10 Human eatables you should never feed your dog
Dogs are loving creatures and most of us dote on them and offer them the best possible care and support at home. But there are certain things that a dog owner needs to be aware of in order to prevent complications that may lead your dog into danger unknowingly. If you are a dog owner, make sure that you do not offer your dog the foods mentioned below that can only cause him a whole lot of trouble.
1. Avocados
Avocados may be good for human beings as they can fight cancer and are very nutritious. But for dogs, this vegetable becomes a bane as it contains a substance known as persin which in large quantities, can be toxic for dogs. If you grow avocados at home, make sure that your pet is kept away from them as the leaves, fruit, seed as well as the stem contain persin.
2. Alcohol
Alcohol can cause the same bad effects on a dog’s liver and brain as humans, albeit on a higher level. A small amount is enough for your dog to get nauseous and cause vomiting, breathing difficulty, problems with coordination, damage to central nervous system, coma and even death. If your dog is small in size, the results can be unfortunate.
3. Garlic and Onions
Onions and garlic given in any form, be it powdered, cooked, raw or even dehydrated can be poisonous for dogs and can cause severe anemia. Large quantities of these bulbs or frequent small quantities can both be dangerous and can cause anemic symptoms like nausea, vomiting, weakness, breathlessness and dullness.
4. Caffeinated Products
Large amounts of caffeine consumption like coffee, tea and other beverages and foods that contain caffeine can turn fatal for the dog and must be avoided at any cost. Foods like chocolates, colas, cocoa and some medications for cold and pain too contain caffeine and must be administered with care to dogs.
5. Raisins and Grapes
Many of us treat our dogs with raisins and grapes. But, they are very dangerous and can cause kidney failure if taken in excess. If your dog is vomiting continuously or looks lethargic and depressed after consuming grapes and raisins, he could be in danger and should be taken to the veterinary doctor immediately.
6. Dairy products
Milk and milk products mostly cause diarrhea and allergies in dogs just as it can cause the same to some human beings. Allergies could lead to itchiness and discomfort and hence avoid giving dairy products and milk to your dogs.
7. Candies and Gums
Sweetened products like candies, baked products, gum, toothpaste etc. contain a sweetening agent known as xylitol which causes an increase in insulin levels in dogs. This will lead to a sudden drop in blood sugar levels and may result in liver failure. Symptoms of raised insulin levels are vomiting, lack of coordination, lethargy and seizures. Avoid feeding your dog any of these things to keep him away from trouble.
8. Bones and fat trimmings
Though it is our natural instinct to give a dog a bone, it can turn dangerous if the bone splinters and causes choking hazards and laceration in the digestive system of the dog. Therefore, it is best to avoid giving such things to keep your dog safe.
Feeding your dog with table scraps too must be best avoided as it can have meat fat which can cause pancreatitis in its raw as well as cooked form.
9. Raw Eggs
Raw eggs can have salmonella and e-coli which can cause food poisoning in dogs and human beings. There is also another problem with raw eggs; raw eggs contain a particular enzyme that prevents absorption of vitamin B and leads to skin problems and damage to the dog’s coat if given frequently.
10. Raw fish and Meat
Raw fish and meat contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning in dogs. Certain fish like salmon, trout etc. contain parasites that cause salmon poisoning disease which can take your dog’s life if left untreated. If you find enlarged lymph nodes, fever and vomiting in your dog, make sure that you seek immediate medical help. Fish must be cooked well before feeding dogs.
11. Salt
Salt and salty foods in excess can cause excessive thirst and frequent urination in dogs and finally sodium ion poisoning. Tremors, vomiting, depression, diarrhea and fever are symptoms to watch out for.
12. Medicines
Many people assume that OTC drugs that are safely given to humans and children are safe for dogs as well. This is one of the most common causes of poisoning. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen which are commonly used by humans, can be fatal for dogs.
