Many dog owners tend to share their food with their pets and give them treats to reward good behavior. This may be a well-intended gesture, but it can also lead to serious health concerns if you’re not educated about what foods are safe for dogs. If your pet reacts, take them to an emergency vet hospital right away. To keep them safe, avoid the following ingredients and any other toxic foods that have been shown to have adverse effects.

What Foods Are Dangerous for Dogs?

1. Dark Chocolate

Many dog owners are already cautious when enjoying chocolate around their dogs. The problem ingredients in chocolate are theobromine and caffeine, which are included in higher quantities in dark chocolate or cocoa powder than milk chocolate or white chocolate. To be safe, avoid giving any of these treats to your dog. If a dog ingests chocolate, they can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and a high fever. 

2. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are highly toxic for dogs, causing lethargy, tremors, vomiting, and fever. It’s unknown precisely what causes these symptoms, as many other types of nuts are safe for animals. Though many people don’t enjoy handfuls of macadamia nuts daily, it’s essential to look for this ingredient in any cookies or baked goods before giving a few crumbs to your furry friends.

3. Grapes

Both grapes and raisins are toxic to most dogs. Researchers haven’t yet pinpointed exactly what the problem ingredient is, or what makes it toxic to some dogs and not others. However, grape poisoning can lead to kidney failure or death in some cases, so it’s best to avoid giving them to your dog to ensure their continued health.

If your dog has eaten these or any other toxic foods, take them to Covedale Pet Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. This vet hospital offers a variety of pet care services, from vaccinations and physicals to pet surgery and emergency care. Their team of caring vets and support staff always treat patients as important members of the family, and they receive constant training and access to state of the art technology. Visit this vet hospital’s website to see a full array of services. To request more information, call (513) 251-4666 today.