The Hidden Dangers: Foods That Can Harm Your Dog
As pet owners, we often enjoy sharing our meals with our furry companions, but it's essential to remember that some foods we love can be dangerous or even toxic to dogs. Our canine friends have different digestive systems and metabolisms compared to humans, making certain foods harmful to their health. In this article, we'll explore several common foods that can pose serious risks to your dog's well-being.
- Chicken Bones
First, it is important to note that dogs are omnivores, meaning that they can consume both meat and vegetables. However, it is essential to ensure that any human foods given to your dog are safe and appropriate for their digestive system. In the case of chicken on the bone, there are potential risks and benefits to consider.
Chicken bones, especially cooked ones, are extremely hazardous for dogs. Cooked bones can splinter easily, causing choking, mouth injuries, or internal punctures in the digestive tract. These injuries can lead to severe pain, infections, or even life-threatening conditions like gastrointestinal obstructions.
Another potential risk is the risk of bacterial contamination. Raw chicken, in particular, can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs and humans alike. Cooked chicken on the bone is generally safer, as cooking can kill any harmful bacteria, but it is still important to handle and store the chicken properly to avoid contamination.
On the other hand, chicken can provide a range of health benefits for dogs.
Chicken is a lean source of protein that is high in essential nutrients such as vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, and phosphorus. These nutrients are important for your dog's overall health, including their immune system, skin, and coat.
Dogs in some third-world countries scavenge for food, including bones, as part of their diet. However, domesticated dogs in the UK and other developed countries have evolved to have more sensitive digestive systems and are not equipped to handle bones in the same way as their wild or scavenging counterparts.
So, is chicken on the bone bad for dogs? The answer depends on how it is prepared and served. Raw chicken on the bone is not recommended, as it can contain harmful bacteria and pose a choking hazard. Cooked chicken on the bone can be safe, but it is important to remove the bones before feeding it to your dog to avoid any potential injuries.
It is important to handle and store chicken properly to avoid contamination, and to remove any bones before feeding it to your dog. If you have any concerns or questions about feeding your dog chicken on the bone, it is best to consult with your veterinarian.
2. Avocado
Avocado contains a substance called Persin, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Persin is found in the leaves, seed, and fruit of avocados and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and pancreatitis in dogs. The pit of the avocado also presents a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages if ingested. It's best to keep avocados away from your dog's reach and avoid sharing guacamole or other avocado-containing dishes with them.
3. Sweetcorn
While sweetcorn itself is not toxic to dogs, the way it's often served—on the cob—can be dangerous. Dogs may be tempted to chew and swallow the cob, which can cause intestinal blockages requiring surgical intervention to remove. If you want to share sweetcorn with your dog, it's safer to remove the kernels from the cob and feed them in small amounts as an occasional treat.
4. Chocolate
Chocolate contains substances called theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous due to their higher concentrations of these compounds. Ingestion of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and even death in severe cases. It's crucial to keep all chocolate and chocolate-containing products out of reach of dogs.
5. Chewing Gum
Many sugar-free chewing gums and candies contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs. Xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia), seizures, liver failure, and death. Even small amounts of xylitol can be harmful to dogs, so it's essential to keep all chewing gum, candies, and other products containing xylitol out of reach of pets.
6. Variety of Nuts
While some nuts are safe for dogs in moderation, others can be toxic. Macadamia nuts, in particular, are dangerous and can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. Other nuts, such as walnuts and pecans, can cause intestinal blockages due to their high-fat content. Additionally, the salt and seasoning on some nuts can upset a dog's stomach. It's best to avoid feeding nuts to your dog altogether to prevent potential health problems.
7. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. The exact toxic substance in grapes and raisins is not yet identified, but ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and ultimately, kidney failure. It's best to keep all grapes and raisins away from dogs, including foods containing them as ingredients.
8. Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, and other members of the allium family (including chives and leeks) contain a substance called Thiosulphate which can cause damage to a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. Ingestion of onions and garlic can cause weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, and difficulty breathing. Large quantities of these foods can be particularly dangerous. Avoid feeding your dog any foods containing onions, garlic, or related ingredients.
9. Alcohol
Alcohol, whether in the form of alcoholic beverages or food products containing alcohol, can be toxic to dogs. Ingestion of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, and death. Dogs are much more sensitive to alcohol than humans, so it's essential to keep all alcoholic beverages and products away from pets.
10. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products, including gum, candies, baked goods, and toothpaste. Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia) and liver failure in dogs. Ingestion of xylitol can be life-threatening, even in small amounts. Always check labels for xylitol content and keep all products containing xylitol out of reach of dogs.
In addition to these specific foods, it’s important to keep other common household items out of reach of your dog. For example, some houseplants can be toxic to dogs, including lilies, aloe vera, and ivy. Certain medications can also be dangerous for dogs, including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and antidepressants.
In conclusion, while it's tempting to share our meals and treats with our dogs, it's vital to be aware of the potential dangers posed by certain foods. By educating ourselves about toxic foods for dogs and taking precautions to keep these items out of reach, we can help ensure the safety and well-being of our beloved canine companions. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance and treatment. Prevention is key when it comes to protecting our pets from food-related hazards.
In addition, teaching your dog cues such as 'leave' and 'drop' should be high on the priority list when it comes to training. These cues are invaluable in keeping your pup safe once they start to explore the world with their mouths. We recommend Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy by Steve Mann for more information about how to do this. Also, we recommend completing a dog first aid course to give you the skills necessary to deal with any issues discussed in this article. Canine Principles are a great online school meaning you can educate yourself in your own time around work.
