We've all had the temptation. You're eating something delicious and your dog looks up at you with those big puppy dog eyes, silently begging you to share your food with him. He may even do a trick or let out a little bark to get your attention.
Even though you want to give in and offer him a little bite from your plate, don’t do it! You never know what’s going to upset your pet's tummy, or worse, make him sick. There are numerous foods that humans eat daily that are actually toxic and can even be deadly to dogs. Having the knowledge of which foods are poisonous foods to dogs can prevent you from accidentally harming your four legged best friend.
The following is a list of four of the most dangerous human foods your dog could ingest:
1. Chocolate and caffeine: The chemicals found in chocolate and caffeine are toxic and can lead to health issues including increased heart rate and seizures. Ingestion of chocolate can be fatal—dogs should get treatment immediately if they have consumed chocolate.
2. Onions and Garlic: These foods contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which cause anemia by damaging red blood cells. Onions are more toxic to dogs than garlic but both should be avoided.
3. Grapes—including raisins: Grapes can cause kidney damage that can eventually lead to kidney failure.
4. Macadamia nuts: The toxins found in these nuts have an effect on the nervous system, muscles and digestive system.
Although no pet owner wants to think about their pet in an emergency situation, for those who have purchased pet insurance, the emotional and financial stress can be alleviated if a pet ingests something toxic unexpectedly. When talking with your veterinarian about pet health and which human foods might be safe to share, it's a good idea to also inquire about dog insurance.
Many veterinarians are quick to offer up the name of their favorite dog or cat insurance company, and they may even have first hand experience helping other clients file a pet insurance claim.
The next time your pet gobbles up something without your knowledge, or you offer up human food, contact your vet just to be sure your pet won't have a bad reaction.