Your dog should not eat this
Sometimes it's hard for us owners to resist the sweet look of our furry friend - and a treat quickly goes from our plate into the dog's mouth. But be careful: foods that are completely safe for us humans can have life-threatening consequences for your dog when consumed. In principle, not every dog tolerates every food - just like us humans, dogs can also suffer from intolerances or food allergies. However, some supposed treats should never be on your dog's menu.
Do you know what is poisonous for dogs, how to recognize poisoning and what to do in an emergency? This article explains these questions.
8 Foods That Are Toxic for Your Dog
Some foods are toxic and life-threatening for your dog even in small quantities – so these should be at the top of the list of foods to avoid:
1. Raw pork and wild boar meat
If your dog eats raw pork or wild boar meat, it can become infected with the Aujeszky virus. This herpes virus is harmless to humans, but can cause dangerous diseases in dogs. Tip: Cook meat at a temperature of at least 60 degrees - this will kill the pathogen and you can feed the meat to your dog.
Symptoms:
- loss of appetite
- shortness of breath
- Excessive salivation
- Vomit
- tantrums
- restlessness
- personality change
- tics
- unconsciousness
Unfortunately, when the first symptoms appear, it is already late - Aujeszky's disease in dogs leads to death within 2-5 days. Veterinarians can only relieve affected dogs of their suffering.
2. Chocolate and cocoa
Chocolate and cocoa contain theobromine, which is poisonous for dogs. The higher the cocoa content, the greater the amount of poison. Dark chocolate is therefore particularly dangerous for your furry friend. Even small amounts can lead to cardiovascular failure and death. Theobromine is also found in tea!
Symptoms:
- cramps
- cardiac arrhythmias
- breathing difficulties
- disturbances of consciousness
- vomiting or diarrhea
3. Caffeine
What has a stimulating effect on humans can lead to heart failure in dogs. The methylxanthine contained in caffeine also has a dangerous effect on the dog's nervous system. If your dog has consumed coffee or tea, you should go to the vet immediately.
Symptoms:
- heart palpitations
- Vomit
- restlessness
4. Fruit stones
Stone fruit such as plums, cherries or peaches are generally harmless for your dog. However, the stones are poisonous because they contain cyanide. In the stomach, it is converted into hydrogen cyanide, which in the worst case can stop cell respiration. The result: internal suffocation because the cells die due to the lack of oxygen.
Other risks:
- Risk of constipation due to fruit stones in the intestine
- Risk of injury to the intestine due to sharp edges
Symptoms:
- shortness of breath
- breathing difficulties
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
- Fever
- cramps
If you suspect your dog has swallowed a fruit stone, contact a veterinary clinic immediately.
5. Avocado
Avocados contain persin, which can attack the dog's heart muscle and lead to death. If your dog swallows the pit, it can choke.
Symptoms:
- shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
- heart palpitations
- fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
6. Alcohol and Hops
It goes without saying that alcohol or ethanol is a liver poison and should not be part of a dog's diet. Dogs break down alcohol very slowly - even small amounts cause shortness of breath, vomiting and coordination problems.
7. Garlic and onions
Whether cooked, fried, peeled or in powder form: garlic and onions are poisonous for dogs. They contain sulphides, which can destroy the dog's red blood cells - the result: anemia. Even 5 grams per kilogram of body weight is harmful.
Symptoms:
- refusal of water and food
- diarrhea and vomiting
- Pale mucous membranes
8. Raisins and grapes
Raisins and grapes contain oxalic acid, which can lead to poisoning in small breeds or in poor health even in small quantities. Too high a concentration can lead to kidney failure.
Symptoms:
- stomach cramps
- diarrhea and vomiting
- lethargy
9 Foods That Are Harmful to Your Dog
The following foods can be harmful to your furry friend – how strongly your pet reacts depends on its size and the amount consumed.
In any case, caution is advised when:
- Nightshade plants (raw potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes): contain the harmful substance solamin
- Raw legumes: contain the poison phasin
- Salt/salty snacks: disrupts your dog's electrolyte balance and can lead to kidney problems
- Milk: Dogs do not have the enzymes necessary to digest lactose
- Drinks in general: Many drinks contain sugar and/or caffeine – taboo for dogs!
- Bacon: too high fat content; can lead to metabolic diseases and put strain on the kidneys and pancreas.
- Walnuts and macadamia nuts: Nuts are generally not suitable for dogs to eat; walnuts in particular can also be infected with a fungus that is harmful to health. Like all nuts, macadamia nuts contain unhealthy phosphorus and they carry an as yet unknown toxin that attacks the digestive system and nerves.
- Sweetener: Xylitol can quickly lower blood sugar levels and is therefore dangerous for dogs.
- Poultry bones: They can splinter and cause internal injuries.
Here you can download a list of all toxic and harmful foods that have no place on your dog's menu.
In case of emergency: What to do in case of poisoning?
If you notice that your dog has eaten one of the foods presented, there is a risk of poisoning.
The most common symptoms after consumption are: diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, tremors, cramps or fever.
Now you should not waste any time and go to the veterinary clinic.
The following information is relevant for the treating doctor: When, what and how much of the respective toxic food did your dog eat?
Further tips:
- Induce vomiting in your dog with medical assistance.
- If available: Give your dog a stomach protector.
- Charcoal tablets can help bind the poison.
How to prevent poisoning of your dog
Pay attention to your four-legged friend's diet: It's best to teach him from the start that he's not allowed to eat from the table or scavenge for supposed treats on the street. The same applies to family and friends: They shouldn't give your dog "snacks" - because not everything that's safe for us humans is also good for your dog.
You should remember this
These foods are toxic to your dog
These foods are toxic to your dog
Food emergency?
The nutrition hotline helps
If you have any questions about animal nutrition, we will be happy to help you. Call us during our service hours or send us an email with your request:
- Telephone: 0800 / 474 476 0
- Email: hotline@dr-clauder.com
These are our service times:
- Monday and Wednesday 3 - 9 pm
- Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Friday 3 - 7 pm
- Sunday 3 - 5 pm (every 1st Sunday of the month)
Also take a look at the FAQs: Maybe the answer to your question is there?
