October is apple month. It is also a time for our favorite foods. Mine? Caramel apples! But, it is also a time to be extra diligent about protecting your dog. There are some common fall foods that are harmful to dogs and you should know what those are before it’s too late.
Fall Foods That Are Harmful to Dogs
- Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine
- Citrus Fruit
- Grapes, raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Milk and dairy
- Nuts
- Onions, garlic, chives
- Raw meat, eggs, and bones
- Salt and salty foods
- Xylitol
- Yeast Dough
Alcohol
October is a wonderful time of year for those warm alcoholic drinks. Spiced apple cider, hot toddies, etc. But, Never ever should your dog drink it! Sadly, I’ve seen people offer beer and other alcohol to their dogs thinking that it’s comical. It’s not. It’s dangerous and they are foods that are harmful to dogs!
Alcoholic beverages and foods that contain alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea. It decreases coordination and depresses the central nervous system. It can cause difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, and even death. Never should you give your dog any alcohol. If you suspect that he may have accidentally drunk any kind of alcohol, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine
My little Remedy is a coffee fiend. That is, I cannot leave a coffee cup anywhere that she could reach because she will drink it.
But coffee contains a substance called methylxanthines, found in cacao seeds that are used to make coffee, and used in some sodas. When a dog ingests these, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest. Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine are foods that are harmful to dogs.
Darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.
If you suspect that your dog has ingested chocolate, here is a toxicity calculator.
Citrus
Citrus fruits, as well as their stems, leaves, and peals, contain varying amounts of citric acid, that can cause irritation and can possibly even depress the central nervous system if ingested in significant amounts. Small doses, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to present problems beyond minor stomach upset. It’s best to stick with non-citrus fruits for your dog because if they contain citrus, they are foods that are harmful to dogs.
Grapes and Raisins
Although it is unknown what is in these fruits that do it, they can cause kidney failure. Until more information is known the ASPCA suggests that it is best to avoid feeding them to your dog at all. There is also a choking hazard associated with feeding them grapes and/or raisins.
Macadamia Nuts
Also according to the ASPCA, “Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 12 to 48 hours.”
Milk and Dairy
Dogs cannot process or break down the enzyme lactose found in milk and other dairy products, eating or drinking them can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset.
Nuts
Not all nuts are toxic to dogs, however, they are high in fat. Peanuts and cashews are reported to be safe, but again they are high in fat. Some nuts can cause vomiting and diarrhea and even pancreatitis in dogs. This is because they contain fats and oils in high amounts. These include almonds, pecans, and walnuts. These also are all foods that are harmful to dogs. Just say no to nuts. There are plenty of much healthier treats for your Chihuahua to enjoy.
Onions and Garlic
Eating any of these vegetables and herbs can cause intestinal irritation and can even lead to red blood cell damage. Cats are more susceptible, but dogs are also at risk if they consume large amounts.
Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Although dogs in the wild eat raw meat, it can be very dangerous to domestic dogs because of bacteria, like salmonella and e. Coli. Raw bones might seem like a good thing for your dog, but they can be dangerous and might cause them to choke. Even worse a bone splinter can become lodged in or even puncture a dog’s digestive tract.
Salt and Salty Snack Foods
Large amounts of salt or salty foods can cause all kinds of problems for a dog, including sodium poisoning. These include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, fever, seizures, and even death.
Not to mention the choking hazard foods like potato chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn can cause. It’s best to be safe and just avoid them altogether.
Xylitol
If you have gum or candy in your purse and set your purse within reach of my Chico, he would root out the gum and even unwrap it. Please be careful of these kinds of hazards.
Xylitol is a sweetener found in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods, and even toothpaste. That’s one reason you should never use human toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth.
Xylitol can cause liver failure and hypoglycemia. Signs include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. These can lead to seizures and liver failure within a few days.
Yeast Dough
Yeast can rise in a dog’s digestive system and cause painful gas. More seriously it can cause the stomach to bloat and could potentially twist and that is a life-threatening emergency.
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