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E5 – People Foods Dogs Should Avoid

There’s a rite of passage for every dog owner. It’s that moment when you have to pry your dog’s mouth open and fish out something that it shouldn’t have.  In fact, it happened to me just the other day when I had to pull an M&M out of my dog’s mouth.

Yes, there is that moment when you debate whether to dive in or just let them what they found. Since it started with me catching him chewing, I wasnt sure what he had and and wanted to play it safe. That’s ALWAYS preferable to a vet visit.

So in this episode, we focus on seemingly harmless people food that dogs should AVOID because they could get very sick or even die.

People food dogs should AVOID

Grapes and raisins

They seem so harmless, and green grapes are actually my favorite snack. But consuming grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage and even sudden kidney failure in dogs. When I do have grapes at home, I make sure to keep the bowl far from my dog’s reach. That means, I avoid sitting bowls on low coffee tables or on the floor during tv time. It’s simply not worth the risk. And if you have small children, you know that when they snack — treats land EVERYWHERE. So be extra cautious.

If you listened to Episode 2 of this podcast, you know that we featured trainer Rachael Maso with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA.org). Rachel offered some excellent tips about dog-proofing your home. My favorite tips was to regularly check things out from a dog-eye level. That’s a good way to find potential dangers. In the case of those M&Ms, my nephews had paid a visit and the candy fell under a couch. No surprise that the dog would sniff out goodies. So the next time I have little kids visiting, I’ll be sure to sweep the house from Louie’s eye level.  

Garlic and onions

These are some of my favorite ingredients in savory dishes. But garlic and onions — members of the allium family of plants — can cause stomach upset for dogs. This means, avoid giving your dogs table scraps of goodies like salsa or pasta coated with pesto sauce. No one wants to clean up after a sick pet, especially if it’s from something preventable.

Alcohol

It seems like common sense to have your dog avoid alcohol. Again, this can be an issue when you have people over and beverages are within a dog’s reach. Be sure to exercise caution and keep beverages out of reach. This means you don’t leave an icy cold beer can on the floor where it can tip over. Same for those red SOLO cups filled with alcoholic concoctions. If you have guests visiting for cocktail hour, play it safe and give your dog some kennel time with a good treat. Consuming alcohol can cause vomiting, stomach upset and even death.

Caffeine

Again, watch where you sit those coffee mugs and soda cans. Caffeinated products contain a substance called methylxanthine, which may fuel your day, but can wreak havoc on a dog’s system. The list of side effects includes vomiting and diarrhea — which is more than enough for me. Consuming caffeine also can cause excessive thirst, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and even death.

Chocolate

Most dog owners know the dangers of chocolate and keep it away. But life happens — just like with my dog and the M&Ms. Make sure you keep candy out of reach — let guests know that chocolate is off limits — and try to be extra vigilant during the holidays when chocolatey treats are most popular. In the US that means (February – around Valentine’s Day, April – during Easter, and then entire month of October, which kicks off the holiday season with Thanksgiving in November on through to Christmas in December. gifts.

Health hazzards are similar to consuming caffeine. Note: Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk or white chocolate because it has higher levels of methylxanthines.

Xylitol

This isn’t a product you think about, but xylitol is a sweetener that can be found in several products, including gum, candy, peanut butter and yogurt. I added Xylotol to the list after watching a news report of a dog that required emergency vet care after eating a pack of sugar-free gum. The owner said he had no idea that the gum contained toxic ingredients.

Fortunately, his dog survived. You should know that — even in small amounts — xylitol can lead to liver failure in dogs. Warning signs can include vomiting, and loss of coordination or even seizures. If you think your dog has consumed a product with xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately.

To recap: Common people foods that dogs should avoid:

• Grapes and raisins,
• Garlic and onions,
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• And Xylitol

What if your dog DOES eat something dangerous?

1. Call your vet
Make sure you have your vet’s number programmed into your phone and easily accessible around the house for family members. Often, they can share tips to address the issue immediately.

2. Locate emergency vet hospital
If you notice the problem after hours, visit your nearest 24-hour emergency vet. Search by ZIP code to find a facility accredited with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) near you.

3. Call a poison control expert
There are a few options available. I recommend the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) hotline, operated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or ASPCA.org. The number is 888-426-4435. Experts are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is a fee, currently it’s $65, but that’s less expensive than emergency vet consultation. 

Free downloads

Download and save SoulPup’s handy list of people foods your dog should avoid. Print and add your vet’s contact info, then place on the fridge or in an easily accessible area of your home. Also, download the ASPCA’s list of the Top 10 Pet Toxins.

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