As a fur parent, we always want the best for our furry friends! We all know that dogs are known to eat almost anything they see, but did you know that some human food is bad for our furry friends? It’s essential to know what foods to avoid as they can cause severe health problems and even death. In this blog post, we will be discussing some common human foods that are toxic to dogs and what to do if you suspect your dog has ingested them.

🍫 Chocolate

Who doesn’t love chocolates? Unfortunately, it’s not the same for our furry friends. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs. Ingesting excessive amounts of these can cause vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, seizures, and even death.

A dog looking at a chocolate bar on the floor while the owner is shouting no

🥑 Avocado

Avocado may be a superfood for humans, but it’s not the same for dogs. The flesh and pit of avocados both contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The pit is also a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockage.

A dog staring curiously at an avocado on a kitchen counter

🍇 Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are another common food that is toxic to dogs. These dehydrated fruits can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney failure in dogs. It’s essential to keep any food containing grapes and raisins out of your dog’s reach, as even small amounts can cause serious health problems.

A cartoon image of a dog eating grapes with a big X mark on it

🧅 Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are ingredients that are frequently used in human food. However, they contain sulfides that can damage red blood cells in dogs and cause anemia. This can lead to weakness, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.

A dog looking at an onion on a kitchen counter with an X mark on it

🍗 Chicken Bones

When it comes to our furry friend’s diet, bones may seem like a good source of calcium and an enjoyable snack. However, chicken bones can splinter and cause blockages or perforations in your dog’s digestive system, leading to severe health problems. It’s best to avoid feeding your dog any bones altogether.

A dog lying down, and an X mark on a chicken bone near its mouth

🥛 Milk and Dairy Products

As much as we may enjoy dairy products, our furry friends, not so much! Most dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning that they have difficulty digesting lactose, leading to diarrhea or an upset stomach. It’s best to avoid feeding them dairy products and stick to dog-friendly treats.

A dog looking at a bowl of milk with an X mark on it

⚠️ What to Do if Your Dog Ingests Something Toxic

If you suspect that your dog has ingested something toxic, contact your vet immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to toxic consumption, and it’s always better safe than sorry. Your vet will likely want to induce vomiting or ask you to bring your dog directly to their office.

Remember that prevention is always the best course of action when it comes to food toxicities in dogs. Always keep food out of reach and avoid feeding your furry friend anything off of your plate.

A dog owner holding their pet while a vet is checking its health

🐾 Wag on, Puppy!

Being a fur parent requires extra care and attention to our furry friends. Knowing what foods are toxic to dogs is the first step in ensuring that they remain healthy and happy. Being mindful of what your dog is eating and keeping a watchful eye on what they find on the ground can go a long way in keeping them safe.

A cute dog with its tongue out, wagging its tail