Dangerous Foods for Dogs

Everyone knows that chocolate is bad for dogs, but did you know that there are plenty of other foods that can also hurt your dog?

If your four-legged friend is begging at the dinner table, you might want to think about what you're giving them before you hand over your food.

Keep reading to discover which foods have been proven dangerous. You protect your dog by keeping their collar updated, using leashes and electric pet fences, and teaching them how to behave around other animals. Protecting your dog by paying attention to what they're eating (and getting them treated immediately) is another step in keeping your pets safe and healthy!

Chocolate, of course; is a well-known toxin and has been proven to cause heart problems in dogs. A dog who has eaten a toxic dose of chocolate will start to vomit and become hyperactive. Untreated, a dog with too much chocolate in their system can develop a serious heart arrhythmia. To be extra safe, keep your chocolate in an airtight container your pet can't open!

Grapes & Raisins. Grapes and raisins are a very serious threat to dogs, but often unknown to most pet owners. While veterinarians haven't yet determined what causes the toxicity to dogs, the results have been proven: grapes cause acute kidney failure in dogs. It happens so fast, many owners don't have any idea why their animal is sick.

Symptoms of grape or raisin ingestion include: vomiting, diarrhea, food refusal, and abdominal pain.

Onions & Garlic. These particular ingredients (and their close cousins leeks and chives) are extremely toxic to both dogs and cats, and in fact, because they usually weigh less, cats and small dogs are much more sensitive.

When a dog eats one of these in enough quantity, they can develop anemia. Symptoms include: lethargy, pale skin, food refusal, and elevated heart and breathing rates.

Macadamia Nuts. Your favorite cookie or chocolate treat could be extra dangerous to your dog. While no one is sure what aspect of the nuts cause the toxicity, the symptoms are clear: muscle spasms, muscle and joint pain, and even temporary paralysis in the hindquarters.

The best way to keep your dog safe from these poisonous foods is to keep them far out of reach! If your pet does ingest one of these foods or you notice symptoms, take them to the vet immediately for quick treatment.