Lucey Knight
Dogs love to eat just about anything, especially people food. They just look up at you with those longing eyes that seem to cry out “I’m starving, please feed me”. You know that look that you find so hard to resist just tossing over some scraps. What could it hurt, right? Well, when it comes to human food, studies show it could hurt your pets quite a lot, in fact it’s not only dangerous it could potentially be fatal. It is very important to pay attention to the things your pets eat. Here is a list of items you should never feed your dog.
11. Avocado
An avocado creates a fungicide known as persin. Dogs are highly allergic to it (and so are most humans! ) Keep your dog away from the guacamole! It is also wise to keep your dogs away from any avocado trees that may be in your yard. Persin can also be found in the seeds, bark of the tree, and the leaves.
10. Alcohol
Some people may find it amusing to see their dog lap up beer, and it can be found on many YouTube videos. The effects that alcohol can have on your dog can be very detrimental. Dogs become intoxicated much faster than humans do. If a dog is given too much, it could lead to alcohol poisoning and possibly death.
9. Coffee
Coffee contains caffeine which is known as a stimulant. For dogs, such stimulants could result in muscle tremors and heart palpitations. This can be very harmful to your dogs health.
8. Milk
While milk is said to do the human body a lot of good, it is quite the opposite for your four legged friend. Humans are equipped with the enzymes required to properly break down lactose found in milk. Dog’s however, don’t have very much of this enzyme. When they drink milk it could lead to intestinal issues and possibly diarrhea that would then lead to dehydration. Water is the best thing and only substance your dog should drink.
7. Chocolate
I am sure you have heard not to let your dog ever eat chocolate, but do you know why? Theobromine is a caffeine-like substance that can be found in chocolate. This can be very hard on the nervous system of your dog. It can cause some serious conditions such as vomiting, irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, seizures, tremors, and it could lead to death. Now to be in any serious danger, they would have to eat a big quantity of it, however to stay on the safe side be sure to keep it well out of your dog’s reach.
6. Persimmons
This is a flavorful fruit that is more popular in Asia than it is in the U.S., however there are certain varieties that are grown in California. For dogs, a chemical that is in the persimmons can mix with the stomach action that creates a mass that is “gluey”. This could cause an obstruction in their intestines. Now occurrences like this are rare, however it is better to be safe than sorry.
5. Chives, Garlic, and Onions
Onions, garlic, and chives are a part of the allium genus in plants. Any or all of the three could irritate the digestive system in your dog. If mass quantities are consumed it could deplete your dog’s red blood cells, causing anemia. And last but not least, it sure won’t help his breath!
4. Peaches, Plums, and Apricots
You have to be very careful with these fruits. The pits could not only damage your dog’s stomach and intestines, it could cause an obstruction in the bowels. There is also a small content of cyanide in the pits that is very poisonous to dogs.
3. Macadamia Nuts
Just a handful of macadamia nuts could make your dog sick. If your dog eats any of this nut, you should watch him for signs of depression or weakness. The most severe cases could result in tremors and hypothermia. It may take as many as twelve hours for symptoms to begin to develop. Keep your dog out of any candy or cookies that could contain macadamia nuts.
2. Gum
Allowing your dog to ingest gum could lead to an obstruction in the bowels. Some gums and candies contain Xylitol. It is a sweetener that is very toxic to dogs. If you dog should eat it, it could lead to liver failure and death.
1. Sugar
Sugar is not good for your dog at all. It can contribute to diabetes and obesity. It could also cause your dog to be hyper and he could be sick at his stomach.
In the same way that humans watch what they eat, you also have to watch out for your dog. It is important to make sure that they eat a well-balanced diet free of any table scraps whatsoever. This will keep you from having to pay for costly vet bills and possibly losing your dog. Your dog will be much happier if he is kept to a diet that is meant just for him or her. It’s one of the best ways to keep their tails wagging, for sure!