[Davey]

I read somewhere that chocolates should never be given to dogs because chocolate contains a "substance" that is toxic to dogs.

Aside from chocolates, are there other foods out there that we should not give our pets?

 

[MuzzlesMom]

I read somewhere that chocolates should never be given to dogs because chocolate contains a "substance" that is toxic to dogs.

Hello Davey!

Chocolates contain Theobromine that dogs cannot metabolize. Dogs that consumed chocolates often suffer from heart and nervous problems which are highly risky and can lead to death.

Aside from chocolates, Grapes and raisins are also a NO-NO since they can cause kidney failure.

 

[Davey]

Thanks MuzzlesMom!

Theobromine! had it on the tip of my tongue =). I read that it is not only present in chocolates but also in teas and colas.

 

[MuzzlesMom]

Here are other foods that you should NEVER give your dog--

1. walnuts and macadamia-->There have been cases when death occurred within 12 hours after consuming a considerable amount of these nuts.

2. onions --> blood abnormalities and breathing difficulties particularly in small dogs

3. candies or Xylitol ( a sweetener which is often used in diet products)--> cause hypoglycemia which may often lead to nervous signs including loss of coordination and seizures.

 

[Snoopy]

Are you feeding your dogs any organ meats such as kidneys and liver? Although they are very good sources of protein, excessive consumption often leads to a condition known as Hypervitaminosis A or Vitamin A Toxicity.

Moderation is still the best way to go because these organ meats are very high in Vitamin A.

 

[BigBys]

I remembered an article I read a few years back that cat food can be toxic to dogs. Cat food is very high in protein and fats which can predispose acute pancreatitis. It is also for this reason that dog owners should exercise caution in giving their pets fatty foods such as ham and bacon during mealtime.

 

[ms.daisy]

Alcohol and hops in beer can cause liver failure, seizures, intoxication, coma, and death of dogs.

 

[Orrymain]

Apple seeds should be avoided, so if you give them an apple, core it first. There are great sites out there that detail bad foods for dogs. Do a simple google search: "can dogs eat ... blah blah" ... and you'll find many answers.

 

[oceangypsy]

Informative list here. Along the lines of pancreatitis, it is important to keep all garbage cans with tight lids to keep pets from finding food scraps and gorging themselves.

 

[Orrymain]

And keep those with big paws away from kitchen counters. Of course, this doesn't apply to beagles, but my lab discovered the drippings from the George Foreman Grill sometimes back, and we've had to put in a baby gate to keep her out as a result. :}

 

[oceangypsy]

Wow, I would of not thought of the Orrymain. Those pups sure keep us on our toes.

 

[oceangypsy]

My older dog that behaves very well and does not get into things......the other day DH had Chinese take out and threw the bag in the garage trash can. It is a small can and an easy reach for the doggy. Well, he reached in opened the bag and helped himself to the left overs. I was so scared that he had eaten some of the plastic bag! Thankfully, he did not and was ok.

 

[cece]

Here are some more foods which are toxic to dogs:

--mushrooms : has a toxin that can trigger multiple organ malfunction.
--raw eggs and egg whites
--yeast and dough
--persimmons
--tobacco
-- nutmeg

 

[Orrymain]

Mine doesn't really get into anything either. These two have never even chewed on my shoes. They seem to know their toys. However, that grease from the grill made a big impression on the older dog. I'm telling you, there's nothing like going into the kitchen and seeing her standing and enjoying a treat of the unintended kind.

 

[oceangypsy]

That is pretty funny Orrymain. It was funny when my dog got into the left overs (well,it was funny after I made sure he hadn't eaten the plastic). He had a guilty look on his face- LOL

 

[Orrymain]

Oh those looks of 'oops, sorry, Mom ... not' are absolutely hysterical. I'm at the point in my life, too, that I don't blame any dog for getting into anything. "Mom bad. Mom left it out." <g>

 

[oceangypsy]

Can't blame the dog, that is just what they do. Leaving such things out in their reach is like an invitation.

 

[Orrymain]

Exactly. My current two dogs have had it the easiest in that regard because I truly realize 'Mom bad' for leaving temptation in their way.

 

[casey_chevelle]

thanks for the heads up everybody! my dad gives my Beagle peppermints sometimes, will that harm him in the long run?

 

[Orrymain]

Do the google search -- can dogs eat peppermints. That should reveal your answer.