Everyday Food and Drink That are Toxic to Dogs

Dogs can be Harmed by Ingesting Certain Common People Foods

Nov 9, 2009

Humans have close relationships with dogs, and at times share food with their pets; however, products that are safe for human consumption can be harmful to dogs.

Whether dogs are given people food and drink, or not, the opportunities for them to ingest alcohol and coffee; onions; grapes or raisins; and macadamia nuts, are abundant. Pet owners need to be aware of these common toxic culprits; symptoms they produce; and ways dogs can access them. How toxic these products are depends on many factors, such as the size of the dog and amount of product ingested.

Alcoholic Beverages

The effects alcohol has on people can have the same effect on dogs; however, since dogs are smaller than people, the effects can be much more severe in dogs. Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, which in small doses may be harmless in humans, but can be harmful when consumed by animals. Dogs can lap up alcohol from discarded bottles and cans. After ingesting alcohol, dogs may be in danger of slow respiratory rate, seizure, and cardiac arrest.

Coffee

Another drink product that can be problematic for dogs is coffee. Coffee grounds and beans contain caffeine; that can be potentially harmful to dogs. Other products that contain caffeine are soda and tea. A trash can without a lid or open lid that contains coffee grounds can be enticing for dogs. Hyperactivity, restlessness, and increased urination may be signs of caffeine toxicity.

Onions

Onions are considered toxic food for dogs. Toxicity can occur from ingesting this vegetable because dogs lack the necessary enzyme to break down thiosulfate, a chemical found in onions. Feeding a dog food that contains onions, such as pizza or hamburger, could lead to problems. Symptoms of onion toxicity are vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal pain

Grapes and Raisins

Dogs sometimes beg for people food; however, grapes and raisins can be harmful to dogs. According to the ASPCA , the “toxic substance within grapes and raisins is not known, but there is evidence they can cause kidney failure.”

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are known to be toxic to dogs. While baking cookies, if macadamia nuts should happen to fall on the floor, a dog could snatch them before anyone could stop he/her. Dogs who have ingested macadamia nuts may experience vomiting, abdominal pain, and tremors.

Because alcoholic beverages, coffee, onions, grapes, raisins, and macadamia nuts are harmful to dogs, caution must be exercised to make sure they do not have access to these foods. Ingesting the products can have harmful, if not devastating affects for dogs. If you suspect your dog has ingested toxic food or drink, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.

The copyright of the article Everyday Food and Drink That are Toxic to Dogs in Dogs is owned by Debbie Baughman. Permission to republish Everyday Food and Drink That are Toxic to Dogs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.