Sharing our food with our pets is something many of us have done. Who hasn't slipped the dog something to eat under the table or given him the scraps from our dinner plates. Below is a list of foods that we eat but which could be dangerous if eaten by your dog. Don't poison your dog by mistake.
Alcohol
No sharing your beer or gin and tonic with your dog. Alcohol is toxic to dogs. It can cause, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors and depression of the central nervous system . It can also cause death.
Avocado
Avocados can cause tummy pains and upsets including vomiting and diarrhea.
Chocolate
Your dog should never eat chocolate. Chocolate contains a stimulant diuretic called theobromine which affects the central nervous system and cardio vascular of the dog. If you believe your dog has eaten chocolate you must seek veterinary advice immediately as ingestion of chocolate can cause death. Cooking chocolate contains the most theobromine followed by dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate.
Take all precautions and ensure that you do not leave chocolate lying around. Dogs love the taste of it.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, hyperactivity muscle tremors, increased urination and increased heart rate.
Coffee and Tea
Caffeine affects the central nervous system and the heart. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning can include vomiting, a racing heart and in severe cases, death.
Fat Trimmings from Ham and other meats
Never give your dog fat trimmings from meat and especially from ham as high fat consumption could lead to a bout of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can range in severity from mild to life threatening and is an extremely painful condition. Turkey skin is also high in fat content.
Vets see an increase in pancreatitis over Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Grapes Raisins and Sultanas
Grapes and the dried variety of grapes including raisins and sultanas can cause kidney damage.
