Dogs are just like people, aren’t they?
We often say: like owner, like dog. But if we look at it from a biological perspective and zoom in on what an owner can eat and what a dog can eat, there are some crucial differences between those two. What is edible for you, may be poisonous to your dog and can make him seriously ill. In this blog, we will discuss the most common foods that you probably love to eat, but can be poisonous to your dog, so for which you should be careful!
Chocolate
Who doesn’t love a delicious piece of chocolate? Unfortunately, that same chocolate is toxic to your dog because it contains theobromine. The higher the purity of the chocolate, the more toxic it is for your dog. On the Dierenzorggids website, you can calculate the potential risk to your dog if they eat a piece of chocolate. Link: risk calculator chocolate poisoning
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can also be very dangerous for your dog and can even cause kidney failure. It is unknown which substance is present in grapes and is therefore toxic to your dog. It also appears that sensitivity to raisins varies greatly in different dog breeds.
Avocado
Avocados contain persin, a substance that is toxic to dogs. In large doses, it can even cause more serious problems such as pancreatitis and heart failure. This substance is mainly present in the skin and pit of the fruit.
Nuts
Some nuts can cause neurological problems in dogs, such as:
- Macadamia nuts, which are very toxic to dogs.
- Walnuts, especially black walnuts, can be toxic to dogs due to the traces of mycotoxins that can be present in the nuts and therefore cause neurological problems.
- Bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which is converted to cyanide in the body.
Fruit Seeds
The seeds in stone fruits such as peaches, plums, cherries, and apricots are highly toxic to dogs, but the seeds in apples and pears can also contain harmful substances. The seeds of many fruits contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sweetener often used in chewing gum and toothpaste, but it is also increasingly used as a sweetener in many other foods. This substance can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) by causing a rapid release of insulin in the body. Xylitol, while safe for human consumption, can quickly lead to liver damage in dogs. Xylitol can be dangerous for your dog even in very small amounts.
Raw Potatoes and Unripe Tomatoes
These contain solanine, which is also toxic to dogs. In raw potatoes, the skin and shoots in particular contain solanine. Cooked potatoes are usually not a problem. In unripe tomatoes, the substance solanine is mainly found in the green parts, stems, and crowns.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be harmful to dogs because their bodies cannot break down alcohol effectively. Beer is especially dangerous for dogs because it contains hops, which are also toxic to dogs.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
If your dog has eaten any of the foods mentioned above and develops the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, dilated pupils, coordination problems, tremors, shaking, or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.
