1. Chocolate
Three ingredients in chocolate can cause poisoning: methylxanthines, theobromine, and caffeine. Unsurprisingly, many cases of accidental ingestion occur during the holidays. The first one is the biggest problem, but all are problematic. The darker the chocolate, the more serious the results. Methylxanthine can cause issues with central nervous system (CNS) function and cardiac arrhythmias.
Less than 1 ounce can be fatal. You may see signs in as little as 6 hours. They include extreme thirst, GI distress, hyperactivity, and vomiting, followed by seizures and, ultimately, death if untreated.
2. Onions and garlic
Make sure your dog stays away from these two, and not just because of garlic breath. Garlic is a controversial ingredient; it has many medicinal purposes and it is an immune booster, but the potential risks outweigh the benefits. Both onion and garlic contain a substance that can damage and/or destroy a dog’s red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia. Did your dog scarf down the last onion ring when you weren’t looking? Keep an eye out: symptoms of anemia include weakness, pale gums, disinterest in food, dullness, and breathlessness. This risk is present in all forms of garlic and onion—raw, powdered, cooked, or dehydrated.
3. Raisins & Grapes
The toxicity of raisins and grapes stems from their tartaric acid content. It is the most prevalent acid in these fruits. Ingestion by dogs can cause liver damage and kidney failure. Signs are evident within 24 hours, often sooner. They include lethargy, tremors, weakness, and vomiting. Kidney failure occurs within 72 hours of ingestion, necessitating the euthanasia of the pet.
4. Citrus Fruits
The toxicity of citrus fruits, like grapefruits, oranges, and lemons, also involves an acid called citric acid. It’s a significant contributor to a food’s pH. For example, lemon juice is highly acidic, with a pH of 2.0–2.6. These fruits can irritate your pup’s mouth and the lining of their digestive system. It can also sicken your pet, causing vomiting, and impair the function of their central nervous system.
5. Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts may be an excellent source of dietary fiber for humans, but dogs should look elsewhere for their crunch. Although the prognosis for many cases is extremely good, these nuts can be fatal to dogs. Toxicosis depends on the size of the dog, but consumption of as little as 2.4 g/kg of macadamia nuts can cause clinical signs of poisoning, including muscle tremors, weakness, paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, fever, and rapid heartbeat. Combining these nuts with chocolate exacerbates clinical signs and increases the risk of death, so do everyone a favor and close that bag of white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.
