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There are some common foods which are fine for humans but can make your dog sick or even kill him. It is very important to be aware of what these foods are, so you can avoid your dog eating them.
A lot of people give chocolate to their dog as a treat but this should really be avoided. Chocolate contains methylxanthine and can make your dog vomit, pant a lot, suffer from diarrhea, frequent urination and have an irregular heartbeat. Chocolate can even kill your dog, depending on his size, the type of chocolate and how much he eats. Baking chocolate, cocoa and milk chocolate are the worst for him. Coffee, tea and cola also contain methylxanthine.
If you give your dog bones, you need to make sure they are not chicken or pork which will splinter, causing injury to the intestines or stomach. Chicken bones can become lodged in the roof of the mouth. Beef shin bones are a better option.
Onions and garlic contain a chemical which damages a dog's red blood cells and should be avoided.
The substance Persin, found in avocadoes, can cause diarrhea, vomiting and heart congestion in a dog.
Don't give your dog corn on the cob. The corn is digested off the cob in the stomach and the cob blocks the small intestine. This can be deadly if not removed surgically.
Avoid macadamia nuts because they contain a toxin that can cause panting, weakness, swollen limbs and tremors.
Dogs and alcohol don't mix. Alcoholic drinks can cause diarrhea, vomiting, poor breathing, abnormal bloody activity and coma in dogs. It can also result in death. Dogs are smaller and therefore more easily intoxicated.
Don't give your dog raisins or grapes because they can cause diarrhea, vomiting and kidney failure. Sugarless candy contains xylitol which can cause a dangerous drop in your dog's blood sugar.
Rich fatty foods can cause pancreatitis so if you give your dog leftovers, check what they contain as well as not giving him too much.
Some plants can be deadly for your dog. Examples of these include azalea, rhubarb leaves, foxglove, daffodil and lily. It might not be possible to watch your dog all the time so if he shows symptoms of poisoning (vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness, signs of being in pain) get him to the vet straight away to be checked out.
Even if you are careful not to give your dog potentially dangerous foods, you also need to make sure you leave nothing lying around in the house when you are not there. Tell all other family members exactly what the dog is and is not allowed to have, and why. Watch small children when they are eating to make sure they don't give the dog food or the dog doesn't take it from their plate or hands. Place scraps and garbage in a secure container so the dog can't get to it.
A healthy diet is very important to a dog, so if you want your furry friend to stay fit and healthy, remember which foods are bad for him and monitor what he eats.
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