Just because I’m an animal communicator doesn’t mean that I don’t run into the same problems with my pets as everyone else! Case in point:
As I was steam cleaning the cantaloupe juice out of the carpet the other morning (one of my dogs had snacked on the fruit that had been sitting on the kitchen counter top), I realized that I did not know whether cantaloupe was toxic for dogs. In fact, I wished I had an easily accessible catalog of toxic foods for cases such as this. I often have people calling me in a panic because their dog ate something and they don’t know what the potential consequences are. I have put the following together based on experience and research–I was especially surprised to learn about the dangers of avocados!
First of all, National Animal Poison Control is really helpful. Their website is here –> Animal Poison Control or call them at 800-426-4435. There is a $60, however in times of need, this is no more than the typical co-pay for a human to go to the emergency room. My experience and that of my clients has all been very positive with this organization.
Please DO NOT post here that your dog has eaten something you are unsure of and ask if it is OK. We do not monitor this page on a daily basis. If you are questioning your dog’s behavior, CALL YOUR VET!
Foods That Are Toxic To or Just-Plain-Bad for Dogs. Can Dogs Eat…
- Alcohol – Can cause intoxication, coma, and death
- Avocado – The fruit, pit and plant are all toxic. The toxic ingredient in avocado is called persin. They can cause difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen and heart, vomiting, diarrhea, death, inflammation of mammary glands, cardiac failure, respiratory distress, generalized congestion, abdominal enlargement.
- Apple, Almond, Apricot, Peach, Cherry, Plum, Pear, Prunes & similar fruit – The seeds of these fruits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs as well as humans causing diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, (Stem, Seeds and Leaves).
- Baby Food – Can contain onion power which can be toxic to dogs.
- Broccoli – Gastrointestinal irritant.
- Cat Food – Usually too high in protein and fats.
- Chocolate – Chocolate can cause seizures, coma and death. Baker’s chocolate is the most dangerous. A dog can consume milk chocolate and appear to be fine because it is not as concentrated, but it is still dangerous.
- Citrus Oil Extracts – Can cause vomiting.
- Coffee, Coffee grounds, tea and tea bags –Drinks/foods containing caffeine cause many of the same symptoms chocolate causes.
- Eggs (raw) Raw eggs can cause salmonella poisoning in dogs. Dogs have a shorter digestive tract than humans and are not as likely to suffer from food poisoning, but it is still possible. If your dog has a partial blockage in their intestines where food can be trapped, e coli or salmonella could breed more easily. Egg white contains the protein ‘avidin’ which forms a stable and biologically inactive complex with biotin. The avidin in egg whites will tie up the biotin so it cannot be used by the dog.”**
- Fat Trimmings – Fat trimmings can cause pancreatitis.
- Iron – Human vitamin supplements containing iron can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.
- Macadamia nuts – Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, muscle tremor and paralysis.
- Marijuana – Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.
- Milk and other dairy products – Some adult dogs do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
- Mushrooms – Acute gastric effects, liver and kidney damage, abdominal pain, nausea, salivation, vomiting.
- Nutmeg – Tremors, seizures and death.
- Tobacco – Nausea, salivation, vomiting, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat).
- Onion – Gastrointestinal upset, anemia, destroys red blood cells.
- Grapes, Raisins, Prunes – Kidney failure, as little as a single serving of grapes or raisins can kill a dog.
- Persimmons Seeds – Can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
- Pepperoni or Salami – May contain high levels of fat and sodium.
- Salt – Excessive intake can cause kidney problems.
- Tomatoes – Tomatoes can cause tremors and heart arrhythmias. Tomato plants and the most toxic, but tomatoes themselves are also unsafe.
- Yeast Dough – Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines
This in NOT an exhaustive list and it is certainly not meant to raise alarm – only to inform you about what to look out for. And notice… cantaloupe is not on the list! Hooray!
