Toxic foods-dogs

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The onion family, whether dry, raw or cooked, is particularly toxic  to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell  damage. Signs of illness are not always immediate and can occur up to a  few days later.

Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can affect your dog’s muscles and  nervous system resulting in weakness, swollen limbs and panting.

Corn on the cob could potentially be fatal if eaten by your dog.  Although the corn is digested by dogs, the cob can cause a blockage in  your dog’s intestine.

Avocados are another poisonous food for dogs. Avocado plants contain a  substance called Persin which is in its leaves, fruit and seed and can  cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.

Raisins are in many of the foods that we love to eat such as cakes,  biscuits and cereals so it’s not just the fruit form we should be  concerned with. The active ingredient which causes the toxin is unknown,  however both grapes and raisins may cause severe liver damage and  kidney failure.

However enticing chocolate is for humans and dogs alike, chocolate is  another poisonous food for dogs. Chocolate contains a stimulant called  theobromine (dark chocolate has the highest content of this) which is  toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.

Our desire for sweet treats, chewing gum and drinks together with  low-fat, diet and sugar-free products (including some peanut butters so  always check the label before using this as a treat) are often laced  with an artificial sweetener called Xylitol which causes an insulin  release in our bodies. However, if your dog digests one of these  sweetened foods they can go into hypoglycaemia which is linked to liver  failure and blood clotting disorders.

Alcohol has a huge impact on dogs even in small doses. The drink not  only causes intoxication as it does in humans, but it can lead to  sickness, diarrhoea and even central nervous system damage.

Giving your dog a raw UNCOOKED bone to chew on is fine, but  AVOID  cooked bones. 

These can easily splinter and in large  quantities cause everything from constipation to fatal issues when the sharp bone pokes through the throat, stomach, intestines and more. 

If consumed, even small amounts of these items can be fatal so always act immediately and call your vet clinic.

If your pet has eaten something and you aren't sure if it's toxic, please check this list.