Don't Eat This Stuff!

Hey Lucy,

I just got a letter from a friend about stuff that we shouldn't eat. I knew not to eat chocolate, but did you know that nutmeg can make you hallucinate and grapes are toxic?! The full list of stuff to watch out for is below:

CHOCOLATE: 
Best to remember – dark chocolate, especially baker's
chocolate, is the worst when it comes to this type of "poisoning".
Chocolate contains a substance called Theobromine (similar to
caffeine), which in toxic doses can cause heart attacks. As little as
2 oz baker's chocolate can be fatal for a small dog. If you suspect
your dog has gotten into chocolate call your vet immediately.

GRAPES/RAISINS: 
Surprisingly, this is a toxic fruit for dogs. They
contain an unknown toxin, which can cause acute renal (kidney)
failure. As little as a handful at a time can be deadly.

ONIONS: 
A substance in onions, disulfide, is harmless to humans but
toxic to not only dogs but cats, horses, sheep and cattle. It causes
hemolytic anemia, and as little as 2 slices a week can damage red
blood cells, impairing their ability to carry oxygen.

LIVER: 
In small amounts liver is very good for your dog (less than 3
servings a week). Large amounts cause vitamin A toxicity
(hypervitaminosis A).
This can lead to bone problems, weight loss and
anorexia (!) Also, never feed liver if your dog is taking vitamin A supplements,
and always cook it before feeding.

BONES:
Sterilized bones that are purchased aren't the problem. Raw
meaty bones and chicken bones are prone to splinter and lodge in the
throat, or worse, the intestines, in which case they can perforate the
lining causing internal bleeding and possibly death. This doesn't mean
"no bones" – ask the butcher for soup bones, bring water to a full
boil then cook the bones for approximately 20 minutes (depending on size).

RAW EGGS:
Cooked eggs are a very healthy treat for dogs,
raw egg whites contain a protein called Avidin.
This protein depletes your dog of B vitamins,
specifically Biotin, which is essential to growth andcoat condition.
Also, raw eggs may contain bacteria, such as Salmonella.

RAW MEAT/POULTRY:
Once again bacteria are the main problem –
Salmonella and Clostridium, both can be very serious and costly to
treat. Just remember, if you feed meat, cook it first.

MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS:
FYI, 50% of dogs are lactose intolerant (just
like people!) – they don't produce the enzyme Lactase, therefore they
are unable to break down Lactose (milk sugar).
This can cause gas, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

NUTS:
Walnuts can cause gastroenteritis and are considered poisonous
to dogs. Macadamia nuts contain an unknown compound, which can cause
muscle tremors, weakness and paralysis of the hindquarters – luckily
these symptoms last a short time. In general, nuts are high in
phosphorus and may contribute to the formation of bladder stones.

POTATO:
Cooked and mashed potatoes are good for dogs. However,
poisonous alkaloids (Solanum) are present in
green sprouts and green potato skins.

TOMATO PLANTS:
Stems and leaves contain oxalates, which can cause bladder stones.

RHUBARB:
This plant (especially the leaves) also contains oxalates.

TURKEY SKIN:
Known to cause acute Pancreatitis in dogs.

PIPS:
Found in the seeds of apples, pears, plums, peaches and apricots –
ALL CONTAIN ARSENIC!

NUTMEG:
Is a hallucinogen in dogs.

BABY FOOD:
When I worked as a veterinary assistant we commonly gave
chicken baby food to dogs and cats that wouldn't eat. Just be careful
that the baby food you are feeding doesn't contain onion powder –
some do. See onion poisoning for more information.

BROCCOLI:
There has been a bit of confusion where broccoli is
concerned. Broccoli is very good for dogs, however, if the daily
intake exceeds more than 10% of the animals diet – problems can occur.
The toxic substance is isothiocyanate and can cause
gastrointestinal irritation.