Canine toxicity occurs when a dog’s body has an adverse bodily reaction to a substance or material that is poisonous. There are a several human foods that could potentially cause dog toxicity, including the following:
1. Chocolate
Small and large amounts of chocolate are absolutely poisonous to dogs. In this case, the only difference in small and large amounts determine the hazard it will place on them. The toxic substance to dogs in chocolate is known as theobromine. Canines process theobromine at a slower rate than humans. Small amounts of chocolate can cause diarrhea, upset stomach, and vomiting; whereas large amounts can cause irregular heart beat, heart attacks, internal bleeding, tremors, and seizures.
2. Peaches and plums
Peaches and plums contain cyanogenic glycosides, also known as amygdalin. This is a form of cyanide. Amygdalin poisoning can occur even in small amounts of canine-intake of foods containing such. This toxin slows the enzymes in a dog’s body from transporting oxygen to its blood. There are a wide variety of side effects associated with their intake of peaches and plums, including but not limited to breathing problems, cardiac arrest, anorexia, abdominal pain, comas, convulsions, shivering, shock, and lethargy.
3. Onions and garlic
Even if a dog ingests a small amount of onions and garlic, it can result in the loss of red blood cells. Excessive drooling may occur as a result of inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract beginning with nausea and irritation of the mouth. This is also known as gastroenteritis. Side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Dogs are at an increased risk of developing this condition if they additionally ingest leeks and chives.
4. Avocado
Gastrointestinal risks also exist if a dog eats large amounts of avocados. In addition, pancreatitis can also occur. These risks are especially characterized by the high-fat content of avocado flesh. Weight gain can also occur. Avocados can also cause vomiting, myocardial damage, and vomiting for canines.
5. Coffee, tea, and soda
Large amounts of caffeinated beverages, including but not limited to energy drinks, soda, coffee, and tea can be deadly at worst. Extremely small amounts of such typically are not harmful. However a high amount of caffeine-intake can cause serious side effects. These include elevated heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, collapse, seizures, restlessness, hyperactivity, and vomiting.
6. Raisins and grapes
Grapes and raisins are especially toxic to dogs. They can also cause death. A common side effect of canine intake of grapes and raisins is kidney failure. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) received 3,722 calls in relation to grapes and raisins in 2016. Other side effects include but are not limited to dehydration, death, loss of appetite, vomiting and/or diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
7. Dairy
Dairy products in large amounts, especially on a frequent basis, can be harmful to dogs. These animals have a low amount of lactase, which is a bodily enzyme required to digest milk. Dogs have a low bodily amount of lactase regarding digestion. In addition, many dogs are lactose intolerant. Some side effects include constant gas, loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, and abdominal pain.
