Food items that are perfectly suitable for other animals or human consumption can pose a serious threat to your pet’s health and well-being. This happens because all animals have very different rates of metabolism. Here is a list of foods that are toxic for your pet.

  • Alcohol

It affects central nervous system. Symptoms like breathing difficulty, abnormal blood activity, decreased coordination, vomiting, and diarrhea may appear. At extreme levels – tremors, coma and even death can be caused by alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol. Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol.

  • Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine

All these products contain a substance called methylxanthines. Health problems like vomiting and diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, abnormal heart rhythm, panting, hyperactivity, seizures and even death can be caused by Methylxanthines. Note that dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate.

  • Citrus

Citrus plants contain varying amount of citric acid in the stems, leaves, peels, fruit, and seeds. If ingested in significant amounts essential oils can cause irritation and dizziness.

  • Grapes and Raisins

Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. It is best to avoid feeding grapes and raisins to dogs until more information is known about the toxic substance.

  • Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

  • Milk or Dairy Products

Milk and other dairy-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset as pets do not possess a significant amount of lactase.

  • Nuts

Nuts including almonds, pecans, and walnuts contain high amounts of oils and fats. The fats can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in pets.

  • Onions, Garlic, Chives

These vegetables and herbs could lead to red blood cell damage and can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if they’re consumed in large amounts.

While there are many foods which are unsafe and potentially poisonous when ingested by your dog there are certainly some human foods that are safe to feed your dog. As a general rule of thumb, it is far better to be safe than sorry so avoid feeding your dog any human food unless recommended by your vet.

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