Hidden Pet Killers: Everyday Foods That Can Make Your Dog Ill

Every pet owner wants to keep their dog safe from harm and will go out of their way to do so. But how many people realise that toxins can be found in the most unexpected foods in your home.

For many people it can come as a big surprise that many of the foods that humans eat can be highly toxic to their pets. One well known toxic food is chocolate. In fact it is not actually chocolate itself that is poisonous to dogs but a naturally occurring compound it contains which is called theobromine. This can also be found in tea and coffee and other caffeine containing substances.

Effects of theobromine vary according to the size and breed of dog so smaller dogs are usually much more susceptible. Symptoms can include epilepsy, vomiting, diarrhea, internal bleeding and heart arrhythmias possibly leading to a heart attack. Generally speaking over 200mg of theobromine per kg is needed to kill a dog, with milk chocolate containing 44-66 mg/oz and dark chocolate 450 mg/oz it is wise to keep dark chocolate out of the way. If your dog has a real weakness for chocolate, pet supplies stores often carry a wide selection of specially formulated dog chocolate.

Other foods which can also be toxic dogs include apple seeds and apricot kernels- both of which contain cyanide. Grapes and raisins have been found to be linked to kidney failure in pets and nuts which contain high levels of phosphorus can lead to bladder stones whilst walnuts are especially toxic and can cause seizures.

Your vegetable drawer holds some terrible offenders; potato peelings and shoots and tomato leaves both contain alkaloids which can affect the nervous and digestive system. Luckily this is fairly rare and as long as you keep an eye out for green skins on your potatoes it is highly unlikely to affect your dog. Raw onions on the other hand have been shown to be linked to haemolytic anaemia and should be kept out of a dogs reach. Perhaps the worst offender amongst the vegetables is avocado; the fruit and pith of which lead to vomiting, diarrhea and laboured breathing and can even be fatal.

Finally some of the most surprising foods which should be avoided include fat trimmings which can lead to pancreatitis and liver which can lead to Vitamin A poisoning affecting muscles and bones.

Signs of poisoning in dogs: Signs to look out for that your dog has been poisoned include lethargy (if your dog does not appear to want to get up from its dog bed ), weakness, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excitability, seizures, dilated pupils, dizziness, rapid or laboured breathing and fever. It is important to realise that even non-fatal poisoning can lead to heart defects, kidney damage and other long term issues.

If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned you should immediately contact your vet. Do not give any dog food and do not attempt to make your pet vomit unless instructed to do so by your vet.