The weather is getting cooler and holiday season is upon us. There are plenty of dangers lurking for your furry friend. If you suspect your dog has eaten something that might have an adverse reaction on it’s health, please don’t hesitate to call your vet or the Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA).
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the more common things that people know dogs can’t eat. The higher the precent of cocoa in chocolate, the more toxic it i to a dog. Cocoa powder is extremely dangerous for dogs to ingest. According to Ceasar Milan, “toxic doses of chocolate can cause abnormal heartbeats, kidney failure, and death.” If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, Pet MD says be on the lookout for vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.
Onions and Garlic
Onions are poisonous for both cats and dogs. If your pet eat large amounts they can be at risk for a damaging loss of red blood cells, called anemia. Symptoms include lethargy, reduced appetite, and gastrointestinal irritation.
Grapes
Not much is known about exactly what causes it, but grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in some animals. Some dogs are fine eating them while others can’t eat them in any amounts. If your dog gets ahold of a box of raisins, be on the lookout for vomiting, increased urination, and increased thirst.
Cooked Bones
Bones, especially cooked ones can splinter in your dogs causing bloody stool or vomit as they try to expel it from their systems. This will definitely result in a visit to the vet and feeling like a really crummy dog parent. They might enjoy it for the moment, but it’s really not worth it.
Xylitol
This artificial sweetener can cause some serious liver damage in dogs as well as an alarming drop in blood sugar. Xylitol is found as a sugar replacement in many things such as sugarless gum and baked goods. This is a very potent chemical. A small dog eating a single piece of sugar free gum could experience life threatening side effects in as little as fifteen minutes.
For a more extensive list, visit the Humane Society's Website. If you ever suspect your dog has eaten something that might be hazardous to it’s health, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian, the ASPCA or the Pet Poison Helpline (PPH). Have a great holiday season, and keep your furry friends safe!