People-Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dogs

TALLAHASSEE, FL - Easter is coming up, and many people will be gathering with their families for dinner, brunch, or just to celebrate the holiday. As with all holidays, it is important to know which foods can and cannot be given to pets. Not everyone gives human food to their dogs, but it is still good to know what foods you should be keeping away from them.  

Chocolate is one of the most notorious foods to keep away from dogs. It contains theobromine, a chemical that dogs cannot metabolize properly. Chocolate also contains caffeine, which can store high concentrations of methylxanthine, another toxic chemical for dogs. 

Common symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs include diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, panting, and rapid heart rate. More severe symptoms are abnormal heart rhythm, muscle tremors, and seizures. Severity depends on a few factors, such as the size and health of a dog as well as the type of chocolate. Dark chocolate contains more theobromine and caffeine than milk chocolate. Any children who receive a chocolate bunny as a gift should make sure not to leave them unattended.

Coffee is also dangerous to dogs for its caffeine content. Coffee can affect a number of dogs’ organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs. The higher the caffeine content of a drink, the more toxic it can be for dogs. If your dog manages to get a small drink of your coffee or tea, it will likely be fine, but make sure to look out for any symptoms or odd behaviors. 

Alcoholic drinks or food containing alcohol should be kept away from dogs. Alcohol can cause a number of symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, coma, or even death. Alcohol is absorbed soon after ingestion, so contact a veterinarian as soon as possible if your dog is exposed to it.

Uncooked yeast dough is very harmful for a dog’s digestive system. The dough can rise in their stomach, accumulating gas and causing their stomach to swell painfully. Alcohol is also created as a by-product, leading to aforementioned problems with alcohol poisoning. 

Like chocolate, grapes, currants, and raisins are also foods commonly known as poisonous to dogs. The exact compound that causes the toxicity is unknown, but it is understood that grapes can cause complications with dogs’ kidneys which can lead to kidney failure. Avoid your dog consuming grapes at all costs.

Onions, chives, garlic, and leeks, all members of the Allium genus of plant, can cause your dog to experience red blood cell damage, which can lead to anemia. Signs of poisoning will start to show within 24 hours of consumption, such as lethargy, difficulty breathing, and pale gums. These vegetables are used very often when cooking, so do not feed your dog foods that use them. 

There are other foods that you should not allow your dog to eat, but these are some of the most common they can come into contact with. If you are unsure if a certain food is unsafe for dogs, err on the side of caution and keep it away from them.