Vet shares 12 foods found in your home that are ‘toxic to dogs’

If you’re a pet owner, you know all too well how much people can love their dogs.

They’re cute, cuddly and offer companionship at the most needed times. This is why it’s so important to look after them.

You may not realise it, but you may have some things lying around your home that are “toxic” to dogs. In particular, certain foods can cause them a lot of harm.

To make people more aware, a vet has shared advice on TikTok telling people what to look out for. The expert, known as The Net Vet, said there are certain things you need to keep hidden away.

While we may like tucking into the tasty treats, they can do our pooches a lot of harm. This is what you need to avoid giving them.

Chocolate 

Chocolate can be toxic to dogs as it contains both caffeine and theobromine. These stimulants are metabolized differently by dogs, and this can lead to potentially dangerous consequences.

Grapes and raisins 

Grapes and raisins may seem harmless, but they are actually toxic to dogs. The severity of the reaction can vary among dogs but, in extreme cases, ingestion can lead to kidney failure or even death.

Even a small quantity can cause significant harm. Symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning include vomiting and diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain and increased thirst.

Onions

Onions are another hidden danger, with potentially fatal consequences for dogs. They contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to anaemia.

Dogs lack the necessary enzymes to safely metabolise these compounds. Every part of the onion, including the bulb, leaves, juice and processed powders, is toxic.

Onions can be poisonous to dogs, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, pale gums, lethargy, weakness and a lack of balance.

Garlic 

Garlic is also toxic to dogs due to its allyl sulfides content, which can cause liver damage, red blood cell destruction and anaemia. If a dog has ingested garlic, it may exhibit signs such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, tremors and potentially seizures.

Macadamia nuts 

Macadamia nuts are another food item that is harmful to dogs – causing vomiting, weakness and lethargy. While the effects are typically mild, severe cases may require veterinary attention.

Symptoms include vomiting, back leg weakness, diarrhoea, pancreatitis, loss of appetite, stomach pain, reduced activity, fever and inability to stand.

Caffeine 

Caffeine can also cause serious health problems for dogs, and can sometimes lead to fatal consequences. This is because dogs are really sensitive to the common product.

Xylitol

Xylitol is also toxic to dogs and can be fatal. It’s a sugar substitute found in many human foods and products such as gum, sweets, toothpaste and vitamins.

If a dog has consumed xylitol, it may experience symptoms such as vomiting, decreased activity, weakness and difficulty walking or standing.

Milk and dairy products

While experts say milk isn’t toxic to dogs in itself, a lot of dogs are lactose intolerant and can experience digestive upset. This is why it’s best to avoid it.

Many dogs struggle to digest lactose, which is a sugar found in milk.

Raw dough

Yeast can also be toxic to dogs, especially if it’s raw when consumed. This is because yeast ferments the dough, producing a gas that can cause bloating.

Yeast also produces ethanol, which can cause a dog’s blood alcohol level to rise. This can result in inebriation, lack of coordination and central nervous system depression.

Corn on the cob

Even though corn itself is generally safe for dogs, the cob is considered dangerous. This is because it’s indigestible and can lead to intestinal blockages.

Nutmeg

The common spice is toxic to dogs because it contains myristicin, which can lead to dangerous reactions. If consumed, it can result in increased heart rate and seizures.

Green tomatoes and raw potatoes 

Green tomatoes are toxic to dogs, as well as the leaves and stems of the plant. They can lead to poisoning, so make sure you never give them to your pets.

Raw potatoes are also dangerous because they contain something called solanine. This can lead to digestive upset and other health problems.

If you think your dog has eaten any dangerous food, you should contact your vet immediately. You need to seek professional advice on the best next steps to take.