Most owners know that chocolate is poisonous for dogs but there are some other foods that can cause problems too, these are just a few of the most common ones:-
Grapes and raisins
Can cause liver and kidney damage-there is no safe limit, don’t forget they can be in cakes and biscuits too-Christmas pudding, Christmas Cake and Mince pies so be even more vigilant during the holidays.
Onions
Can cause gastrointestinal damage-also avoid chives.
Chocolate
This is obviously more well known, there is a compound that dogs are not able to digest, so do not hang chocolate from the Christmas tree if you have dogs!
Cooked bones
Can splinter and perforate the stomach
Xylitol
As mentioned before it is an artificial sweetener in toothpaste, gum and some peanut butters-VERY dangerous so check all human food before giving, also known as Birch sugar, xylit, xylite, E967, Meso-xylitol, Sucre de Bouleau, Xylo-pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol.
Alcohol
Can cause sickness and diarrhoea, there are “dog beers” available now if you really want to give him a tipple.
Milk and Dairy
Same as alcohol, but again “doggie ice cream” is available
Avocado
Contains a substance called persin, in the leaves, fruit and seeds, can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Caffeine
Avoid, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, also in some medication.
Macadamia nuts/stoned fruit
Can cause sickness and weakness in back legs-stones have cyanide in, so avoid.
Salt and sugar
Like us too much is not good
Raw meat/fish
Many people want to give a “natural” diet to their dogs, just like wolves in the wild-but they don’t have to worry about bacteria such as salmonella! If you want to feed to your dog, cook it first to be sure
Medicine
As with children, keep well out of reach
Baking ingredients
Baking powder and some spices can be toxic, so keep out of reach and be aware what is in baked goods before thinking of treating your dog.
If you think your dog may have eaten anything-even in small amounts it is best to contact your vet for advice as some things can be fatal.
