Toxic for Dogs
READING THE FOLLOWING COULD SAVE YOUR DOG
Most people are aware that HUMAN chocolate should not be fed to their dog, but unfortunately
the list of things to avoid is a lot longer than one item. Onion and garlic should also be on the list
cooked or raw and homeopathic followers will add that any food from the deadly nightshade family
should be avoided at all costs and I have listed some in the section concerning diet.
Along with food stuffs there is also a long list of plants that can have serious and fatal effects on our
canine friends and of course there is also the list of medication and chemicals both in the home and in
the garden shed, the most common one being snail bait. What people don't realize though is that even
if the dog is kept away from the actual substance, it only has to have residue on shoes, gloves or
clothing that the dog then gets to and licks or chews for poisoning to occur.
Dog (and cat) owners should consider prevention of their animal coming into contact with chemicals
and the storage of the chemicals in the same manner as they would for preventing children from
coming into contact with them. They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Unfortunately, we lost a dog many years ago to snail bait. Not from any we owned but from some kind person throwing a packet in to our back yard while we were out. But no matter how the poisoning happens, it is always very distressing for both owner and animal. Our Brandy didn't ask to be poisoned but she paid the
ultimate price. Training your dog to only eat when you give permission can sometimes be life saving.
Brandy was too young. So diligence is our best protection.
the list of things to avoid is a lot longer than one item. Onion and garlic should also be on the list
cooked or raw and homeopathic followers will add that any food from the deadly nightshade family
should be avoided at all costs and I have listed some in the section concerning diet.
Along with food stuffs there is also a long list of plants that can have serious and fatal effects on our
canine friends and of course there is also the list of medication and chemicals both in the home and in
the garden shed, the most common one being snail bait. What people don't realize though is that even
if the dog is kept away from the actual substance, it only has to have residue on shoes, gloves or
clothing that the dog then gets to and licks or chews for poisoning to occur.
Dog (and cat) owners should consider prevention of their animal coming into contact with chemicals
and the storage of the chemicals in the same manner as they would for preventing children from
coming into contact with them. They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Unfortunately, we lost a dog many years ago to snail bait. Not from any we owned but from some kind person throwing a packet in to our back yard while we were out. But no matter how the poisoning happens, it is always very distressing for both owner and animal. Our Brandy didn't ask to be poisoned but she paid the
ultimate price. Training your dog to only eat when you give permission can sometimes be life saving.
Brandy was too young. So diligence is our best protection.
Food that should be avoided!
Caffeine
Beverages with caffeine (like soda, tea, coffee) acts as a stimulant and can accelerate your pet's
heartbeat to a dangerous level. Pets ingesting caffeine have been known to have seizures, some fatal.
Chewing Gum or Sugar free Lollies
Sugarfree gum or lollies containing xylitol has been recognised to be a risk to pets. This
compound can cause seizures, liver damage and death in some dogs. This information is recent
and some vets may not be familiar with xylitol poisoning.
Cherries
The seed pit contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. When
affected by an overdose of chocolate, a dog can become excited and hyperactive. Due to the diuretic
effect, it may pass large volumes of urine and it will be unusually thirsty. Vomiting and diarrhea are
also common. The effect of theobromine on the heart is the most dangerous effect. Theobromine
will either increase the dog’s heart rate or may cause the heart to beat irregularly. Death is quite possible,
especially with exercise. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors,
hyperactivity, irregular heartbeat and seizures.
After their dog has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, many pet owners assume their pet is
unaffected. However, the signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours, with death
following within twenty-four hours.
Cocoa powder & cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms.
These forms of chocolate contain ten times more theobromine than milk chocolate. Even licking a
substantial part of the chocolate icing from a cake can make a dog sick. The next most dangerous forms
are semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate, with milk chocolate being the least dangerous. A dog
needs to eat more than a 250gm block of milk chocolate, however the high amount of fat found in
milk chocolate can lead to an attack of pancreatitis.
Citrus Oils
Citrus oil extracts can cause a toxic reaction with vomiting.
Corn Cobs
Many dogs have suffered and, in some cases, died after eating corn-on-the-cob, because the
corn cob caused a partial or complete intestinal obstruction or blockage of the Bowel.
Never allow your dog access to corn cobs.
Dairy Products - ( Milk )
Most dairy products are not digested well by dogs who have little or none of the enzyme required to
digest the lactose in milk. Lactose-intolerant dogs can develop excessive intestinal gas and may have
foul-smelling diarrhoea. Small amounts of cheese or plain yogurt are tolerated by most dogs,
as these products have less lactose than most others.
Grapes or Raisins
Although the minimum lethal dosage is not known, grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs when
ingested in large quantities. The symptoms are gastrointestinal signs including vomiting and diarrhea,
and then signs of kidney failure with an onset of severe kidney signs starting about 24 hours after ingestion.
Due to the severity of the signs and the potential for death, the veterinarians at the National Animal
Poison Control Center (NAPCC) advocate aggressive treatment for any dog believed to have
ingested excessive amounts of grapes or raisins, including inducing vomiting, stomach pumping and
administration of activated charcoal, followed by intravenous fluid therapy for at least 48 hours
or as indicated based on the results of blood tests for kidney damage.
Liver
Small amounts of liver are generally well tolerated by most dogs but if the liver intake is too high
it can cause nutritional problems due to the high content of vitamin A. Consumption of this vitamin in
large amounts can lead to vitamin A toxicity, or hypervitaminosis A. If your dog eats raw liver or consumes
three servings of cooked liver a week it could lead to bone problems. Symptoms of hypervitaminosis A
are deformed bones, excessive bone growth on the elbows and spine, weight loss and anorexia. If
left unchecked, hypervitaminosis A has in some cases caused death.
Macadamia Nuts
The toxic compound is unknown but eating as few as six nuts without the shell has been known
to cause elevated body temperature, accelerated heartbeat, tremors in the skeletal muscles, and
weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs have difficulty or are unable to rise, are
distressed and usually panting. Some affected dogs have had swollen limbs and showed pain when the
limb was manipulated. Dogs did recover from the muscle weakness and pain and it is not known if
there have been any fatal cases. Macadamia butter is included in this warning.
Mouldy or Spoiled Foods
The common mold found growing on many foods contain toxins such as Penicillium mold toxins
or tremorgenic mycotoxins. Symptoms of poisoning include severe tremors and seizures that can
last for hours or even days. This is considered an emergency and medical treatment is needed
to control the seizures and detoxify the dog.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is reported to be a hallucinogenic when ingested in large doses. Nutmeg has been
known to cause tremors, seizures and in some cases, death.
Nuts
Nuts in general are not good for dogs as their high phosphorus content may lead to bladder stones.
Alcohol
Do not give your dog sips of any alcoholic beverage. Ingestion can lead to injury, disorientation,
sickness, urination problems or even coma or death from alcohol poisoning. Some dogs are
attracted to alcoholic drinks so be careful not to leave one lying around where a dog can reach it.
Apple & Apricot
The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can lead to cyanide poisoning.
Avocado
Avocado contains a toxic element called persin which can damage heart, lung and other tissue
in many animals. Avocados are high in fat content and can trigger an upset stomach, vomiting or
even pancreatitis. The seed pit is also toxic and if swallowed can become lodged in the intestinal tract
where it may cause a severe blockage which will have to be removed surgically.
Peaches, Pears, Plums
The seed pits contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning
Also consider the risk of choking or bowel blockage from the
swallowing of the large stones inside some fruits.
Caffeine
Beverages with caffeine (like soda, tea, coffee) acts as a stimulant and can accelerate your pet's
heartbeat to a dangerous level. Pets ingesting caffeine have been known to have seizures, some fatal.
Chewing Gum or Sugar free Lollies
Sugarfree gum or lollies containing xylitol has been recognised to be a risk to pets. This
compound can cause seizures, liver damage and death in some dogs. This information is recent
and some vets may not be familiar with xylitol poisoning.
Cherries
The seed pit contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. When
affected by an overdose of chocolate, a dog can become excited and hyperactive. Due to the diuretic
effect, it may pass large volumes of urine and it will be unusually thirsty. Vomiting and diarrhea are
also common. The effect of theobromine on the heart is the most dangerous effect. Theobromine
will either increase the dog’s heart rate or may cause the heart to beat irregularly. Death is quite possible,
especially with exercise. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors,
hyperactivity, irregular heartbeat and seizures.
After their dog has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, many pet owners assume their pet is
unaffected. However, the signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours, with death
following within twenty-four hours.
Cocoa powder & cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms.
These forms of chocolate contain ten times more theobromine than milk chocolate. Even licking a
substantial part of the chocolate icing from a cake can make a dog sick. The next most dangerous forms
are semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate, with milk chocolate being the least dangerous. A dog
needs to eat more than a 250gm block of milk chocolate, however the high amount of fat found in
milk chocolate can lead to an attack of pancreatitis.
Citrus Oils
Citrus oil extracts can cause a toxic reaction with vomiting.
Corn Cobs
Many dogs have suffered and, in some cases, died after eating corn-on-the-cob, because the
corn cob caused a partial or complete intestinal obstruction or blockage of the Bowel.
Never allow your dog access to corn cobs.
Dairy Products - ( Milk )
Most dairy products are not digested well by dogs who have little or none of the enzyme required to
digest the lactose in milk. Lactose-intolerant dogs can develop excessive intestinal gas and may have
foul-smelling diarrhoea. Small amounts of cheese or plain yogurt are tolerated by most dogs,
as these products have less lactose than most others.
Grapes or Raisins
Although the minimum lethal dosage is not known, grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs when
ingested in large quantities. The symptoms are gastrointestinal signs including vomiting and diarrhea,
and then signs of kidney failure with an onset of severe kidney signs starting about 24 hours after ingestion.
Due to the severity of the signs and the potential for death, the veterinarians at the National Animal
Poison Control Center (NAPCC) advocate aggressive treatment for any dog believed to have
ingested excessive amounts of grapes or raisins, including inducing vomiting, stomach pumping and
administration of activated charcoal, followed by intravenous fluid therapy for at least 48 hours
or as indicated based on the results of blood tests for kidney damage.
Liver
Small amounts of liver are generally well tolerated by most dogs but if the liver intake is too high
it can cause nutritional problems due to the high content of vitamin A. Consumption of this vitamin in
large amounts can lead to vitamin A toxicity, or hypervitaminosis A. If your dog eats raw liver or consumes
three servings of cooked liver a week it could lead to bone problems. Symptoms of hypervitaminosis A
are deformed bones, excessive bone growth on the elbows and spine, weight loss and anorexia. If
left unchecked, hypervitaminosis A has in some cases caused death.
Macadamia Nuts
The toxic compound is unknown but eating as few as six nuts without the shell has been known
to cause elevated body temperature, accelerated heartbeat, tremors in the skeletal muscles, and
weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs have difficulty or are unable to rise, are
distressed and usually panting. Some affected dogs have had swollen limbs and showed pain when the
limb was manipulated. Dogs did recover from the muscle weakness and pain and it is not known if
there have been any fatal cases. Macadamia butter is included in this warning.
Mouldy or Spoiled Foods
The common mold found growing on many foods contain toxins such as Penicillium mold toxins
or tremorgenic mycotoxins. Symptoms of poisoning include severe tremors and seizures that can
last for hours or even days. This is considered an emergency and medical treatment is needed
to control the seizures and detoxify the dog.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is reported to be a hallucinogenic when ingested in large doses. Nutmeg has been
known to cause tremors, seizures and in some cases, death.
Nuts
Nuts in general are not good for dogs as their high phosphorus content may lead to bladder stones.
Alcohol
Do not give your dog sips of any alcoholic beverage. Ingestion can lead to injury, disorientation,
sickness, urination problems or even coma or death from alcohol poisoning. Some dogs are
attracted to alcoholic drinks so be careful not to leave one lying around where a dog can reach it.
Apple & Apricot
The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can lead to cyanide poisoning.
Avocado
Avocado contains a toxic element called persin which can damage heart, lung and other tissue
in many animals. Avocados are high in fat content and can trigger an upset stomach, vomiting or
even pancreatitis. The seed pit is also toxic and if swallowed can become lodged in the intestinal tract
where it may cause a severe blockage which will have to be removed surgically.
Peaches, Pears, Plums
The seed pits contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning
Also consider the risk of choking or bowel blockage from the
swallowing of the large stones inside some fruits.
Plants that should be avoided!
Bulbs
Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Daffodil, Day Lily, Elephant Ears, Gladiolas, Hyacinth, Iris,
Lily of the Valley, Narcissus, Orange Day Lily, Tulip
Ferns
Asparagus Fern, Australian Nut, Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern), Emerald Fern
(aka Emerald Feather), Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern
Flowering Plants
Cyclamen, Hydrangea, Kalanchoe, Poinsettia
Garden Perennials
Charming Dieffenbachia, Christmas Rose, Flamingo Plant, Foxglove, Marijuana, Morning Glory,
Nightshade, Onion, Tomato Plant, Tropic Snow Dumbcane
House Plants
Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron), Chinese Evergreen, Cordatum, Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant),
Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman), Devil's Ivy, Dumb Cane, Golden Pothos, Green Gold Nephthysis,
Marble Queen, Mauna Loa Peace Lily, Nephthytis, Peace Lily, Red-Margined Dracaena,
Striped Dracaena, Taro Vine, Warneckei Dracaena
Lilies
Asian Lily (liliaceae), Easter Lily, Glory Lily, Japanese Show Lily, Red Lily, Rubrum Lily,
Stargazer Lily, Tiger Lily, Wood Lily
Pittosporaceae: Genus: Pittosporum
- All parts are poisonous if ingested. Rubbing up against plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions
Shrubs
Cycads, Heavenly Bamboo, Holly, Jerusalem Cherry, Mistletoe "American", Oleander, Precatory Bean, Rhododendron, Saddle Leaf Philodendron, Sago Palm, Tree Philodendron, Yucca
Succulents
Aloe (Aloe Vera)
Trees
Avocado, Buddist Pine, Chinaberry Tree, Japanese Yew (aka Yew), Lacy Tree, Macadamia Nut,
Madagascar Dragon Tree, Queensland Nut, Schefflera, Yew (aka Japanese Yew)
Vines
Branching Ivy, English Ivy, European Bittersweet, Glacier Ivy, Hahn's self branching English Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy
Miscellaneous / Uncategorized
American Bittersweet, Andromeda Japonica, Azalea, Bird of Paradise, Buckeye, Caladium
Hortulanum, Calla Lily, Castor Bean, Clematis, Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron, Florida Beauty, Fruit Salad Plant,
Golden Dieffenbachia, Gold Dust Dracaena, Heartleaf Philodendron, Horsehead Philodendron, Hurricane
Plant, Mexican Breadfruit, Mother-in-law, Panda, Philodendron Pertusum, Red Emerald, Red Princess,
Ribbon Plant, Satin Pothos, Spotted Dumb Cane, Sweetheart Ivy, Swiss Cheese Plant,
Variable Dieffenbachia, Variegated Philodendron, Yesterday/Today/Tomorrow
If you mulch your garden to be water wise, then do be aware that cocoa mulch is toxic, it contains
an ingredient that smells like chocolate and is very attractive to them called Theobromine.
Bulbs
Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Daffodil, Day Lily, Elephant Ears, Gladiolas, Hyacinth, Iris,
Lily of the Valley, Narcissus, Orange Day Lily, Tulip
Ferns
Asparagus Fern, Australian Nut, Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern), Emerald Fern
(aka Emerald Feather), Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern
Flowering Plants
Cyclamen, Hydrangea, Kalanchoe, Poinsettia
Garden Perennials
Charming Dieffenbachia, Christmas Rose, Flamingo Plant, Foxglove, Marijuana, Morning Glory,
Nightshade, Onion, Tomato Plant, Tropic Snow Dumbcane
House Plants
Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron), Chinese Evergreen, Cordatum, Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant),
Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman), Devil's Ivy, Dumb Cane, Golden Pothos, Green Gold Nephthysis,
Marble Queen, Mauna Loa Peace Lily, Nephthytis, Peace Lily, Red-Margined Dracaena,
Striped Dracaena, Taro Vine, Warneckei Dracaena
Lilies
Asian Lily (liliaceae), Easter Lily, Glory Lily, Japanese Show Lily, Red Lily, Rubrum Lily,
Stargazer Lily, Tiger Lily, Wood Lily
Pittosporaceae: Genus: Pittosporum
- All parts are poisonous if ingested. Rubbing up against plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions
Shrubs
Cycads, Heavenly Bamboo, Holly, Jerusalem Cherry, Mistletoe "American", Oleander, Precatory Bean, Rhododendron, Saddle Leaf Philodendron, Sago Palm, Tree Philodendron, Yucca
Succulents
Aloe (Aloe Vera)
Trees
Avocado, Buddist Pine, Chinaberry Tree, Japanese Yew (aka Yew), Lacy Tree, Macadamia Nut,
Madagascar Dragon Tree, Queensland Nut, Schefflera, Yew (aka Japanese Yew)
Vines
Branching Ivy, English Ivy, European Bittersweet, Glacier Ivy, Hahn's self branching English Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy
Miscellaneous / Uncategorized
American Bittersweet, Andromeda Japonica, Azalea, Bird of Paradise, Buckeye, Caladium
Hortulanum, Calla Lily, Castor Bean, Clematis, Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron, Florida Beauty, Fruit Salad Plant,
Golden Dieffenbachia, Gold Dust Dracaena, Heartleaf Philodendron, Horsehead Philodendron, Hurricane
Plant, Mexican Breadfruit, Mother-in-law, Panda, Philodendron Pertusum, Red Emerald, Red Princess,
Ribbon Plant, Satin Pothos, Spotted Dumb Cane, Sweetheart Ivy, Swiss Cheese Plant,
Variable Dieffenbachia, Variegated Philodendron, Yesterday/Today/Tomorrow
If you mulch your garden to be water wise, then do be aware that cocoa mulch is toxic, it contains
an ingredient that smells like chocolate and is very attractive to them called Theobromine.
At the end of the day, if you think your dog has ingested something that it shouldn't have, get it to a vet.
Above article taken from http://roswellspaniels.com/toxic-for-dogs.asp