Foods that are toxic to your dog

Many of the common foods we eat can be toxic to our dogs. To make it easier to navigate the information, here's a list of foods that can be life-threatening for your dog. If your dog has eaten any of these, contact a vet for advice.

Chocolate and cocoa

Chocolate and cocoa are toxic to your dog because they contain theobromine, a substance dogs can't break down, which can lead to poisoning. The severity depends on factors like cocoa content, quantity ingested, and your dog's age and weight.

If your dog eats chocolate, call your vet straight away for advice, even if they seem alert. Symptoms, which usually appear within 2-6 hours (but can take up to 24), include vomiting, shaking, excessive salivation, heart palpitations, diarrhoea, cramps, and abdominal pain (which might present as a reluctance to eat).

Raisins and grapes

Both raisins and grapes are very dangerous. Ingesting them can lead to acute kidney failure. All types are harmful, and sensitivity varies between dogs. There's no confirmed link between the amount ingested and poisoning. Acute kidney failure is serious, requiring prompt action. Sadly, mortality rates remain high even with quick treatment. Contact a vet immediately if poisoning is suspected. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, vomiting (2-48 hours after ingestion), diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and weakness.

Acute kidney failure is a very serious condition and you must act quickly. Unfortunately, despite prompt treatment, the mortality rate in dogs is high. If poisoning is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately. Your dog may experience increased thirst and urination, vomiting that occurs 2-48 hours after ingestion of grapes/russin, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy and weakness.

Onion

Onions, both raw and cooked, contain allicin, which is toxic and can cause anaemia. It's hard to say how much causes poisoning. This is especially important if you give your dog leftovers, as human food often contains onions. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, cramps, loss of appetite, breathing difficulties, pale mucous membranes, and abdominal pain.

Nuts

Nuts can get lodged in your dog's throat or intestines, so home first aid can make a big difference. Salty nuts can cause salt poisoning. Some nuts, like bitter almonds and macadamia nuts, are also poisonous. Watch out for loss of appetite, vomiting, bloody stools, impaired liver function, diarrhoea, stomach problems, wobbliness, lethargy, and paralysis.

Diets containing yeast

If your dog eats dough that contains yeast, it will ferment in their stomach, producing alcohol and causing intoxication. This can be a life-threatening condition. Always keep dough completely out of your dog's reach. If your dog has ingested dough, contact a veterinarian.

Salt

If your dog drinks salt water or eats salty food, they can suffer from salt poisoning. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, stiffness, cramps, and tenderness.

Spices

Spices can be deadly, especially garlic and onion powder. Chamomile, leeks, and chives should also be avoided.

Xylitol

Xylitol is commonly found in everyday products like toothpaste, chewing gum, low-calorie foods, and sweets. It's dangerous because it lowers blood sugar levels and can cause poisoning. Tolerance varies, so avoid giving your dog anything containing xylitol. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, tremors, convulsions, and loss of consciousness.

Fungus

Like humans, dogs can become very ill or even die from ingesting certain fungi. Be careful and watch your dog when outdoors. If you suspect they've eaten poisonous mushrooms, contact a vet as soon as possible. Symptoms usually include vomiting, diarrhoea, and trembling.

Avocado

Avocado contains a substance called persin, which is toxic to dogs and most other animals. Persin can damage the heart and gastrointestinal tract. Common symptoms are vomiting, apathy, and diarrhoea.

Fava beans or broad beans

Fava beans or broad beans can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain in your dog.

Contact your vet

If you're worried your dog has eaten something poisonous, always consult a vet. To help them provide the best advice, let them know what your dog ingested and in what quantity. Poisoning can happen quickly, so it's better to consult a vet than wait too long.