Do you know which foods are toxic to your pet?
We’ve worked with a top vet and animal nutritionist to uncover the foods most harmful to our beloved pooches and how they are affected by them. We’ve also surveyed pet owners across the nation to see if they knew these toxic foods could cause harm, and if they’ve ever accidentally fed them to their canine companions.
Want to see for yourself? Scroll down to the dog illustration and click on the foods to see how our dogs’ bodies are affected upon consumption of these toxic treats. You’ll see a percentage, which highlights the amount of pet owners who didn’t know these foods were toxic to their dogs.
And don’t fret – a vet’s advice will tell you exactly what to do if your beloved pooch accidentally eats something they shouldn’t.
CHOOSE FOOD
Apple Seeds
Artificial Sweetener
Coffee/Caffeine
Onions
Garlic
Grapes
Mouldy Food
Alcohol
Chocolate
Apple Seeds
People unaware of toxicity
76%Apple seeds contain cyanide, a chemical that can cause hypoxia or a lack of oxygen delivery to the body
Symptoms:
- Dilated Pupils
- Difficulty Breathing
- Panting
- Shock
Artificial Sweetener
(Xylitol)People unaware of toxicity
75%Xylitol sweeteners cause our pets glucose/blood sugar to drop dangerously low. Ingesting even small amounts (e.g. one peice of gum), can cause hypoglycaemia & unconciousness within an hour.
Symptoms:
- Low blood sugar
- Weakness/loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Liver failure
Coffee/Caffeine
People unaware of toxicity
70%Caffeine raises blood pressure and causes cardiac arrythmias, which can be dangerous
Symptoms:
- Loss of muscle control
- Tremors and seizures
- Vomiting & diarrhoea
- Restlessness
- High blood pressure
Onions
People unaware of toxicity
70%Member of the Allium family, is poisonous to dogs
Symptoms:
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhoea
- In severe cases, anaemia and organ damage
Garlic
People unaware of toxicity
65%Member of the Allium family, is poisonous to dogs
Symptoms:
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhoea
- In severe cases, anaemia and organ damage
Grapes/Raisins
People unaware of toxicity
63%Grapes and all products containing grapes are toxic to canines
Symptoms:
- Renal (Kidney) failure
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
Mouldy Food
(Mycotoxin)People unaware of toxicity
62%Symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Restlessness
- Disorientation
- Tremors
- Seizures
- High fever (hyperthermia)
- Jaundiced Appearance
- Abdominal Pain
Alcohol
People unaware of toxicity
55%Ethanol (the intoxicating agent in alcohol) and hops (used to brew beer) can cause dogs alcohol intoxication
Symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Disortientation/Confusion
- High body temperature
- Excessive painting
- Muscle tremors & seizures
Chocolate
People unaware of toxicity
38%Chocolate contains the chemical Theobromine
Symptoms:
- Twitching
- High heart rate
- Hyperactivity
- Heart arrhythmias
- Seizures
- Similar effects to Caffeine
Have fed their dog one of these foods, not knowing that they are toxic
of dog owners wouldn’t know what would happen to their dog if they ate one of these foods
What to do if your dog eats something they shouldn’t
"If you think your pet has eaten something that might be dangerous to them, stay calm and try not to panic.The best course of action is always to call the vet for advice right away, even if it’s the middle of the night or a weekend.
For many toxins, rapid treatment can prevent them from causing serious harm and in some cases could save their lives."
Dr Charley Webb - Vet and Nutritionist at VetChef.com
Leading the way for dog-friendly cottages