Best to remember – dark chocolate, especially baker’s chocolate, is the worst when it comes to this type of “poisoning”. Chocolate contains a substance called Theobromine (similar to caffeine), which in toxic doses can cause heart attacks. As little as 2 oz baker’s chocolate can be fatal for a small dog. If you suspect your dog has gotten into chocolate call your vet immediately.
Surprisingly, this is a toxic fruit for dogs. They contain an unknown toxin, which can cause acute renal (kidney) failure. As little as a handful at a time can be deadly.
A substance in onions, disulphide, is
harmless to humans but toxic to not only dogs but cats, horses, sheep and
cattle. It causes haemolytic anaemia, and as little as 2 slices a week can
damage red blood cells, impairing their ability to carry oxygen.
NOTE: Garlic and onion are in the same family, while
small amounts of garlic will not harm your dog, too much is not good.
In small amounts liver is very good for your dog (less than 3 servings a week). Large amounts cause vitamin A toxicity (hypervitaminosis A). This can lead to bone problems, weight loss and anorexia. Also, never feed liver if your dog is taking vitamin A supplements, and always cook it before feeding.
Be aware that cooked bones (eg from the Sunday roast, chicken, turkey, etc) can form sharp splinters when chewed on by a dog. These splinters can lodge in the throat, or worse, the intestines, in which case, they can perforate the lining causing internal bleeding and possibly death.
Please see "Ingestion of sharp objects" in the First Aid section for emergency treatment.
Cooked eggs are a very healthy treat for dogs, raw egg whites contain a protein called Avidin. This protein depletes your dog of B vitamins, specifically Biotin, which is essential to growth and coat condition. Also, raw eggs may contain bacteria, such as Salmonella.
It is best to avoid pork, especially bacon (which contains sodium nitrate).
For your information, 50% of dogs are lactose intolerant (just like people!) – they don’t produce the enzyme Lactase, therefore they are unable to break down Lactose (milk sugar). This can cause gas, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort.
Walnuts can cause gastroenteritis and are considered poisonous to dogs. Macadamia nuts contain an unknown compound, which can cause muscle tremors, weakness and paralysis of the hindquarters – luckily these symptoms last a short time. In general, nuts are high in phosphorus and may contribute to the formation of bladder stones.
NOTE: Peanuts are a legume, “from the earth”, not
grown on trees. They are not harmful when used in small amounts.
Cooked and mashed potatoes are good for dogs. However, poisonous alkaloids (Solanum) are present in green sprouts and green potato skins.
NOTE: Poisonings occur in people as well as dogs!
Stems and leaves contain oxalates, which can cause bladder stones.
NOTE: The fruit itself is not the culprit, however high
amounts of vitamin C can cause gastrointestinal distress.
This plant (especially the leaves) also contains oxalates.
Known to cause acute Pancreatitis in dogs.
Found in the seeds of apples, pears, plums, peaches and apricots – ALL CONTAIN CYANIDE!
Is a hallucinogen in dogs.
Just be careful that the baby food you are feeding doesn’t contain onion powder – some do. See onion poisoning for more information.
Store bought mushrooms are fine, but do you really want you’re dog to develop a taste for them when they could find the poisonous types when out on walks?
There has been a bit of confusion where broccoli is concerned. Broccoli is very good for dogs, however, if the daily intake exceeds more than 10% of the animals diet – problems can occur. The toxic substance is isothiocyanate and can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
NOTE: Broccoli toxicity was first noted in dairy cattle
raised in California. When there was an over abundant broccoli crop, it was fed
to the cattle. Problems may have occurred because cattle have rumens and digest
things much more thoroughly, therefore taking in more of the toxic substance.