Dangerous Foods for Dogs

• Chocolate - a BIG no-no. Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most dangerous, because they contain more of the problem stuff -- theobromine. This compound is a cardiac stimulant that can cause the dog to become hyperactive, thirsty, and suffer an irregular or increased heart rate. A dog may take up to 24 hours to show signs of theobromine poisoning. And chocolate is not only a danger in the house -- if you use Cocoa Mulch in your garden, your dog is at risk from theobromine poisoning.

• Onions - onions are dangerous in all forms: raw, cooked, and dried. Onions contain thiosulphate, which causes a form of anemia in pets. Red blood cells burst while circulating through the body. A dog with onion poisoning may not show symptoms for several days, but will develop symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea and breathlessness. Garlic also contains thiosulphates, but in much lower amounts. Garlic is far less dangerous than onions for pets.

• Macadamia nuts - an unknown compound in macadamia nuts can cause movement difficulties like tremor, weakness, and paralysis. As few as six macadamia nuts can cause symptoms, but most dogs recover from the poisoning with or without veterinary care.

• Fruit pits - pear and apple seeds, and peach, plum, and apricot pits contain trace amounts of cyanide.

• Coffee, tea, and sodas - anything with caffeine can be dangerous for dogs, because they can't process it as well as humans can. Caffeine can cause hyperactivity, tremors, and even seizures.

• Alcohol and Tobacco

• Raisins and grapes - grapes can be a choking hazard. Both raisins and grapes can cause liver failure in dogs.

• Yeast dough/bread dough - dough continues to rise in your pet's stomach, producing alcohol and sometimes growing beyond your pet's stomach capacity.

Garbage can foraging can be dangerous because it allows your dog access to moldy or spoiled foods that can make him very sick. Try to keep your garbage can covered, or in a room where your dog isn't allowed!

If you believe your dog has been exposed to something poisonous, stay calm. Call the veterinarian and warn them that you are on your way in with a suspected poisoning. Tell them what your dog ate, how long ago, and what the symptoms are. If you can, bring the container that held the dangerous food, and gather up a sample of what your dog has thrown up or passed. These things may help your veterinarian determine exactly what poisons are involved in your pet's illness.

If you can't get to a veterinarian quickly, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP. The hotline is available twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year. There is a small fee for the service.