We think nothing of passing titbits to that little thing waiting expectantly under the dinner table. But there are quite a few foods — which we eat on a daily basis — that dogs can’t digest, resulting in upset stomachs and in extreme cases, even death. Here are some food related tips that can help you take care of your dog better.
Chocolate:
This is a big one. Chocolates and dogs are not made for each other. So however much your pet begs for it. Don’t give in. According to pawbuzz.com, chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which fall under the methylxanthines category. In dogs, chocolate can cause vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pains, severe agitation, muscle tremors, irregular heart rhythm, elevated body temperature, seizures and death.
Garlic:
Garlic is more harmful to dogs than onions as it contains compounds that are strong in toxicity. Your dog will be tired and reluctant to move. Their urine will be orange to dark red in colour. Like with onions, a blood transfusion might be required in severe cases.
Grapes and raisins:
The innocuous grape (and raisins) is toxic to dogs and can lead to rapid kidney failure in some dogs (though not all). Dogs will also develop dehydration and lack of appetite. Death from kidney failure may occur within three to four days.
Onions:
Onions can damage red blood cells in dogs causing them to become weaker and move around less. Even a blood transfusion might become necessary.
Milk:
Like humans, many dogs are lactose intolerant. While they can digest milk as puppies, it is unadvisable to give it to adult dogs as milk contains milk sugar that dogs don’t have the enzymes to break down. Consumption of milk could lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal problems. While it’s not immediately life-threatening, it can contribute to serious bacterial exposure in dogs that could eventually lead to diseases.
Cheese:
Like milk, dogs can’t digest cheese as they don’t have the enzymes to break it down. Symptoms like gas, diarrhoea and vomiting can occur if a dog eats too much cheese.
Caffeine:
While one would not give coffee to dogs normally, don’t try it as a prank. Coffee contains a stimulant known as Methylated xanthine. It stimulates the nervous system in dogs, causing vomiting, restlessness, heart palpitations and even death.
...and there’s Bacon:
This is important, because will dog will go crazy with the smell of bacon, especially if you are not sharing. Don’t. Foods rich in fat, like bacon, can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Once a dog has developed pancreatitis, their pancreas’ become inflamed and stop functioning correctly.
Other foods to keep your dog away from: Macadamia nuts, avocados, apple core and yeast dough.
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