Most dog owners know that chocolate is “bad for dogs.” But did you know that some sugarless gums and candies contain an ingredient (Xylitol) that is poisonous for dogs? And what about grapes and raisins?
Many common food items contain substances that can make your dog very ill or even kill him. There are many reasons not to feed people food to your pets, but this might be the most compelling. In addition to causing obesity and encouraging rude begging behavior, you could be poisoning your dog. Some ingredients might be “hidden” — we don’t always realize that our toothpaste or mouthwash includes Xylitol or that a “no sugar added” cookie bar is sweetened with grape juice.
What is it about chocolate that makes dogs sick? Chocolate contains several compounds that are harmful to dogs, including theobromines and caffeine. It can cause vomiting or diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased heart rate — ultimately even seizures, muscle tremors, or coma. Chocolate poisoning can be fatal. The effects will vary based on your dog’s size and the amount consumed, and of course different chocolate products contain different amounts. But dogs love the taste of chocolate and once they taste it, they’re likely to seek out more (I can relate). Never giving your dog the chance to indulge is the safest way to avoid tragic consequences.
Xylitol, a common sugar substitute used in gum, candy, baked goods, and, yes, dental products. It causes a sudden release of insulin, causing dog’s blood sugar levels to drop significantly. This can lead to shock and liver failure, and effects can be seen in as little as 15-30 minutes after ingestion. Even a small amount of Xylitol is dangerous. Keep the sugar-free gum and breath mints out of your dog’s reach, and, when brushing your dog's teeth, use toothpaste that is made specially for dogs.
Alcohol poisoning affects dogs much like it affects people — but since dogs are smaller than adult humans, a small quantity of caffeine or alcohol can cause serious effects. Alcohol poisoning in dogs can manifest as slowed breathing, increased urination, wobbly gait, depression, behavioral changes, seizures and cardiac arrest.
Other common food items can cause serious illness or poisoning. Anything with caffeine will over-stimulate the dog’s nervous system, and can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. An unknown toxin in grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage; and macadamia nuts contain an ingredient that affects the nervous and digestive systems of dogs. Large quantities of onions and garlic, salty or very fatty foods, or any food item that is moldy can cause digestive upset or worse, and lead to more serious problems.
Dogs don’t always have the sense to avoid foods that will harm them, so keep your dog safe and healthy by feeding him high-quality dog food and treats, not people food. Use bones and dog treats as special rewards, and keep human foods out of the dog’s reach. If you suspect that your dog has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Center’s hotline at 1-888-426-4435.
This article appears in Jun 17-23, 2010.