things that annoy us

Human food


In 2011, consumption of toxic foods was the number one cause of poisoning in dogs.[5] In 2017, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received 199,000 poisoning cases, almost one-fifth of which were the result of ingesting human foods.[6] Knowing which foods are poisonous to dogs will protect your dog and keep them healthy. Every pet owner wants to share a "treat" with their dog, however, dogs can not break down many of the substances that humans can, thus the "treat" for the human could become detrimental to the dog.


Carob is sometimes used as a chocolate substitute and is not toxic to dogs.


Chocolate
Chocolate is dangerous for dogs because they are unable to break down theobromine nor caffeine contained in the chocolate. Darker chocolate and baking chocolate contain a higher amount of theobromine, thus they are more dangerous than milk chocolate or white chocolate. Smaller doses may cause vomiting or diarrhea, but larger doses begin to affect the heart and brain. At higher doses the dog may essentially suffer a heart attack.[7] Note that some dog treats that claim they include chocolate use carob which looks like chocolate.



Grapes/raisins/currants

These include any fruit of the Vitis species. The substance within these fruits that causes toxicity to dogs is not clear. There are two theories: mycotoxin or salicylate naturally found in grapes, which decreases blood flow to the kidneys. There is also no dose information to show how much is too much. This varies and one dog may tolerate grapes/raisins more than another. The safest amount is NONE, as it eliminates the possibility and is safest for the pet.[8]



Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts have been included in the top foods to not give dogs. Like grapes or raisins it has not been clearly identified what is in the nut that causes negative reactions in dogs. Very small amounts of the nut can cause adverse reactions – "as little as 1/10th of an ounce per roughly 2 pounds of body weight."[9] Macadamia nuts are singled out as having higher toxicity. Other nuts in general, are high in fat and can cause a dog to become ill.[10] Dogs do not metabolize substances as humans can so keep pets safe by not taking the risk of feeding them any type of nut.

Xylitol

The FDA has issued alerts to notify the public that xylitol, a sugar substitute, is harmful to dogs. It is used in sugar free foods including gum and candy, and oral hygiene products. Some peanut butter will also contain xylitol. Xylitol can cause liver failure in dogs, as well as hypoglycemia due to the fact that it stimulates rapid insulin production in the canine pancreas.[11] Some possible signs to watch for are loss of coordination, vomiting, or seizures.[12] Xylitol is not always clearly labeled on sugar free foods. Ingredient listings should indicate if xylitol is in the product. Food labels with the listing for "sugar alcohol" may contain xylitol. [13] Other names for xylitol include birch sugar, E967, Meso-Xylitol, Xilitol, Xylit, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5-Pentol, and Sucre de Bouleau. [14]





Members of the Onion family can be dangerous to dogs.

Fruit pits and seeds



Apples are safe for dogs, but apple seeds are not. Apple seeds, persimmon, peach, and plum pits, as well as other fruit seeds or pits have "cyanogenic glycosides". For example, if an apple seed skin is broken as a dog is eating an apple, then cyanide could be released. Apple seeds should be removed before a dog is given the apple to eat.[15]



Onions and garlic

The Alliaceae family, of the Allium genus, or the onion family, includes onion, garlic, shallots, scallions, chives, and leeks.[16] These contain thiosulphate which can cause red blood cell damage and anemia. Thiosulphate poisoning from onions can cause orange to dark red-tinged urine, vomiting, and diarrhea.[17]



Many human foods may cause irritation to dogs or more serious problems when ingested in large amounts.



Medication

Over the counter medication

Human vitamin supplements can damage the digestive tract lining, especially those containing iron, and can lead to kidney and liver damage.[15]



Ibuprofen and acetaminophen

(commonly known as Moutrin or Advil and Tylenol) will cause liver damage in dogs.



Prescription

Human antidepressant drugs like Celexa can cause neurological problems in dogs.



ADHD medications contain stimulants, such as methylphenidate, that if ingested even in small amounts can be life-threatening to dogs. Examples are Concerta, Vyvanse, Adderall, and Dexadrine.[18]