How many times have you heard that food safe for humans can be toxic for dogs? This is a sad truth, and the risks are more common than some of you may believe. What foods can kill dogs? Sadly, the answer comes in a high number. There are a lot of foods out there that are safe for humans but extremely dangerous for dogs. Below, we are going to reveal most of them. Yes, you will have to avoid all of these starting today.
The Danger in Our Kitchens
It is a common scene – the family gathered in the kitchen, laughter, the clinking of pots and pans, and the beloved family dog wandering underfoot, hopeful for a scrap to fall their way. While this idyllic setting epitomizes warmth and togetherness, lurking within it is an unseen hazard, a danger that many dog owners are unwittingly ignorant of. The question: What Foods Can Kill Dogs? It is often an afterthought, overshadowed by the bustling activity of meal preparations.
Kitchens are the heart of our homes, a place where culinary creativity blooms and where we explore a world of flavors. Yet, for our four-legged companions, they can inadvertently become a minefield of toxic temptations. A slice of onion tumbling off the chopping board, a piece of chocolate inadvertently dropped, or an accessible trash can brimming with discarded foodstuffs can spell disaster for the unwary dog.
Every spice jar, every ingredient we use, though innocent and delightful to us, needs to be considered through the lens of canine safety. Garlic and onions, staples in various cuisines, can cause gastrointestinal irritation and lead to red blood cell damage in dogs. That inviting aroma of chocolate baking in the oven, while a treat to our senses, masks theobromine, a toxic substance to dogs even in small amounts.
Alcohol, caffeine, and certain nuts are additional common kitchen staples that pose significant risks to dogs. Even fruits like grapes and raisins, seemingly innocent and healthy, have been linked to sudden and acute kidney failure in dogs.
As responsible dog owners, the impetus is on us to transform our kitchens from potential danger zones to safe havens for our pets. This means being vigilant, knowledgeable, and proactive.
List oF Foods That Can Kill Dogs
Avocado
Let’s start with some of the simplest and the most common mistakes you can make. What foods can kill dogs? Avocados can. First of all, these are safe for humans and you have been consuming them for decades. But, for dogs and many other animals they are not. Avocados are loaded with persin. This is a toxin that can be found in the fruit itself but also in the leaves and the bark. If your pet consumes any part of this, you will have to take him to a vet.
A large amount of toxins can kill your dog. A smaller amount will cause vomiting and diarrhea. Once again, the vet’s help is needed and you will need to react as soon as possible. There is also the risk of the massive pit which can choke your dog.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are extremely bad for all dogs. Vets still don’t know why but you should avoid feeding your pet with these nuts. They can cause massive issues with the organs and can also cause hyperthermia, vomiting, and weakness. Of all signs the weakness is the most common and you will have to take your dog to a vet immediately. Other signs are present as well.
Chocolate
This is actually a well-known fact. Most dog owners know that chocolate must be avoided. The main reason for this is a chemical called theobromine. It can affect the heart and the nervous system of a dog and cause death within minutes. In general, dark chocolate is the worst kind you can feed your pet. White or milk chocolate is still dangerous but your dog will have to consume more in order to get the symptoms.
How much chocolate your dog should eat in order to develop fatal issues depends on numerous factors. Some examples include the weight, age and the type of chocolate consumed.
Cat Food
Believe it or not, cat food is deadly for your dog. A small amount is usually safe, and there are no risks of any kind. But if your dog eats a lot of it, he can die. This happens because of organ failure, which is more common than all of you believe.
If you have a dog and a cat, make sure cat food is unavailable to your dog all the time. If he finds it, he will eat it, and he can end up with severe issues and complications. The situation is even worse due to the fact that cat food is generally tasty and appealing to all dogs.
Yeast
Yeast or unbaked dough is very dangerous. It will be absorbed by the body of a dog, and it will increase the ethanol level dramatically. This is basically alcohol poisoning, and it can be extremely dangerous. Add the fact that unbaked dough can twist the stomach of a dog, which can lead to death, and you can see why this food is better to avoid.
Of course, in small amounts, this is not a deadly food. But, it can still cause pain and discomfort which is the last thing you want your pet to experience.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is delicious and many people like it. But it is deadly for dogs due to oxalic acid, which is antinutrient. It will create crystals in the urinary tract. Once that happens, the kidneys will end up severely damaged, and they will stop working. This is known as kidney failure, and it is deadly. You can witness a pet that vomits, has diarrhea, bloody urine, tremors, and drinks more water than usual. It is simply one of those foods you must avoid giving to your dog at all costs.
Spinach
For most foods here on the list, the situation is simple. A dog must not eat it. The spinach situation is complicated. Some vets still claim that it is safe for dogs and that all dogs can consume it in any amount their owner likes. Others claim the opposite.
Spinach contains oxalic acid. This will affect calcium absorption in dogs and cause kidney failure. In large amounts, it is deadly and something that all dogs must avoid. We believe that a small amount of spinach will not be deadly. A dog can eat it and be fine. But a large amount will be deadly. If you just want to be safe and keep your pet safe, avoid spinach.
Citrus Oil
Citrus oil is dangerous for all dogs, as you can assume, and it is something you will have to avoid, period. You must not apply the oil to the skin of your pet either. He will probably lick it, which means it will reach the bloodstream. This can cause liver failure, and as such, it is extremely dangerous. You should also remember that a lot of oils will contain citrus oil, so all of them must be avoided. Another thing to note is that fruits containing citrus oil are generally safe for dogs. The risk is present when you want to use the oil medicinally.
Black Walnuts
Black walnuts are one of the five most toxic and dangerous foods for animals, including dogs. They are something you can find in a grocery store and in desserts. They are safe for humans but not for dogs. Keep in mind that ordinary walnuts, also known as English walnuts, are 100% safe for all dogs.
Wild Mushroom
Well, it is obvious. In a nutshell, dogs can eat mushrooms. But we are referring to the ones from a grocery store that are tested and safe to eat. Wild mushrooms are not safe, and they can kill your dog. In reality, some of these are so deadly that you must not eat them either, or they will kill you as well!
This is not a problem for dogs who live in apartments and don’t have contact with nature. But if you have a dog and a backyard and you can see wild mushrooms there, make sure to eliminate them as fast as you can. These are dangerous, and they must not end up eaten by a dog.
Grapes
This is not a well-known fact. Many dog owners have been feeding their dogs grapes for ages.Well, you will have to stop doing this. Grapes and raisins are loaded with all kinds of chemicals and nutrients. Well, some of these are toxic to dogs. Vets still don’t understand which one has this effect, but the side effects are massive.
In general, a dog who eats grapes will develop kidney failure. He will also vomit, have diarrhea, and be in pain. All of these are dangerous and severe issues, so avoid feeding grapes and raisins to your pet. There are a lot more healthy and safe alternatives out there.
Apple Seeds
Keep in mind that apples are safe for dogs, and you can feed your pet this fruit all the time. But apple seeds are not the same story. They are extremely dangerous to all dogs due to the presence of amygdalin. This means that your pet will have to chew the seeds, and they will have to be digested in massive numbers.
However, if you have apple trees in your backyard, a dog can easily eat apples all day long. It means that he will end up with a huge amount of ingested seeds that can cause massive issues.
Xylitol
This is not technically a food, but it is present in many foods we can consume. Some examples are sweets, candy, and chewing gum. If you like these, keep in mind that your dog must not come into contact with xylitol. It is extremely dangerous and will put your pet in a coma within 15 minutes. Yes, some dogs will be able to resist longer, but it is still an extremely dangerous ingredient.
You will have to take your dog to the vet immediately, and you will have to feed him, honey, while traveling. This is because the aforementioned toxin will cause a massive insulin increase. You will have to feed honey to a dog in order to help him increase his sugar level.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are common ingredients found in various dishes but can be harmful to dogs. They contain a toxin called thiosulfate, more concentrated in onions, making them particularly dangerous. When ingested by dogs, these vegetables can cause gastrointestinal irritation leading to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
Moreover, thiosulfate is known to damage red blood cells, potentially causing anemia. Pet owners should be vigilant to keep these foods out of their dog’s reach to avoid any health complications. Immediate veterinary attention is advised if ingestion occurs.
When to Seek Vet Help
Seeking veterinary assistance promptly is crucial if you suspect your dog has consumed toxic foods. Symptoms that necessitate immediate professional medical attention include but are not limited to vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, and lethargy. In cases where the dog exhibits more severe reactions such as seizures, collapse, or unconsciousness, emergency vet care is imperative.
Time is of the essence, and quick intervention can mean the difference between recovery and severe health complications. Always keep the contact information of your regular vet and an emergency veterinary clinic handy to ensure that help can be reached swiftly when needed. It is also beneficial to provide the vet with information on the suspected ingested substance or food, the quantity consumed, and the onset of symptoms to facilitate a quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The Final Word
Now you know what foods can kill dogs and why you must avoid them at all costs. All of these foods are common, and a dog can easily find and eat some of them. But, at the end of the day, these are dangerous and can kill a dog. All dog owners should make sure their dog doesn’t come in contact and must not feed the dogs with these foods.
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