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We love our dogs and it’s easy to be tempted when they want whatever we are eating. But there are foods that may seem harmless to us that can actually make your pooch very sick or even die! Consider having your dog trained by professionals like the ones at Dog Training in Stafford Virginia to avoid accidents that could ultimately lead to illness and even death. The perfect resource to consult for dog training in Stafford Virginia or dog training in Fredericksburg VA is Wag Ur Tail Dog Training.

1. Alcohol

While we might be tempted to give alcohol to the dog, it is possible for them to accidentally ingest it either by drinking from your glass when you aren’t looking or from a spill. Any product that contains alcohol has equal effects on the liver and brain as in humans but in exacerbated proportions. Some symptoms of alcohol ingestion include vomiting, breathing problems, depressed central nervous system and coordination, tremors, coma, and death.

2. Avocado

Avocados have a chemical called persin in them. However, with your dog, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Any part of the avocado including the fruit itself, the leaves, bark, or seed contains persin and should be avoided at all costs.

3. Chocolate and Coffee

Chocolate contains a substance known as methylxanthines primarily found in cacao seeds which are used to make coffee and chocolate. Chocolate also contains theobromine, another dangerous substance. When your dog has chocolate or coffee, symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and death.

dog eating chocolate

4. Coconut and Coconut Oil

Coconut eaten by your dog in small amounts isn’t likely to do serious damage but in large amounts, it can upset your puppy’s stomach. Coconut contains oils that can cause diarrhea and ultimately dehydration. Even coconut water is very high in potassium which can also hurt your dog.

5. Grapes and Raisins

While it is unclear exactly what part of grapes and raisins is toxic, what is known is that it causes kidney failure in dogs. Symptoms of ingesting grapes and raisins include repeated vomiting, sluggishness and the appearance of depression.

6. Milk and Dairy Products

Most dogs could be considered lactose intolerant because their bodies do not contain enough lactase to metabolize dairy products. Because of this, dogs will get extreme digestive upset and diarrhea and can possibly develop allergies.

7. Nuts

Nuts contain large amounts of fat and oils which can cause vomiting and diarrhea and even pancreatitis in certain breeds. Even small amounts can make your dog very sick. Symptoms include tremors, elevated temperatures, vomiting and weakness in the extremities.

8. Onions, Garlic, Chives

As yummy as these things smell when they are cooking, they can cause serious gastrointestinal problems for your dog if ingested. Even onion powder. Eaten in significant amounts, they can actually cause poisoning. Symptoms of ingestion include weakness, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

9. Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

Raw meat and eggs can contain Salmonella and E. coli which can be harmful to dogs. Bones are commonly given to dogs but they can sustain a bone splinter or choke on a lodged bone. Raw fat which is trimmed from meat can cause pancreatitis. Signs include vomiting, fever, tremors, diarrhea, difficulty breathing and death.

dog and chicken bone

10. Xylitol

Xylitol is a common sweetener that is found in products like gum, candy, baked goods, and even toothpaste. When ingested, it can cause liver failure because it triggers insulin release in dogs.

Take the necessary precautions to keep your dog safe. Keep these things out of reach whenever possible and have your dog trained so he won’t want to eat things that he shouldn’t. The professionals at Wag Ur Tail Dog Training providing expert dog training in Stafford Virginia and dog training in Fredericksburg VA are standing by ready to help! Call 540-324-3518 to schedule your appointment today!