Some human foods that should not be consumed by dogs, and most of us justify that a little won’t hurt, or we don’t even think of the potential danger at all. But the truth is that human food can be harmful to your pet, and in some cases, can be fatal. It’s important to know how certain foods can be unsafe so that you can avoid them for the sake of your animal.
Here is how a few of some of the most common “human foods” become harmful for pets:
Intoxicating Beverages, Such as Beer, Wine, Spirits:
Consumption of these beverages may lead to coma or possibly death. Symptoms of alcoholic beverage overdose may include excitement, depression, sadness, stumbling, cardiac arrest, and death.
Chocolate, Tea, Coffee, Coffee Beans and other foods containing caffeine:
Their content of caffeine, theophylline, or theobromine. Caffeine is one of the greatest culprits because it contains an alkaloid called theobromine. Theobromine acts as a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic, which in turn can cause a heart attack or other heart and nervous system problems in animals.. Chocolate overdose symptoms may include, excessive panting, hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and death.
Grapes, Raisins:
Kidney failure may be caused by an unknown toxin which is present in grapes in raisins. Symptoms of poisoning from grapes or raisins may include abdominal pain, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, and a halt in the production of urine. Ingestion by your pet may be fatal and even cause death.
Onions and Garlic:
Onions and garlic are potentially harmful due to the fact that both contain thiosulphate, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in cats and dogs. Of the two, onions are the most toxic, as consumption of simply one serving by your pet could result in anemia. Symptoms include anemia, lethargy, weakness, discolored urine, diarrhea, and vomiting. Processed, fresh, cooked, and powdered forms should be avoided.
Milk
Milk can harm your pet due to the fact that many dogs and cats tend to be lactose intolerant. The consumption of milk and milk products by a lactose intolerant pet creates a breeding ground for bacteria, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Bones
Bones, although commonly known as a great treat for your dog, are potentially very dangerous for pets. Once eaten, bones can splinter and get stuck in the intestines, causing damage or fatality. In most splinter cases, the bones must be removed surgically.
Macadamia Nuts:
An unknown toxin present in macadamia nuts may experience undesired affects of the nervous and digestive systems. They may also have negative affects on muscles. Symptoms may include muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, sadness, gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and lethargy.
Mushrooms:
Different mushrooms contain different toxins which affect several body systems. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, shock, kidney failure, liver failure, hallucinations, diarrhea, vomiting, coma, and even death.
Prevention is the key, keeping these foods away from your pet to avoid possible toxic poisoning and overdose. If your dog is suspected of eating any of these foods get them to a veterinarian immediately.
