Harmful Substances and Foods for Dogs

There are several typical foods that dogs cannot consume, as well as potentially toxic non-food items like plants.  You may be familiar with some of these, but others may surprise you.

Many human-safe foods, medications, and plants can be poisonous to our dogs.  In actuality, dogs may be killed by certain everyday home objects.

This thorough guide was created to teach you about toxic foods for dogs, plants to stay away from, and chemicals to always keep out of your four-legged friend's reach.  You might be surprised by some of the things on this list!

 

What foods can't dogs eat?

We all like giving our dogs treats from time to time!  Some meals for humans are okay in moderation, whereas others should be completely avoided.  Dogs should avoid the following foods:

 

Certain fruits and vegetables

Dogs may safely consume little amounts of many fruits and vegetables, but if they are not sliced into small pieces and eaten under supervision, they can choke.  However, even in little doses, the following foods can be extremely hazardous and should be avoided:

• Raisins.
• Sultanas.
• Grapes.
• Onions.
• Garlic.
• Some kinds of wild mushrooms.

Other plants that, if consumed in significant amounts, can be poisonous to dogs include:

• Rhubarb (mainly leaves).
• Potato leaves and stems.
• Tomato leaves and stems.
• Apple seeds, Cherry pits, Apricots pits, Peach pits, present a small risk only but can cause obstructions in the digestive system.

 

Other potentially harmful foods for dogs

• Macadamia nuts.
• walnuts.
• Chocolate.
• Coffee.
• Tea.
• Alcohol.
• Xylitol - often found in certain types of peanut butter and chewing gum.
• Bread dough.

 

Which chemicals are bad for your dog?

There are a number of toxins around your house that might hurt your dog, so it’s crucial to know what they are so you can keep your pet away.

Cleaning agents:- If your dog is really interested, install kid locks and store cleaning supplies behind closed doors because many of them are harmful to dogs.  While some chemicals could just produce a slight upset stomach, others might be lethal or cause serious burns to the tongue, lips, and stomach.

Pest control products:- Products used for pest control might be quite harmful.  For instance, dogs who consume some kinds of rat poison may get severe bleeding and anaemia.  Put rat or mouse baits, ant or cockroach traps or snail and slug baits in places your dog cannot reach if you're using them around your house or yard.

Medication:- Never give your dog any medicine unless your veterinarian has prescribed or advised it.  Even modest dosages of human medicine can be harmful to dogs.  These consist of cold cures, antidepressants, anti-cancer medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, ibuprofen and other pain relievers, and diet tablets.  All medications should be kept out of your dog's reach, ideally in a locked cabinet.

Household items:- Even in little amounts, a number of everyday home objects have the potential to be harmful to dogs.  While some of these can clog the gastrointestinal tract, others are harmful.  These include: cigarettes, ground coffee, alcoholic beverages, coins (which contain a lot of zinc), mothballs, potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dishwashing machines (which contain cationic detergents that can cause corrosive lesions), batteries (which contain acids or alkali that can also cause corrosive lesions), homemade play dough (which contains a lot of salt), and winter heat source agents like hand or foot warmers (which contain a lot of iron).

Car products:- Oil, petrol and antifreeze are examples of car materials that should be stored correctly, out of your dog's reach.  Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) in particular should be avoided as it can be alluring to dogs and can be fatal if consumed.  Because some individuals put antifreeze on their routes or spill it on the ground when filling their engine's cooling system, exercise particular 

caution throughout the winter.  Washing your dog's feet after a stroll is a smart idea in case they lick their paws.

Flea and tick products:- When using flea and tick products on your pet, always heed the advise of the veterinarian and the manufacturer.  Make sure you offer the right dosage and never give items that have been prescribed for a different pet or species.  When given to the incorrect species, certain drugs can be fatal, and an overdose can cause neurological signs including seizures.

Pay great attention to the directions and read any product information.  Before using it, ask your veterinarian or the manufacturer for clarification if you have any questions.  The same is true for home sprays; carefully read the directions and keep all pets out of the area for the duration indicated on the bottle.

Fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides:- Always carefully follow the manufacturer's directions when applying fertilisers, herbicides, or insecticides to your lawn or garden, and keep your dog away from the treated area.  This will continue at least until the product is totally dry, though sometimes more time is required.  Keep these items securely out of your dog's reach.

Pollutants:- Use caution while using any home items, such as paints, varnishes, cleaning supplies, or pesticides, that may contain contaminants that might be harmful to your health.  Additionally, be mindful of any fungi and microorganisms present in humidifiers, air ducts, filters, and air conditioners.  Provide lots of airflow and keep your dog away from the polluted area.  Because of their lead concentration, caulking compounds, paint, and linoleum should all be removed with great care and must always be completely cleaned up afterward.  If your dog exhibits any symptoms of ingestion, such as vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea, lack of appetite, impaired muscular coordination, blindness, or seizures, call your veterinarian right once.

 

Poisonous plants for dogs

The list of toxic plants for dogs is provided below; if you have any in your garden or house, keep an eye out for your dog and decide whether to get rid of them.

Although the list isn't all-inclusive, your veterinarian may provide you with further details:

• Aloe Vera.
• Apple (seeds).
• Apricot (pit).
• Autumn Crocus.
• Cherry (seeds and wilting leaves).
• Daffodil.
• Eater Lily.
• Elephant Ears.
• English Ivy, Poison Ivy, Devil's Ivy and other ivies.
• Foxglove.
• Geranium.
• Marijuana.
• Narcissus.
• Oleander.
• Oriental Lily.
• Peach (wilting leaves and pits).
• Primrose.
• Rhododendron.
• Tomato Plant (green fuit, stem and leaves).
• Yew.
• Amaryllis.
• Azalea.
• Bird of Paradies.
• Clematis.
• Cyclamen.
• Eucalyptus.
• Indian Rubber Plant.
• Lily of the Valley.
• Mistletoe.
• Nightshade.
• Onion.
• Peace Lily.
• Poinsettia (low toxicity).
• Swiss Cheese Plant.
• Tiger Lily.
• Weeping Fig.

You should always consult your veterinarian right away to get advice and direction if you are worried that your dog may have consumed toxic foods, poisonous plants, or anything else that might be dangerous.

Now you’ve learned all about poisonous foods for dogs, find out what treats are safe with our guide to healthy dog treats for training, next.