The clichéd saying that Dog is a man’s best friend, cannot be stretched to mean that your beloved pooch can eat out of your plate. Yes, many animal rights activists may argue that separating the dog during dinner time is a crime against them, but they will all agree that dogs are essentially different from human beings, especially in matters of food. For example, we all love chocolate and know that a small amount of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is good for us and acts as an anti oxidant. However, for the dogs, the darker the chocolate, the more poisonous it can get. Chocolate has, in fact, been long acknowledged as dangerously toxic for dogs. There are many other substances that are toxic for dogs, many of which people do not know about. Read on to know what substances are toxic for your canine confidante.
Foods that are Toxic To Dogs
Hic!
Many men offer a sip of beer to their best friend but what they are doing is in fact creating an effect like – stuffing a huge ball of cotton up your dogs nose. Dogs feels intoxicated with just a little sip. Bear leads to increased heart rates, fevers, seizure and even death. So avoid drinking in front of your four legged friend and don’t give him ‘some’ as you usually do with tit bits of food scrap.
Apples, Apricots, Peaches, Cherries
All the fruits mentioned above are very healthy for us, but is poison for the dogs. These fruits contain a form of cyanide compound that poisons the dog if he eats the stems, seeds, or leaves.
Avocados
Everything in an avocado is toxic for your dog. The substance in avocados is called persin, a derivative of fatty acid. Its consumption causes difficulty in breathing, accumulation of fluid around the heart, vomiting, diarrhea, congestion, and heart failure, leading to death.
Baking Soda/ Powder
Found in almost all the kitchens. It is a combination of baking soda and a mild acid usually tartaric acid. If the dog eats large amounts it can lead to muscle spasms, electrolyte changes and congestive heart failure. Found in cakes, biscuits, and any other cooked foods at home or outside.
Chocolate
There is nothing more dangerous than chocolate for a dog. Many people are aware and take precautions, but the dogs love chocolates like humans but even one bite is dangerous. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is present naturally. The dark chocolates have more theobromine. Even a small amount gets into the dogs bloodstream can cause irregular heartbeat, diarrhea and many gastrointestinal problems, even heart attack, internal bleeding, coma and death.
Onions and Garlic
Both onions and garlic contain a chemical called thiosulphate, which make it toxic for your dog. Their level remains the same even after cooking, microwave or processing. It can cause diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, and vomiting. Dogs do not have an enzyme in their body that humans have to help digest and assimilate thiosulphate.
Fatty Foods
Dogs love fatty foods and those rich in salt. Excessive amounts can cause pancreatitis bringing on abdominal pain, acute vomiting and diarrhea.
In case of being poisoned
Do not panic. Get to your Vet ASAP! Help him to find out what your dog ate. Check if he has eaten house plants, or cleaning agents, alcohol etc.
Normally dogs eat grass to cleanse their system however, at times this does not work. Consult your vet before giving any remedy including home grown ones.
