Diet plays a key role in a dog's health, but some common human foods are toxic to our companions . Whether they are irritants, neurotoxic, or fatal in small doses, these foods should be strictly avoided .
In this article, we will see:
✅ Which foods are toxic to dogs and why?
✅ Symptoms of food poisoning
✅ What to do if you ingest dangerous food?
1. Most Dangerous Foods for Dogs
📌 1.1 Chocolate and Caffeine – Neurotoxic
🔹 Toxins involved : Theobromine and caffeine.
🔹 Why is it dangerous? : Accelerates heart rate, causes convulsions and tremors.
🔹 Toxic Doses : The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. A small amount can be fatal for a small dog.
📍 Symptoms : Hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, heart problems.
📌 1.2 Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Chives – Toxic to Red Blood Cells
🔹 Toxins involved : Disulfides and thiosulfates.
🔹 Why is it dangerous? : Destroys red blood cells and causes severe anemia.
🔹 Toxic doses : Even in small quantities and in all its forms (raw, cooked, powdered).
📍 Symptoms : Weakness, dark urine, difficulty breathing, lethargy.
📌 1.3 Grapes and Raisins – Acute Renal Failure
🔹 Unknown but extremely toxic toxin .
🔹 Why is it dangerous? : Can cause kidney failure even at low doses.
🔹 Toxic doses : A few grapes are enough to poison a dog.
📍 Symptoms : Vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy, kidney failure within a few hours.
📌 1.4 Avocado – Heart and Digestive Disorders
🔹 Toxin involved : Persin.
🔹 Why is it dangerous? : Causes heart and digestive problems.
🔹 Toxic doses : The flesh, pit and skin are toxic.
📍 Symptoms : Vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, edema.
📌 1.5 Macadamia Nuts – Neurotoxic and Digestive
🔹 Unknown toxin , but very dangerous even in small quantities.
🔹 Why is it dangerous? : Causes neuromuscular and digestive disorders.
📍 Symptoms : Temporary paralysis, weakness, tremors, vomiting, fever.
📌 1.6 Xylitol (Sweetener) – Severe Hypoglycemia and Liver Damage
🔹 Toxin involved : Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in candy, chewing gum, toothpaste, and low-fat pastries.
🔹 Why is it dangerous? : Causes a sudden drop in blood sugar , which can be fatal.
📍 Symptoms : Vomiting, convulsions, extreme weakness, coma.
📌 1.7 Alcohol – Nervous System Depression
🔹 Toxin involved : Ethanol.
🔹 Why is it dangerous? : Depresses the central nervous system and can be fatal in low doses.
📍 Symptoms : Disorientation, vomiting, hypothermia, coma.
📌 1.8 Yeast Dough (Raw Bread) – Gastric Bloating and Alcohol
🔹 Toxin involved : Yeast fermentation which produces alcohol and gas.
🔹 Why is it dangerous? : Can cause dangerous gastric swelling and ethanol poisoning .
📍 Symptoms : Bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargic state.
📌 1.9 Dairy Products – Digestive Disorders
🔹 Why is it dangerous?: Most dogs are lactose intolerant , which causes digestive problems.
📍 Symptoms : Diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain.
📌 1.10 Cooked Bones – Risk of Perforation
🔹 Why is it dangerous?: Cooked bones splinter easily and can perforate the stomach or intestine.
📍 Symptoms : Vomiting blood, constipation, abdominal pain.
2. General Symptoms of Food Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog has ingested a toxic food, he may present:
✔ Vomiting and diarrhea
✔ Excessive salivation
✔ Tremors or convulsions
✔ Breathing difficulties
✔ Lethargy or abnormal agitation
✔ Loss of coordination (ataxia)
💡 Poisoning can be rapid and fatal. Immediate treatment is essential!
3. What to Do in Case of Poisoning?
📍 Immediate reflexes:
1️⃣ Immediately remove the toxic food.
2️⃣ Do not induce vomiting without veterinary advice , some toxins cause more damage when they come back up.
3️⃣ Call a veterinarian or animal poison control center.
4️⃣ Keep the packaging of the ingested product to help the veterinarian identify the toxin.
📍 Possible treatments at the veterinarian:
✅ Decontamination (induce vomiting if necessary, activated charcoal).
✅ Infusion to protect the kidneys and liver.
✅ Symptomatic treatment (anti-convulsions, specific antidotes).
💡 Prompt treatment significantly improves the chances of survival.
4. Conclusion: Constant Vigilance
Many foods that are harmless to humans can be deadly to dogs . Simple carelessness can lead to serious or even fatal poisoning .
✅ Avoid the toxic foods listed above at all costs .
✅ Adapt your dog's diet with products specially designed for him.
✅ Consult a veterinarian quickly if in doubt or if you experience symptoms of poisoning.
💡 Proper nutrition and daily vigilance are essential to ensure your dog's health and well-being! 🐶💙