15 Foods Dogs and Cats should Never Eat
There are a number of common ‘human’ foods that your dogs and cat should NOT EAT… The important thing is to know exactly what to avoid. There are some very commonly known ones, such as Chocolate, Alcohol, and Coffee, but some lesser known ones such as Grapes, Nutmeg, Onion and the artificial sweetener in gum, Xyitol.
In this article I give you an overview of the toxins, PLUS what to do if your dog or cat ingests any of these poisons.
Alcoholic beverages
It is often sweet – attracting dogs and cats, but can cause serious and fatal intoxication. Don’t ever offer this to your pets.
Here are some of the signs and side effects:
• Incoordination/ataxia
• Excitement
• Depression
• Excessive urination
• Breathing rate is slowed
• Cardiac arrest and death
Avocado
Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as Persin. The Guatemalan variety is most toxic – but all have toxic potential. They cause vomiting/diarrhea – primarily gastrointestinal distress.
Chocolate (all forms)
Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.
Signs:
Initial excitation.
Increased drinking and urinating.
Vomiting and Diarrhea.
Theobromine causes an increased heart rate and arrhythmia –.
Seizures can then be seen.
Death is then possible.
ACTION PLAN: Induce vomiting, give activated charcoal, and go to the Vet if depression and seizures begin. Baker’s chocolate and high cocoa content chocolate is the most toxic; the toxic dose is 2 baking squares for a 10lb dog. Regular chocolate bars have little real chocolate and are seldom toxic.
Coffee (all forms)
Coffee contains dangerous components called xanthines, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation
Fatty foods
The primary concern here is severe gastrointestinal upset- and in some cases Pancreatitis.
This can be fatal in some pets- and it is ALMOST always triggered by a High Fat Meal, such as gravy or bacon.
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs. This has lead to paralysis. A small number of nuts and even the butter can cause this.
Moldy or spoiled foods
Many molds contain a type of toxin called an Aflatoxin. This is thought to be a common cause of “compost toxicity”. Signs include GI (Vomiting/Diarrhea), muscle tremors, in-coordination, elevated temperature, excessive salivation, and liver damage. Avoid feeding ANYTHING moldy to your dog or cat.
Onions, onion powder
Onions contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate.
Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop anemia. 1 Onion can cause this. Fortunately ALL dogs recover once they are stopped from ingesting onions.
Raisins and grapes
As few as 6 grapes and raisins have caused acute kidney failure in some dogs.
The toxic ingredient is not yet known.
There is no treatment.
AVOID feeding ANY grapes or raisins to your dogs.
Yeast dough
The yeast dough/uncooked bread dough will rise in your pet’s stomach causing severe gastrointestinal distress (vomiting/diarrhea), bloating, and signs of alcohol toxicity.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a artificial sweeter found in “SUGAR FREE” Products, such as gum, candy etc.
Signs relate to a sudden drop in glucose (blood sugar), in-coordination, collapse and seizures.
Avoid feeding any gum/candy to your pets.
Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plums.
Ingestion of large amounts of stems, seeds and leaves of these fruits can be toxic.
They contain a cyanide type compound and signs of toxicity include apprehension, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation and shock.
Note – it’s the seeds and stems that contain the toxic component, not the fruit itself.
Potato peelings and green looking potatoes
Potatoes and other Solanum species, including the tomato, are members of the nightshade family of plants.
These plants contain solanine and other toxic alkaloids which, if eaten in large enough amounts, can produce drooling, severe gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, central nervous system depression, confusion, behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils and slowed heart rate.
Nutmeg
High levels of nutmeg can be toxic, even fatal.
The toxic component is unknown.
Signs of toxicity include tremors, seizures, nervous system abnormalities or death.
Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)
The green parts of the tomato plant are considered toxic because they contain solanine, which has the potential to produce significant gastrointestinal and central nervous system effects.
WHAT to do IF your pet has eaten any of these toxic foods:
TO YOUR VETERINARIAN. If your pet is showing signs of ingesting a poison, it is important that your veterinarian examines her and treated appropriately. Some toxins can progress and lead to severe seizures. If you suspect antifreeze poisoning, it must be treated within 4-6 hours, before irreversible kidney damage occurs.
PURGE THE POISON. In most cases of poisoning, getting your pet to vomit is the most important thing that you can do. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING if something caustic has been consumed (such as drain cleaner or bleach). To induce vomiting, give hydrogen peroxide at 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight. If your pet doesn’t vomit in 10 minutes, repeat again. NEVER do more than 2 treatments of peroxide. You can also try salt: dilute 1 teaspoon of salt in a tablespoon of water per every 10lbs of body weight.
DELAY ABSORPTION. Activated charcoal is readily available at most pharmacies. It delays absorption of any toxin by binding to the toxic compound in the stomach. The easiest way is to give the capsule form. For those garbage-eating dogs (such as my own dog) it is a good idea to have hydrogen peroxide and activated charcoal always on hand.
PREVENTION. Ensure medications are always out of mouth’s reach. Become familiar with toxic plants (visit http://www.aspca.org/toxicplants for a complete list) and remove those from your house, if your pet is a plant-eater. Keep your compost covered.
Dr Andrew
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us. I have learned so much from your videos and my 14 yr old Border Collie thanks you.
I am putting a link to your newsletter on my personal blog so my friends with pets can learn how to better care for the pets they love.
All good things to you.
Nancy
Thanks so much, Nancy! That means a lot to me. I’m thrilled to hear your 14-year-old Border Collie is doing well, and thank you for sharing the newsletter with your friends—that’s a wonderful way to help more pets. Give your senior pup a big hug from me!
Dr. Andrew,
I see you did not list garlic. Is this ok to give dogs/cats in small doses to prevent or minimize flea, ticks and worm infestation vs spot on chemicals?
Thanks,
Karen
Thanks for the great question, Karen! Garlic is a bit controversial. In very small amounts, some holistic vets use it, but large amounts can be toxic, especially over time. I generally prefer safer natural flea and tick options rather than relying on garlic alone. Thanks for asking!
Dr Andrew, thx much for this comprehensive article and for setting all of us straight on what to be careful about with our best friends. Do you have articles on Behavior, and obeying certain Commands ? I have a little girl, Lhasa Apso, pure bred, rescue. Had a tough beginning, has several behavior issues. Let me know. Thanks much, Steve Ellis
Thanks, Steve! I’m so glad you found it helpful. Yes—I have quite a few articles and videos on dog behavior, training, and building confidence, especially for rescue dogs. With a little patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, many behavior issues can improve dramatically. Give your little Lhasa Apso a hug from me!
Hallo, our dogs eat grapes and raisins whenever they grow … and they also eat tomates…. and Enzo likes olives and beer. Not every day but now and then. Both of the dogs were testing dogs in labs and I think it is no problem when they try now and then…. look for more of us at http://www.laborbeaglehilfe.de in Germany, I hope we can help you. And a lot of Beagles.
Love and greetings, Tineke Mijnhart in Zeven, Germany
Thanks for sharing, Tineke, and thank you for helping rescue Beagles! Every dog is different, but with grapes and raisins in particular, we now know that even small amounts can cause serious kidney injury in some dogs, while others seem unaffected. Because there’s no reliable way to predict which dogs are at risk, I recommend avoiding grapes, raisins, and alcohol altogether. Give those lucky Beagles a hug from me!
You were talking about potatoes is it ok to eat raw potatoes or cook boil? About nuts like cashews or peanuts or cook pinto beans and veg. I love your articles p.s. my dogs are little ones. thank you,Tellie
Thanks for the great questions, Tellie! ? In general, plain cooked potatoes (without green areas, seasoning, butter, or added ingredients) can be okay as an occasional treat for dogs. I would avoid raw potatoes and green potatoes, as they contain higher levels of solanine, which can cause stomach upset and other problems.
Plain peanuts (unsalted and not coated) are usually okay in small amounts, but avoid salted nuts, flavored nuts, and be cautious with higher-fat treats. Cashews are also high in fat, so only a tiny amount occasionally—if your dog tolerates them.
Cooked vegetables like carrots and some beans can be healthy additions, but introduce new foods slowly, especially with smaller dogs who can have sensitive stomachs.
Thanks for reading my articles, Tellie! Give your little ones a belly rub from me.
Xylitol is just plain scary. The owner of our local health food store tried to sell me some. I thought about it but didn’t like the chemical sounding name, although she said it was natural (if you consider tree bark natural).
I then did some googling and read many horror stories of people whose dogs ate only two pieces of gum or one piece of cake sweetened with Xylitol and died.
Apparently a dog’s liver will shut down in 30 minutes, and there’s really nothing that a vet can do to help, from what I have read.
If I had bought that bag of Xylitol, I would have baked something with it and possibly given a piece or two to my dogs, and they would have died. People need to know about this stuff, and keep it out of their homes. It is now in almost every brand of gum.
Thanks for sharing your experience! Xylitol is definitely something every pet owner should know about. It is safe for humans but can be extremely dangerous for dogs—even small amounts can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and, in some cases, serious liver injury.
The tricky part is that it can hide in many products like sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, and some oral care products. Keeping these items safely away from curious pets is one of the best forms of prevention.
Great reminder—sometimes the “healthy” alternatives for us are not healthy for our four-legged friends!
Thanks to you Dr. Jones
We all should know what not to give our dogs.
I have known some of these but you have filled me in about other foods I did NOT know.
I used to give my Schnauzer grapes and she is gone now.
My new Schnauzer does not get grapes and if one happens to fall on the floor I search till I find it before she does
Thanks for sharing your story! I’m glad the article helped fill in some of the gaps. Grapes and raisins are a tricky one because some dogs seem to eat them with no obvious problems, while others can develop serious kidney issues—even from a small amount. We just don’t have a reliable way to predict which dogs will be affected, so avoiding them is the safest choice.
Your new Schnauzer sounds like she has a very dedicated grape detective on duty! Keep up the great care, and give her a big hug from me.
Thank you Dr Jones,
Very valuable information for everyone, even people that don´t have their own pets.
Remember to tell friends and relations about these toxins.
A lot of people like to give pets “treats” when they come to visit. Of course they don´t mean to harm them but if they don´t know better, there is a danger they will give some of these toxins to your dog or cat as a treat.
Absolutely, great point! One of the biggest risks is that visitors often mean well—they see those sweet puppy eyes and want to give a little treat. Unfortunately, some “people foods” that seem harmless can be dangerous for our dogs and cats.
A simple conversation with family and friends can prevent an accidental emergency. I always say: when in doubt, ask before sharing that snack!
Thanks for helping spread the word and keep more pets safe!
It might be helpful for you to post a detailed story about xylitol. I recently read an article that talked about it being added to medications now, many of which are used for humans and animals. So many of the human meds are being used by vets as well, and by prescribing these meds they are actually killing the animals accidentally.. I know that one of the types of rescue remedy contains it, and it is particularly used in liquid medications. Many products that have it do not have it listed in the ingredients which makes it more difficult. And it is being promoted as the best and most natural sugar substitute on the market. It is so important for people to get the word out about this product. I’ve actually read more articles warning about the dangers of cocoa mulch when consumed than I have about xylitol. Please consider doing a story on this!!!
Thanks for sharing this, and I agree, xylitol is something more pet owners need to know about. It may be safe for humans, but it can be extremely dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. Always check labels carefully and keep xylitol-containing products safely away from pets.
Thanks for the article. You said that “Potatoes and other Solanum species, including the tomato, are members of the nightshade family of plants”, my dog has been eating a large amount of potato every 3 days. I peel off the skin and dig the root out, I boiled it and smashed it to feed him. Is potato harmful to dog without the skin?
Thanks for your question! Plain cooked, peeled potatoes are generally safe for dogs in moderation. The concern is mainly with raw potatoes, green potatoes, and the leaves/stems, which contain higher levels of solanine.
Just avoid making potato a large part of the diet—dogs still need a balanced mix of protein, fats, and nutrients.
Thank you so much for your great articles. I knew a few of these toxines, but ususally give our Shih-tzu a few grapes when we have some, and every morning she gets 3 little pieces of mango (a common fruit in Brazil, u wouldn’t think of mentioning) from my husband’s breakfast plate. Can u tell us if this fruit is toxic for dogs? I have as of now stopped with the grapes!
Cheers!
Thanks for your kind words! Great choice stopping the grapes—some dogs can have serious reactions, and it’s best to avoid them.
Mango is generally safe for dogs in small amounts. Just remove the pit and keep it as an occasional treat because it’s naturally high in sugar.
Give your Shih Tzu a cuddle from me!
To Monica re. mango: I react dangerously to even trace amounts of mango, and have been told (by a botanist) that many people do likewise because it is related to poison ivy. So if I were you, I’d approach it with extreme caution. Odd that it has become such a fad in restaurant fare everywhere.
Thanks for sharing your experience! Mango can definitely cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those sensitive to compounds related to poison ivy. Dogs are different from humans, but it’s always wise to introduce any new food slowly and watch for signs of a reaction.
As always, when it comes to treats—small amounts and common sense go a long way!
Dr Jones – Is baby food okay to give dogs as long as all the ingredients listed are safe for dogs? Some sites say yes, some sites say no?
Thanks for the question! Plain baby food can be okay for dogs in small amounts, as long as it has safe ingredients and does not contain things like onion, garlic, or xylitol.
Just use it as an occasional treat—not a replacement for a balanced dog diet.
Are BLue Berries bad too? My dog ate some and I wanted to know if I should induce vomiting or not?
Blueberries are safe for dogs in moderation. No need to induce vomiting if your dog ate some.
Just monitor for any stomach upset if they ate a large amount.
I was told that Broccoli is toxic to dog. I have been feeding home cook Chinese food to my 3 year old miniature poodle. My friend owns 5 dogs. 3 of them died at the age of 15 to 15 and half years old last year. Now she has 2 more dogs who are already 16.Both of them are healthy and active even though they are already 16. She told me she only feed them strictly home cook Chinese food such as chicken, beef , vegi. She either boil or steam the food.
Thanks for sharing! Broccoli is not toxic to dogs in small amounts, though too much can cause stomach upset.
Home-cooked meals can be great, but make sure they are balanced with all the nutrients dogs need.
i got problem brushing my cats teeth, in here it helps me a lot it gives me idea on what to do on brushing teeth on my pets
Glad this helped! Brushing a cat’s teeth can definitely be a challenge at first. Start slowly, make it a positive experience, and reward your cat with praise or a healthy treat afterward.
Even a little effort goes a long way in helping keep those teeth and gums healthy!
My father is feeding his 1 yr old King charles spaniel small amounts of cheese. Is this safe.
Thanks for the question! Small amounts of plain cheese can be okay for many dogs, including a King Charles Spaniel, as an occasional treat.
Just keep it limited, since cheese can be high in fat and some dogs are lactose sensitive. Watch for any stomach upset.
Dr. Jones I am confused…you recommended avocado as a help for arthritis…yet here you say it is a toxin?
Please clarify…thanks Sherry.
Also interested in peanuts, pop corn, blue berries and cantaloupe…My rescue lab…Bud loves them as treats.
We also give him beef marrow bones partially cooked and cooled to clean his teeth.
We feed him wellness low cal core…because the vet said he was overweight.In the morning 1 cup of the kibble and 2T. of the canned wellness, with 2 T of 0% fat Greek yogurt, It is full of probiotics .Same in the evening. For training treats we dehydrate lean top steak and cut it thin.What our your thoughts? PS We walk Bud everyday and also have an active playtime. Give him lots of love and affection.Also we our continuing with positive dog training and have an excellent trainer.Thanks:)
Hi, Sherry;
As Dr. Jones mentions in his article, it is the Avocado Oil that is being looked at. He also says “Clearly more study is needed, but this seems to be a new promising supplement.” So, he is not at this point saying it is ok to give to your pet.
Best Regards,
Jonathan
Dr. Jones’ Inner Circle
http://www.TheOnlineVet.com
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Health Formula
http://www.TheDogSupplement.com
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula
http://www.TheCatSupplement.com
Thanks for the question, Sherry! The avocado concern is mainly with the pit, skin, leaves, and large amounts. A small amount of avocado flesh is usually okay for many dogs, but I recommend caution.
Plain peanuts, blueberries, and cantaloupe are generally safe treats. Plain air-popped popcorn is okay too—just avoid butter, salt, and toppings.
Bud sounds like one very loved and lucky Lab!
I have yet to met a dog or cat that will eat cheries and onions or drink coffee and alcohol!
Dogs know better than their owners what to eat and drink.
Some pets definitely seem to have their own “food safety committee”! But curiosity can surprise us—some dogs will eat almost anything if given the chance.
It’s always best not to rely on their judgment alone. Keeping toxic foods like onions, alcohol, coffee, grapes, and xylitol-containing products out of reach is the safest approach.
Well Stephen you haven’t met my dogs then. My husband accidentally dropped two cherries on the floor and our dog gobbled them down like they were dog ‘candy’…. she also loves onions as she stole one small one out of the onion bin and began to eat it.. I stopped her just in time. And if you have a cup of coffe on the coffee table, she and the other pup I have will fight over who gets to it first…. So now you have met dogs that love cherries, onions and coffee… they are Katy and Bianca… glad to meet you.
Mashed potatoes are okay for dogs if they are washed and peeled before cooking and mashing.. all the other foods mentioned here are toxic like the doctor says, except for cantalope.. our pups love them.. minus the seeds of course… God bless one and all and your ‘pups’ and please listen to all the advice given above…..thanks
Thanks for sharing, Katy and Bianca sound like they keep you on your toes! Some dogs really will eat just about anything they can find, which is why prevention is so important.
You’re right to be cautious with onions and coffee—both can be harmful to dogs. Plain cooked, peeled potatoes can be okay in moderation, and treats like cantaloupe (without seeds or rind) can be a nice option.
Thanks for helping spread the word and keeping those curious pups safe!
Thank you for this article.
I keep a number of Homeopathic remedies on hand for different things but one I will NEVER be without is Arsenicum. Usually in the 200c potency. And just for this reason — accidental food poisoning of any kind, dog, cat, horse, human — or, food poisoning-like symptoms. One liquid dose of this is sometimes enough to clear up and rebalance the system in less than 1/2 hour. Definitely a ‘must have’ in the emergency medicine kit. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s always a good idea to have a pet first-aid kit and be prepared for emergencies.
For suspected poisoning, though, it’s important to contact a veterinarian or poison control right away, as some toxins can become serious very quickly and may require specific treatment. Homeopathic remedies should not replace urgent veterinary care when a pet has ingested a dangerous substance.
Being prepared and knowing what to do can make all the difference!
dr jones. i want too thank you for all the advice on various subjects too do with dogs.it helped a lot with my dog geordie. alas we lost him 3 weeks ago. he was 16yrs so a good age. but your invaluble advice helped a lot.on seniour dogs.thank you again.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved dog is never easy, especially after 16 wonderful years together.
Thank you for your kind words. I’m grateful that my advice was able to help Geordie during his senior years. It sounds like he was truly loved and well cared for, and 16 years is a beautiful long life for a dog.
Sending my thoughts to you, and a big hug to all who loved Geordie.
Very interesting and informative article. Just wanted to add a story about a dog who ate a whole bar of baking chocolate. Was taken to the vet immediately, and stomach lavaged. She was very ill and started seizuring. Vet was doubtful she would last the night. I advised my friend to try giving her homeopathic Arsenicum Album. One dose 30c and the seizures stopped. She recovered completely and a year later is still going strong.
Thanks for sharing this story! Chocolate ingestion can be very serious for dogs, especially baking chocolate because it contains a much higher level of theobromine.
I’m glad your friend’s dog recovered. In any suspected poisoning case, the most important step is prompt veterinary care, as treatments like decontamination and supportive care can be lifesaving. Always contact your vet or a poison hotline right away if a pet eats chocolate or another toxin.
Wishing that pup many more healthy years!
Is it okay to apply aloe on a dog or cat? I have heard that Aloe is good for skin problems but if the dog/cat licks it off it could hurt them. Thanks for the great article!
Thanks for the great question! Aloe gel used topically can be soothing for some minor skin irritations, but avoid letting your dog or cat lick large amounts, as the aloe latex portion can cause stomach upset.
Use a pet-safe product if possible, remove any yellow latex sap, and prevent excessive licking.
Thank you for all the information to empower the pet’s guardians, to make the right decisions. I agree with the idea of euthanatia for pets and humans. What counts is the quality of life.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Quality of life is such an important part of caring for our pets. As guardians, one of the hardest decisions we may face is knowing when our pets are suffering and when it may be time to let them go peacefully.
Every situation is unique, and working with a trusted veterinarian can help guide that difficult decision with compassion and care.
our little dog loves popcorn. Is it OK for her to have some?Thank you, Christel
Thanks for the question, Christel! Plain air-popped popcorn can be okay for dogs as an occasional treat. Just avoid butter, salt, oils, and any added flavorings.
A few pieces are fine—just don’t let your little pup turn movie night into a popcorn buffet!
Is popcorn OK as a treat?
Yes, popcorn can be an okay treat for dogs!
Just make sure it is plain, air-popped popcorn with no butter, salt, sugar, or flavorings. Give only a small amount, and avoid unpopped kernels, which can be a choking risk.
One of our previous dogs once ate five Easter Eggs (they were still in cartons and bags)from the dining table while we were out. She was about nine at the time. There were no ill effects whatsoever and she lived till she was 17.
She was a border collie cross and very active.
Sounds like she was one lucky Easter egg thief! Some dogs may eat chocolate and seem fine, but chocolate can still be dangerous, especially dark or baking chocolate.
Best to keep it out of reach, just in case!
Dear Dr J. thanks for all the info you post which is usually really good. I’m confused, however, about your most recent post – an infosheet about what dogs should not eat. Some of it is at odds with what you recommend. For example, you advocate raw food and bones, the poster says NO. Naturopathic remedies (which you recommend) suggest the use of garlic the poster says NO. I feed my dog (here in the UK) raw food and veg all the time. Is this wrong????
Thanks for the great question! ? The key is that not all foods or feeding approaches are the same.
A properly prepared raw diet with safe ingredients can work well for some dogs, but certain foods (like onions, xylitol, grapes, and excessive amounts of garlic) should still be avoided. Bones also need to be appropriate—raw, meaty bones are very different from cooked bones, which can splinter.
As always, balance and moderation are important. A healthy diet is about choosing the right foods in the right way.
Thanks for the information. I always believed cats and dogs were basically carnivors therefore I never thought to give them anything but roast meat and chicken perhaps a little fish for the cats. May I add to your list the poinsetta plant and ivy climbers. Household cats looking for vegetation in order to induce the vomitting of their hairballs may chew on them with dire effects . Happy New Year.
Thanks for sharing! You’re right that cats are obligate carnivores and need animal-based nutrients, while dogs are more flexible and can enjoy some safe fruits and vegetables.
Great point about household plants—some plants, including poinsettias and certain ivy varieties, can cause problems if pets chew on them. It’s always best to keep unknown plants out of reach.
Wishing you and your pets a happy and healthy New Year!
All our dogs and cats have eaten grapes and raisins, fresh fruits are their favorites, but then without the seeds and stems, I don’t like them so I don’t give them any.
All our animals get cooked veggies, when I eat stir fried food and have some leftovers I give this to the dogs, which includes unions and garlic. I find that garlic helps prevents flees and ticks, they don’t get it everyday and its always cooked thru their food with rice.
We don’t give them any form of potatoes, their skin will start to stink, what we do give them with every evening meal is 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil through their food, this helps when they are shedding their fur and also gives their fur a nice shine to it.
Most of our pets have reached the ages of 17 and 20 years, the ones we have nog are at an age between 6 months till 9 years.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It sounds like your pets have been very loved and well cared for.
A quick note: grapes and raisins are best avoided because some dogs can develop serious kidney problems from even small amounts. Garlic and onions can also be risky, especially in larger or repeated amounts, so it’s safest to avoid feeding them regularly.
A balanced diet, healthy oils in appropriate amounts, exercise, and lots of love all play a big role in helping pets thrive. Sounds like your furry family has had some wonderful long lives!
Hello, I have a dog who likes to eat Deer poop regularly even though I am constantly looking for it to remove,it’s impossible to get it all,So when she does come in from outside and I notice her licking her lips like she just ate I have a loaded syringe (no Needle) full of activated charcoal and water mix. I lift her upper lip on side of her mouth and where the teeth gap insert the tip of syringe and slowly press the plunger until it’s gone. You have to be patient so they don’t choke but hold the mouth shut while doing this and they have to swallow.Bon’ Apetit'(SP).also I but the charcoal in powder form on ebay.It works very well and fast if not given she would be very sick.Cheri
Thanks for sharing, Cheri! Deer poop is definitely a favorite “snack” for some dogs—much to our frustration!
Activated charcoal can be useful in certain poisoning situations, but it’s not always needed for eating things like deer droppings and it’s best used under veterinary guidance. The most helpful step is preventing access when possible and watching for signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
Sounds like you’re very attentive to your pup and doing your best to keep her safe!
What can I use as toothpaste for my two malteses and is there a easy way of brushing their teeth
Thanks for the question! For your Maltese, you can use a dog-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste, as it may contain ingredients like xylitol).
I had a female beautiful AKC pure white Lhasa Apso that I received as a birthday gift years ago. When she was a puppy she reached a Hershey’s Chocolate Almond bar and ate about half the bar. I wasn’t aware then that chocolate was bad for dogs..she did not get sick. The problem was she became a Chocolate lover and any time I had a Milk Chocolate bar I had to share a piece or she would go pout in a corner. I didn’t know it was bad until she was about 12 years old and by then I thought what’s the point of taking it away because how many more years could she live…well she ended up living to almost 20 years old. Her second favorite food was bananas and I cooked all her meals which included white meat chicken, carrots, peas, celery, spinach, green beans. She also had soft boiled eggs and plain yogurt..so beyond her sweet tooth for milk chocolate and bananas she was on a healthy diet…I had 2 other Lhasa Apso dogs who never wanted chocolate or bananas..so I guess she just had a strange metabolism for a dog…
What a wonderful story! Your Lhasa Apso sounds like she had a big personality and a very sweet tooth.
Some dogs may eat chocolate and appear completely fine, but chocolate can still be dangerous—especially in larger amounts or with darker chocolate. Every dog can react differently.
It also sounds like she was loved, well cared for, and enjoyed nearly 20 wonderful years with you. That homemade diet, attention, and affection clearly meant a lot.
BEWARE OF SAGO PALMS!!
All parts from roots to fronds. My dog got ahold of the prickly ball was gnawing away…I didn’t think much about it till he fell out. He nearly killed off his kidneys. I had to give IV fluids all night hoping to flush them out. It was a very long , scary night and a expensive veterinarian bill ($1000).
Thank you for sharing this important warning! Sago palms are extremely toxic to dogs and cats—all parts of the plant can be dangerous, and ingestion can cause severe liver damage and even be fatal.
It’s great that you acted quickly and got veterinary care. Keeping toxic plants out of reach (or out of the yard) is one of the best ways to protect our curious pets.
My 7 lb chihauhau ate about a tablespoon of cabbage ,potatoes and onions. Should I make her vomit or will she be ok
Hi Brenda, for any emergency issues, please contact your Vet directly. But with that small of an amount (of a stew?) your pet is most likely ok, it takes much more onion/garlic than that to cause a reaction, in most dogs.