His Orange Dish: Image by DodgersMom Photography, FlickrIt might be tempting to feed your dog snacks off the kitchen table, but you should pay close attention to exactly what you're feeding him. Some foods can make your dog sick, or worse, cause fatal health problems that could lead to coma or death. Keep reading to learn what not to feed your dog.
1. Avocado
No part of an avocado is good for your dog. This has to do with the fact that avocados contain something called persin. While this substance is harmless for humans to consume, it might be toxic for your dog.
2. Chocolate
Chocolate is bad for dogs for a number of reasons. Chocolate contains high amounts of fat, caffeine, and a toxic agent called theobromine that can lead to severe dehydration. Just a little bit of chocolate can also cause diarrhea and vomiting. Large amounts may cause tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, or death.
3. Onions Or Garlic
Onion or garlic in any form can destroy your dog's red blood cells and cause anemia. Aside from the fact that onion and garlic will give your dog terrible gas, anemia can cause far more serious problems like weakness, vomiting, breathlessness, and lack of appetite.
4. Caffeine
Large quantities of caffeine is like poison to your dog. Caffeine can be found in many places, and cause symptoms like rapid breathing, restlessness, heart palpitations, bleeding, and muscle tremors.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol and foods containing alcohol have the same effect on a dog's brain and liver as it does a human. The difference being that it takes far less time to inflict this damage. That being said, even a little can cause major health problems for your furry friend.
6. Grapes And Raisins
Many people feed grapes and raisins to their dogs as treats, but they probably shouldn't. Although they seem like the perfect treats, they can cause kidney failure in dogs. Keep raisins and grapes out of your dog's reach to keep him safe.
Chocolate: Image by Peter Pearson, Flickr7. Dairy
Dogs don't have enough of the necessary enzyme called "lactase" needed to digest milk. What this means is that feeding your dog milk can cause stomach issues like digestive problems, diarrhea, and food allergies.
8. Grain
Grains have been linked to inflammatory issues and allergies in dogs, and are generally best to be avoided. While grains won't harm every dog, they're harder to digest and can cause health issues in dogs with food allergies or sensitive digestive tracks.
9. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are actually fatal to dogs. Not only that, but as little as six nuts can make your dog sick. Symptoms may include vomiting, rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, paralysis, and elevated body temperature.
10. Peaches, Plums, And Persimmons
While the fruit itself isn't potentially fatal for dogs, the seeds and pits are. The pits in peaches, for example, contain cyanide which is equally harmful to humans. Humans, however, know that they shouldn't eat the pits. Your dog will without thinking twice, so keep an eye out.
Other harmful foods include corn, salt, candy and gum, citrus, fats and oils, nutmeg, mace, walnuts, xylitol, baby food, cherry pits, and cat food. Keep a close eye on what you feed your dog to keep him safe.
