Toxic Foods for Dogs

Understand what foods are toxic foods for dogs. Dog poisoning is most typically a result of dog food poisoning. Being able to identify the symptoms of dog poisoning can result in effective treatment.

Many items suitable for human consumption are toxic foods for dogs. For example, a canine accidentally lapping up a spilled beer may not simply become intoxicated; the result may be dog poisoning and, potentially, death.

This type of situation is regrettable, and can be avoided when you know what common household items to keep away from your pooch. Something as simple as your dog snatching the baby food jar from the trash, for example, can really wreak havoc on your dog because of onion powder content. Too much onion powder leads to diarrhea, vomiting, and possible anemia. Real onions are even worse. Symptoms may not begin until days after ingestion; making it very difficult to diagnose the cause.

Innocently munching on the cat's food isn't good for him either, as cats need a much higher amount of fat and protein than dogs do. Having said that, a small nibble isn't a critical situation. It is a good idea, however, to feed cats and dogs in separate areas.

Many dog owners know to keep chocolate away from dogs, but did you know that caffeine is just as dangerous? Both stimulate the heart and act as a diuretic. Symptoms of dog poisoning in this case include labored breathing, fever, seizures, and diarrhea.

Some fruits, like grapes and/or raisins, may also make your dog sick, but usually he or she will have to eat a lot (around a pound or more) to become lethargic and vomit.

What about tossing your doggie a bone? Well, if you're not careful bones (specifically those from chicken and fish) might cut into a dog's digestive system. This may result in needing surgery to correct the damage. Note: Raw meat advocates say that chicken bones are perfectly fine, and even good, for dogs. Discuss your dog's diet with your veterinarian and only feed your dog what your vet approves.

There are a lot of other toxic foods for dogs, along with a variety of environmental concerns like plants they might nibble on, or even household chemicals. Since we are not home 24-7 to make sure our dogs stay away from everything harmful, it's good to dog-proof your home, and also to know what signs to watch for that indicate your dog may be poisoned. These indicators include:

• irratic behavior;
• rashes;
• moping around;
• sleeping extensively;
• throwing up;
• diarrhea;
• not eating;
• staggering;
• over-stimulated startle reflex;
• labored breathing;
• tremors or seizures;
• trouble urinating (too little / too much).

Normally, signs of poisoning happen within 48-72 hours of coming into contact with the component. Get your dog to the vet ASAP (the sooner you act, the less damage will be done). If you can narrow down what might have caused the problem, it will help your veterinarian greatly in diagnosing the cause, and the best treatment.

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