They are certain foods that are safe for humans but can be harmful to dogs.

Because dogs have a different metabolism than people, feeding human foods to dogs can be very dangerous for their health and may even be fatal in some cases.

In this post we are going to reviews seven food items that have been proven toxic to dogs. If you have a dog, it’s important to keep these foods out of their reach.

1. Avocados
Avocados contain a toxin called persin, which is perfectly safe for human consumption but can be very poisonous to dogs

It is found in avocado fruit, pits, leaves, and bark, so you should avoid giving any part of the plant to your dog.

If a dog eats these, fluid may accumulate in the dog’s lungs and chest. This can make it difficult for them to breathe, which can lead to oxygen deprivation and even death

Fluid can also accumulate in the heart, pancreas, and abdomen, and this can lead to other fatal complications

Additionally, a dog can accidentally swallow an avocado pit, which can cause choking or a blockage in the digestive tract.

2. Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins can be extremely toxic to dogs.

They can cause rapid kidney failure, which can ultimately be fatal

The toxic compounds in grapes are still unknown, but even small amounts can make your dog sick.

Toxic levels vary from dog to dog, but one study reports found that some dogs died after eating just a handful of raisins

Therefore, ingestion of any quantity should be taken very seriously.

It is important to note that poisoning can happen as a result of eating grapes and raisins raw or eating them as ingredients in baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and snack bars. Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and depression

These may be followed by signs of kidney failure, such as excessive thirst and very little urine production

3. Chocolate
Chocolate contains the stimulant chemicals theobromine and caffeine, both of which are very difficult for dogs to metabolize.

If a dog eats chocolate, it can cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

These symptoms can also progress to more serious problems like heart attacks, internal bleeding, muscle tremors, seizures, and death

The severity of the side effects depends on how large the dog is and how much and what type of chocolate the dog has consumed.

4. Salt
Eating too much salt could lead to a condition known as salt poisoning or water deprivation in dogs.

This can cause neurological disorders, cerebral edema, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, fever, and seizures. It may even be fatal in severe cases

Because of this, it is not a good idea to give your dog salted foods such as pretzels, popcorn, or chips.

It is also important to make sure your dog always has access to fresh drinking water

5.Onions, garlic, and chives
The onion family, whether dry, raw or cooked, is particularly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage. Signs of illness are not always immediate and can occur up to a few days later.

These can damage a dog’s red blood cells and cause anemia. In severe cases, your dog could require a blood transfusion

6. Alcohol
Alcohol is found in a variety of products, including alcoholic beverages, perfumes, mouthwash, paint, varnish, and various cleaning products.

While occasional alcohol consumption is safe for humans, dogs cannot tolerate it, even in small amounts.

Symptoms usually develop within an hour after consumption and include tiredness, depression, lack of muscle coordination, low body temperature, poor breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If a dog consumes too much alcohol, it can result in lung failure, seizures, coma, and even death

7. ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER (XYLITOL)
Our desire for sweet treats, chewing gum and drinks together with low-fat, diet and sugar-free products (including some peanut butters so always check the label before using this as a treat) are often laced with an artificial sweetener called Xylitol which causes an insulin release in our bodies.

However, if your dog digests one of these sweetened foods they can go into hypoglycaemia which is linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders.

I hope this article helps other petlovers here on nairaland to know what we can and cannot feed our dogs.

This is for exotic breeds. Most local breeds in Nigeria have evolved to tolerate what humans eat and they even tend to live much longer with fewer health challenges.