What your puppy should never eat

Dogs are curious creatures, driven by food and eager to be part of the family pack. It’s natural for them to want to eat what you’re eating, or to be tempted to do something they shouldn’t, like climb on the kitchen counter in search of something tasty.

Accidents happen. You turn your back for a second, and that’s plenty of time for your pup to ingest something he shouldn’t. Some human foods cause toxicity in dogs or can harm them in other ways, so it’s important to monitor your furry friend as much as possible.

Here is a list of common foods or medications that your dog should not eat. If you suspect your dog has consumed it, call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline or put your dog health insurance wisely and get to your local emergency vet as soon as possible.

animal bones

Cooked animal bones can break or cause a blockage in your dog’s digestive tract, causing internal injuries that require surgery to repair. Same raw bones can be dangerous if they get too small, especially if your dog chews them up and swallows them. It’s best to give your dog treats and chews made specifically for our canine companions and watch them while they enjoy them.

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Onions, garlic and chives

At best, your dog might suffer from gastrointestinal irritation after consuming these vegetables and herbs. At worst, they could cause red blood cell damage and anemia. If you grow these plants in your garden, make sure they are out of your dog’s reach and dispose of garlic peels and onion scraps where your dog can’t get to them. Consuming them in large quantities definitely calls for a vet visit.

Grapes and raisins

These fruits are delicious snacks for humans, but they contain a toxic substance that can cause kidney failure in dogs. How many your dog can accidentally ingest before it’s considered an emergency depends on your dog’s size and other factors, so be sure to ask your vet about treatment options.

Chocolate

Although some milk chocolates may simply cause gastrointestinal upset, real chocolate, such as dark chocolate, baking chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips, etc., contains methylxanthines found in the seeds of cocoa. Methylxanthines consumed by dogs can cause vomiting and diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, panting, abnormal heartbeat, hyperactivity, seizures, tremors, and death.

Coffee

Coffee, like chocolate, contains methylxanthines and should never be given to your pet. The caffeine in coffee can also be harmful.

Coconut

In small amounts, coconut products are not likely to harm your pet, but they can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, which is very uncomfortable. Coconut water contains a lot of potassium, so you should never give it to your dog.

Artificial sweeteners

As more and more people turn to artificial sweeteners to avoid the extra calories and carbs from sugar, pets are at an increased risk of accidentally eating something they shouldn’t. One of these sweeteners is xylitol. When xylitol is consumed by dogstheir pancreas releases excess insulin, which can lead to liver failure and hypoglycemia.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages of any kind can cause decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, abnormal blood acidity, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, and death. Call your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has consumed alcohol.

Macadamia nuts

Signs of macadamia nut ingestion include weakness, vomiting, depression, tremors, and hypothermia. These symptoms appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last up to 48 hours.

corn on the cob

Although not toxic to dogs, corn on the cob poses a different danger. If your dog ingests the cob, he could suffer from an obstruction or blockage. Both will require immediate veterinary care and possibly surgery to prevent ruptures in the digestive tract.

tassels

Acorns and oak leaves contain tannins that are harmful to dogs. Acorn poisoning, called Quercus poisoning, can cause stomach upset, kidney failure, and sometimes death. If your garden has oak trees that produce acorns, you’ll want to keep them collected and away from your pet. Teach your dog the “leave it” command and use it on walks to prevent your dog from eating anything he shouldn’t be eating on the sidewalk or trail.

Marijuana

Because dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans, the effects of cannabis are more dramatic and potentially toxic compared to humans. If your dog has consumed cannabis products, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.

Yeast

Uncooked yeast dough can continue to rise in your pet’s digestive system, causing a buildup of gas and leading to a condition called bloat. Bloating can also cause the gastrointestinal tract to twist and become a life-threatening emergency. The ethanol in yeast also acts as a type of alcohol in your dog, another no-no for pets to consume.

fruit pits

Fruits of the genus Prunus, such as cherries, nectarines, plums and peaches, contain cyanide. Although your pet must chew and swallow several pits to cause cyanide poisoning, there is a higher risk of bowel obstruction, which may require surgery.

Human drugs

Human and animal medications are formulated differently, and some human medications can cause serious health problems in your pet. Always speak to your veterinarian before giving your pet medication of any kind.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list. Many other human foods or environmental objects can be toxic or harmful to dogs. Always talk to your veterinarian before giving your pets “human food” or medication.