It is not easy to turn down a wish from your beloved dog. But when it comes to food, you should be consistent. Of course, your dog would never say “no” to these foods because they smell so good and taste amazing. Nevertheless, it is important that you avoid toxic foods for dogs. In this article, you will find out which foods are particularly toxic and what the typical symptoms of poisoning are.
Typical symptoms of poisoning in dogs
First of all, we would like to acquaint you with some of the symptoms that can indicate poisoning in a dog:
- Fever/hypothermia
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
- Excessive salivation
- bleeding from the mucous membranes
- Conspicuous/atypical behavior
- Attacks of weakness or fits of rage
From what amount of feed is poisoning possible?
A distinction must be made between toxicity and harmfulness, i.e. the risk of disease in certain organs after frequent eating. Some things are deadly immediately, while other foods only cause more damage after a certain period of time. Ultimately, it is no different than in humans. For example, the popular bacon is also very unhealthy for us due to its fat content. In dogs, fried bacon can lead to metabolic diseases and also damage the kidneys and pancreas. The breakfast bacon, which is apparently so tasty, should by no means serve as a treat for your beloved four-legged friend.
It is not possible to say how much of a food is harmful or deadly for a dog, as this depends on age, size, and previous illnesses as well as the food itself. However, one thing is clear, only with a healthy and dog-friendly diet can the four-legged friend stay fit into old age.
What vegetables can a dog not eat?
For example, dogs are not allowed to eat onions, garlic, raw beans, tomatoes, or raw aubergines.
Be careful when walking
Unfortunately, most serious poisonings occur while walking. The dog is out without a leash, runs ahead and finds something to eat there. As the owner, you often don’t notice anything and you later wonder why your dog is doing so badly. We recommend that you carry out a very consistent education here in order to avoid worse poisoning. In addition, our society is still affected by “dog haters”. They intentionally poison or injure the dogs with poisoned bait, which they hide in a piece of liverwurst or a bun, for example. Keep your eyes open when walking to avoid such accidents.
Contingency plan
If for any reason your dog has eaten toxic food, it’s important to act quickly. Every vet has a telephone hotline. Save this number so that you can call them directly and ask for advice in the event of poisoning. Don’t be afraid to drive your four-legged friend directly to the veterinary clinic. They will help you directly and will probably be able to prevent worse things from happening
What foods are toxic to dogs?
Foods like avocado, large amounts of bacon, garlic, onions, chocolate, etc. are toxic to dogs.
Toxic foods for dogs
Avocado
Swallowing the avocado pit can cause acute choking hazard. Symptoms: tachycardia, shortness of breath, abdominal water.
Chocolate/cocoa
These foods contain theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine content. Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, tremors/cramps, shortness of breath, salivation.
Onions
Onion’s sulfur compounds destroy dogs’ red blood cells. Whether raw, cooked or dried. Symptoms: blood in the urine, changes in blood count, jaundice, shortness of breath.
Raisins and grapes
The toxin oyalic acid can cause kidney failure in certain dog breeds. Symptoms: vomiting blood, shortness of breath, convulsions.
Raw Pork
Raw pork can contain the Aujeszky virus, which is always fatal for dogs if infected, as this disease cannot be cured. In Europe, the risk of contagion is extremely low because the countries are considered Aujeszky-free. Symptoms: tics, change of character, fits of rage, cramps, foam at the mouth, Aujeszky virus, change of character, fatigue, rage, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing.
Stone fruit
If your pups swallow hard-edged fruit stones, you can injure your pups intestines. When the kernels are chewed, hydrocyanic acid is released, which is also toxic to dogs. Symptoms: severe vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, cramps.
Caffeine
Caffeine found in coffee beans or tea leaves has fatal effects on your dog’s nervous system. You should contact your vet directly. Symptoms: tachycardia, restlessness, vomiting.
Alcohol
Alcohol can cause chronic kidney and liver damage in dogs. Symptoms: vomiting, shortness of breath, cramps.
Hop
Larger amounts can be fatal to dogs. Symptoms: tachycardia, fever, wheezing.
Bacon
Because of its high-fat content, bacon can lead to metabolic diseases. The kidneys and pancreas can also be affected. Symptoms: Digestive problems.
Bone
Poultry bones can be very dangerous for dogs. The bones are very thin and can break easily. Small splinters can cause injuries. Bones also lead to constipation Symptoms: suffocation, intestinal obstruction, injuries in the mouth or in the digestive tract.
Raw beans
Raw beans contain toxin phasin. This sticks the red blood cells together Symptoms: abdominal pain/cramps, fever, liver swelling.
Milk
Dogs are lactose intolerant, which means they lack enzymes to digest dairy products. Symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence.
Tomatoes, raw eggplant, and raw potatoes
Nightshades should not be fed raw to dogs. The peel and the green spots represent the greatest danger. Symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, disturbances in brain function.
Walnuts
Walnuts are often infected with a toxin-producing fungus, so they should not be fed to dogs. Symptoms: convulsions/epileptic seizures.
Macadamia nuts
The nuts alter the digestive and nervous systems of dogs as they contain phosphorus. Symptoms: fever, paralysis, fainting spells.
Salt
Salt messes up the electrolyte balance and can lead to kidney problems. Symptoms: increased need for water, kidney problems.
Alfalfa sprouts
The estrogen balance of dogs is influenced by this type of sprouts. He must never get to pregnant or lactating bitches. Symptoms: blood clotting disorder.
Sweetener
Sweetener leads to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels. Symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, paralysis, shortness of breath, seizures.
Toxic plants
Although dogs rarely eat plants that stand by the wayside, we would like to introduce you to some of them. Yew, laburnum, angel’s trumpet, alpine rose, delphinium, foxglove and monkshood & deadly nightshade are among them. Symptoms: abdominal pain, irritation of the stomach and intestines, abdominal pain up to coma.
Insect or snake bites
Dogs are also occasionally bitten by insects to which they can have an allergic reaction. Atypical but possible are snake bites depending on the region. Symptoms: swelling of the face or paws, tremors, cramps, shortness of breath, vomiting.
Antifreeze
Unfortunately, dogs do not realize that antifreeze poses a danger to them. The sweet-tasting agent contains ethylene glycol, which is toxic to dogs. Symptoms: Trembling, diarrhea, vomiting, swaying.
Rat poison
Rat poison is common in rural areas. In the meantime, however, it is also being used more in cities to intentionally harm dogs. The vet should be consulted here. Symptoms: Smaller amount: flabby, tired, pale mucous membrane Larger amount: bleeding of the mucous membranes, internal bleeding.
Sunstroke
Like humans, dogs can also suffer from sunstroke if they are exposed to the sun for too long. Freshwater should always be available to the dog. In addition, the dog should never be left alone in the car, especially on warm or even hot days. Even if you’re not that warm as a person, the car heats up very quickly. Symptoms: cramps, impaired consciousness, coordination problems.
Sand, earth, and dirt
These things are difficult for dogs to digest. Dogs don’t normally eat this. If your dog tends to eat these things, it is most likely suffering from a behavioral disorder called pica.
