What not to feed your dog

Sharing our food with our dogs is something we have all done. Who hasn't given in and pasted your dog scraps? Below is a listing of foods which could be dangerous if eaten by your dog. Do not poison your dog by mistake.

Alcoholic beverages

No sharing your pint or vodka and orange. Alcohol is toxic to dogs. It could also cause death.

Chocolate

Chocolate should never be eaten by your dog. Contained within every chocolaty mouthful is a stimulant diuretic called theobromine which can affect your dog’s nervous and cardiovascular system.  Cooking chocolate contains the most theobromine followed by white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate.

Take all precautions and make sure that you don't make chocolate. Dogs love the taste of it.

It can cause, depression, tremors and vomiting, diarrhoea, trouble breathing.  Additionally, it may cause death.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts have been understood to cause muscle weakness in dogs & tremors

Coffee and Tea

Caffeine affects the central nervous system and the heart. Symptoms may include a racing heart vomiting, and in severe cases, death.

Fat Trimmings from Ham and other meats

You should never give your dog fat trimmings from meat and particularly from ham as high fat eating can lead to a bout of pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is an incredibly painful affliction and can range in severity from mild to life threatening. Turkey skin is, in addition, high in fat content.

Veterinarians see an increase in pancreatitis over Christmas and the New Year.

Grapes Sultanas and Raisins

Grapes and the dried variety of grapes including sultanas and raisins can cause kidney damage. Deaths are reported with large ingestions. Hyperactivity and continued vomiting are early signs of poisoning.

Avocado

Avocados can cause tummy pains and upsets including vomiting and diarrhoea. Avocados contain a substance called persin which is highly toxic in many animals, including dogs.

Milk and Dairy Products

It's been reported that as many as 50% of dogs are lactose intolerant. Many dog's digestive systems do not handle dairy products or milk nicely. The common symptom is diarrhea that is severe.

Onions and garlic

Onions and garlic contain a substance called thiosulphate. Dogs can develop Haemolytic Anaemia which causes destruction.

Potatoes which are green or the potato sprouts

These contain solanine glycosides which could cause vomiting, stomach pain, bloody diarrhoea, nervous system stimulation, paralysis, depression, trembling & cardiac arrest.

Salty Foods

Avoid giving your dog a lot of salt. Too much is bad for us and it's not good for them.

Author: Sarah Robinson