[CorkyMax]

I am updating the title of this thread to include the many other bad things a dog should not 'get in to!' I started this with just food in mind but have added other things to know about as well!

I feel the need to start a thread on a list of foods,etc.that are poisonous for dogs to have. I have a long list so will have to add in pieces and even though this is a long list--I'm sure it is not a complete list, and Prob. an on-going list as new 'finds' come up. I welcome all members to add whatever they know about that isn't on the list and/or add more info to the things already mentioned here---even personal experiences if any. Having this knowledge may help save a dog's life!!

1. ALcoholic beverages--attracting dogs and cats, but can cause serious and fatal intoxication. Never offer this to your pets. Some signs and side effects--incoordination/ataxia--excitement--depression--excessive urination--breathing rate is slowed--cardiac arrest and death
2. 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. Some other symptoms include enlargement of the abdomen, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulations in the abdomen and chest. Seek assistance from your vet.
3. Chocolate (all forms) It contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. Signs: initial excitement--increased drinking and urinating--vomiting and diarrhea--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 IS THE MOST TOXIC; THE TOXIC DOSE IS 2 BAKING SQUARES FOR A 10# DOG. Regular choc. (NOT DK. CHOC!) bars have little real chocolate and are seldom toxic. (I hate to copy that part about reg choc--I still think it is not good for dogs--enough of it would be not good!--and you notice the word SELDOM is used in that statement too!!)
4. Coffee (all forms)--It contains dangerous components called xanthines, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle
stimulation
5. 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.
6. 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. As few as 6 of these nuts can result in severe toxicity. Signs of toxic poisoning include depression, weakness, tremors, vomiting, problems walking, lameness, abdominal pain and stiffness. Generally, symptoms disappear within 24 hrs. If symptoms are severe, you should speak with your vet. ----->more to follow--------------------------------------------------------->

[CorkyMax]

7. Moldy or spoiled foods--Many molds contain a type of toxin called an Aflatoxin. This is though 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.
8. Onions, onion powder,etc.--Contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop anemia. ONE onion can cause this. Fortunately ALL dogs recover once they are stopped from ingesting onions.
9. Raisins and grapes--As few as 6 grapes and/or 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 dog! (When I was still working, there was a co-worker/friend who stood close to me and she had recently gotten a Pug puppy and Me being a dog owner for 7 or so yrs. at the time was always giving her advice. One day she asked me what I thought ---her puppy was being sick and she knew something wasn't quite right. I had talked to her before about a lot of the things dogs shouldn't eat and she had said before that her pup loved grapes---so one of the 1st thing I said--He's not eating grapes is he? And she said he was (She also has 3 kids who prob. were giving the grapes too.) Anyway the grapes were taken away and the dog was okay. Very lucky it wasn't fatal--must of had a good immune system but if it would of consumed just enough grapes and caused kidneys to go bad--like it says above-THERE IS NO TREATMENT!!
10. 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.
11. Xylitol--is an artificial sweetner 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. (I would think that all diet sugar substitutes would do the same thing!!)
12. Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches and Plums--Ingestion of lg. amounts of stems,seedsand 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. (So the fruit alone is okay---Mine get raw grated fine apples alot--only prob. is that they shouldn't be fed same time as other foods as digestion of the apple would still 'lay' in the stomach until the other slower foods to digest were ready to leave the stomach.----Not sure if I am saying this right but hope you 'get' what I mean!)
13. 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 lg. enough amounts, can produce drooling, severe gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, central nervous system depression, confusion, behavioral changes, weakness, dialated pupils and slowed heart rate.--------> more to follow-------->
-----More on the potato: Potatos
Can cause intestinal and neurological problems. Authority sites have given different opinions on potatos, it seems that some potato in a dog's diet would be OK; but avoid all of the green parts of the plant.

[AuntieDale]

Wow, thanks for this info Corky/Max! I knew alot of them, but not apples - I have been known to share an apple with my dog, but I won't anymore.

Have you ever heard about the Swiffer mop having toxic chemicals in the liquid it sprays? I've had e-mails about it, but I'm always wanting to confirm info that comes in by forwarded messages.

Again, thanks - I'm sure others will have stuff to add!

[CorkyMax]

14. Nutmeg--High levels of nutmeg can be toxic, even fatal. The toxic compound is unknown. Signs of toxiicity include tremors, seizures, nervous system abnormalities or death.
15. Tomato leaves and stems (green parts) Green parts are concidered toxic because they contain solanine, which has the potential to produce significant gastrointestinal and nervous system effects.

WHAT to do IF your pet has eaten any of these toxic foods:
TO YOUR VET.If your pet is showing signs of ingesting a poison, it is important that your vet examines her and treats appropriately. Some toxins can progress and lead to severe seizures. If you suspect ANTIFREEZE POISONING,it must be treated within 4-6 hrs., 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# of body weight. If your pet doesn't vomit in 10 mins., 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 10# of body weight. (Now cautious me thinks this is a lot of salt AND TOO MUCH SALT IS POISON TO YOUR DOG TOO!!---that would be 2 tablespoons of salt for a 60# dog--Don't remember how much salt CAN EVEN BE FATAL but don't think it is a whole lot---I WOULD DEFINITELY FIND OUT BEFORE I WOULD GIVE THAT MUCH SALT--maybe because it is expected to be thrown-up that it wouldn't hurt but I for one would have to find out 1st about it!!!--SOUNDS PRETTY IFFY FOR ME!!
NEUTRALIZE THE TOXIN.If a caustic substance has been ingested, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITTING, rather give something to neutralize it. An alkaline toxin such as drain cleaner is neutralized by something acidic such as vinegar-give 1 teaspoon per 10# of body weight. An acidic toxin, such as battery acid, is best neutralized with something alkaline such as Milk of Magnesia-give 1 teaspoon per 10# 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 it is a good idea to have hydrogen peroxide and activated charcoal always on hand!
TOPICAL TOXINS.If your pet is having a reaction to something on the skin, such as FLEA MEDICATIONS. or oil on the skin, then you want to remove it as soon as possible. DISH SOAP works well-lather it up, then rinse your pet thoroughly. Thick tarry substances that you can't wash off can be first covered in flour, as the flour absorbs some of the oil, then washed off with the dish soap.
PREVENTIONEnsure medications are always out of mouth's reach. Become familiar with toxic plants (visit: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants plants for a complete list) and remove those from your house, if your pet is a plant eater. Keep your compost covered. I don't know if this is on that web site or not but I have read that cocoa bean hulls (the stuff you use for landscaping ) are poisonous to your pets too.

End of this list but I'm sure I will come back here and add more when I think of them or come across them elsewhere. Anybody else??:mrgreen:


Hey, lol, sorry everyone about all the underlining--wasn't suppose to be that way!!!---just certain places--kind of hard to tell what is going on once you keep 'switching back and forth!!"

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by AuntieDale

Wow, thanks for this info Corky/Max! I knew alot of them, but not apples - I have been known to share an apple with my dog, but I won't anymore.

Have you ever heard about the Swiffer mop having toxic chemicals in the liquid it sprays? I've had e-mails about it, but I'm always wanting to confirm info that comes in by forwarded messages.

Again, thanks - I'm sure others will have stuff to add!

Glad you think this is a good thing (lol, as Martha Stuart(Stewart?) would say) I never heard about the Swiffer Mop (but, lol, I'm not a very good housekeeper---DON"t call this the doghouse for nothing!---Ya, I must be getting 'silly'---I've been on this computer all day--time to get off--Ya, but will I!?---There is always something I have to check on and that will lead into something else--I am so addicted to 'here'! What I mostly came in here was to say don't worry about the apple---the main good fruit part minus esp. the seeds and stems is okay---mine get a lot of it crushed real fine (so they can get all the nutrition from it--break down the celluloid (cellulose) walls by crushing real, real fine! I hadn't checked out that web address until just now---just went in and checked it out real quick but looks like there is alot of info on plants,etc. I already knew about there being 'tons' of plants that dogs shouldn't get a hold of---and a lot of them are surprising---I have perennial beds in my back yard where my '2 boys' have free access (chain-linked fence and a doggie-door) and I have to be careful because can't plant a lot of things I'd like to because a no-no for them. I wanted to divide my bleeding hearts and put some in the back yard shade--but it was a no-no! Even lilies are not good but I had them before I knew about them and my dogs have no interest in them so they are still out there (the lilies) Now some dogs might mess with them and then you'd have to be careful---Holly is poisonous too.

Here I go again---guess everyone in here knows all my 'traits' by now---Think maybe it is because I live alone w/my 2 dogs, lol!!? I'm leaving now and thanks for all the comments.:-D

[chevy & karen]

Originally Posted by AuntieDale

Wow, thanks for this info Corky/Max! I knew alot of them, but not apples - I have been known to share an apple with my dog, but I won't anymore.

Have you ever heard about the Swiffer mop having toxic chemicals in the liquid it sprays? I've had e-mails about it, but I'm always wanting to confirm info that comes in by forwarded messages.

Again, thanks - I'm sure others will have stuff to add!

Hi AuntiDale, I received those emails too so I checked it out on Snope's.. Here is the link...

snopes.com: Swiffer WetJet Pet Danger

Very good list, and good to warn pet owners of these dangers.

I'd like to add bones to the list. Especially COOKED bones. They can splinter and be swallowed, and cause very bad gastrointenstinal problems.

GREAT list, good to know! Thanks!

[chevy & karen]

Thank's Corky/Max I know it took some time to put all this together. It is appreciated..

[AuntieDale]

Originally Posted by chevy & karen

Hi AuntiDale, I received those emails too so I checked it out on Snope's.. Here is the link...

snopes.com: Swiffer WetJet Pet Danger

And thanks for that Chevy & Karen! I should have thought of checking Snopes...and I should have guessed that Swiffer is NOT hazardous like the e-mail says - why people start e-mails like that, giving false info...I have no idea!!

[DoggieVogue]

Thanks for taking your time to put this list together! Its very informative.

[CorkyMax]

14. Amitraz--This is an insecticide that is present in certain brands of topical solutions and dog tick collars. Toxicity generally occurs in puppies who ingest the ingredient. In most cases, symptoms begin within just a few hrs. The dog will often become lethargic and weak. Vomiting and diarrhea may also be present. A coma can occur wiyhout treatment, as well as death. See your vet immediately for treatment.
15. Amphetamine--Human medications can be quite dangerous to dogs. Amphetamines are commonly used as appetite suppressants as well as to elevate the mood. These medications can affect the nervous system and the brain. Toxic symptoms typically occur within a couple of hrs. and may include hyperactivity, restlessness, tremors and seizures. Call the vet immediately for the best chance of recovery.
16. Amaryllis--Ingestion in a dog may result in depression, diarrhea, vomiting, trmors, lack of appetite, abdominal pain and drooling. Speak to your vet.
17. Aspirin--Can be toxic to dogs because dogs, esp. young dogs, are not able to metabolize aspirin very quickly. It can result in difficulty with blood clotting. Spontaneous bleeding may occur as a result as well as respiratory problems and kidney failure. When aspirin consumption is suspected, speak to your vet immediately.
18. Autumn Crocus--This is a highly toxic plant that can result in bloody vomiting, kidney failure, shock, diarrhea and liver damage. Call the vet immediately.
19. Baking Powder and Baking Soda--Both of these items are leavening agents which make batter rise. When a dog consumes large amounts of either of these items, it can lead to abnormalities in the dog's electrolytes.
Symptoms often include musle spasm. See your vet immediately as this can cause congestive heart failure!
20. Burning Bush--Ingestion of this plant may result in diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite and depression. When severe, call your vet.
21. Chrysanthemum--May result in depression, vomiting, diarrhea and lack of appetite. When severe, call your vet.
22. Coffee grounds and beans--Dogs that eat coffee beans and grounds can contract caffeine toxicity. The symptoms are often similar to chocolate toxicity and can be even more serious.
23. Daffodil--Consumption in a dog may result in serious gastrointestinal problems as well as low blood pressure, seizures, convulsions and tremors. Call your vet immediately.
24. Dairy Products--Generally not often dangerous but they can result in problems such as Pancreatitis when consumed in large amounts. Most common symptom is diarrhea. Some adult animals may get diarrhea from dairy products. Try lactose-fee milk products. Cottage cheese and yogurt appear to be more stomach friendly.
More on dairy: 50% of dogs are lactose intolerant (just like people!) – they don’t produce the enzyme Lactase, therefore they are unable to break down Lactose (milk sugar). This can cause gas, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

25. Easter Cactus--May result in depression, diarrhea and vomiting. When symptoms appear severe, call your vet immediately. Me talking---Wonder if they meant to say Easter Lily and not Cactus---Is there even a plant called Easter Cactus? And I do know the Easter Lily is dangerous!!
26. Herbal Medications--Can be great for humans, but certain ones dangerous for dogs. Common side effects include vomiting and diarrhea.
MORE TO FOLLOW--------------------------------------->

[CorkyMax]

27. Holly--A plant commonly found in and around homes during the holiday season. Ingestion in a dog can result in diarrhea and vomiting. When severe, speak to your vet.
28. Hyacinth-May result in severe vomiting, depression, diarrhea and tremors. Call your vet immediately.
29. Iron--Iron can be important to the production of red blood cells in appropriate amounts. It is frequently included in vitamins and various supplements. When ingested in large amounts it can result in overdose, causing heart and liver damage. Signs commonly begin to show up within a few hrs. One of the most common problems with this type of poisoning is the fact that dogs may appear better after a little while; however, stomach upset will commonly return along with liver failure, shock and possibly even coma! This is why it is imperative that you contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested iron!
30. Jerusalem Cherry--Ingestion can result in mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, shock and possibly death. Call your vet immediately.
31. Lead--Lead poisoning can be dangerous to dogs as well as people. Several different sources can lead to ingestion of lead, including paint. Lead poisoning can result in diarrhea, vomiting and seizures. A mother dog with lead poisoning can also excrete it in her milk to her puppies. Speak to your vet if you suspect lead poisoning.
32. Mistletoe--Eating this plant can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. It can also cause respiratory problems and death when a lot of it is eaten. Call your vet immediately.
33. Potpourri--As much as many of us like the smell of this, it can be dangerous to curious pets. Even licking potpourri can result in chemical burns to the dog's tongue as well as throat and esophagus. Pets who receive severe burns may need feeding tubes. Speak to your vet immediately.
34. Permethrin Insecticides--These types of insecticides are commonly used to kill FLEAS. An overdose in a dog can be toxic. Common symptoms and signs include lethargy, drooling, vomiting, muscle tremors and seizures. The first step if you suspect this type of poisoning is to give your dog a LUKEWARM bath. You should NOT use flea shampoo when bathing your dog if you suspect that he has ingested permethrin insecticides!! Use a mild dish soap (Dawn is good) instead. (and of course this is not dishwasher soap!!) DO NOT USE HOT WATER. This can cause the blood vessels in the skin to dilate and cause the flea product to be more easily absorbed. After bathing your pet, call the vet immediately.
35. Poinsetta--Irritation to the mouth and stomach are common when this plant is ingested. Vomiting may also occur. Generally, this plant has a low level of toxicity and symptoms should disappear soon.
36. Tulip--Ingestion can result in depression, diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite and drooling. When severe, call your vet.


Found some more very interesting data on ONIONS----Dogs simply do not have the enzyme needed to digest onions properly. (GARLIC TOO!) When they eat a large amount of onions/garlic, their red blood cells can be impacted. In fact, they can become quite fragile and even begin to break apart. Signs may not be apparent right away but may appear a few days later. DOGS WHO CONSUME LARGE AMOUNTS OF ONION OR GARLIC MAY DEVELOP SEVERE ANEMIA AND DIE WITHOUT TREATMENT!

ANOTHER BAD THING:Corn on the cob
one of the most common ways a dog can get a blocked intestine. The dog bites of a piece of the cob one inch long and swallows it. The corn is digested off the cob in the tummy and the cob is left to block the small intestine and feels like a brillo pad trying to scrape it's way down the digestive track. This is seen in vet offices often and can kill the dog if not removed surgically

[CorkyMax]

37. Cleaning Products--Household cleaners can be particularly dangerous and result in chemical burns, esp. on the tongue and esophagus. If you witness a dog eating cleaning products, you should immediately flush out the dog's mouth with plenty of water. This can dilute the chemical and possibly reduce damage. Be sure to also call your vet. If you did not witness th incident but suspect it, watch for signs such as excessive swallowing, pawing at the mouth, drooling and a lack of appetite.

Remember that there are also many non-food items within your home to which your dog may gain access that can cause problems. The best course of action if you think that your dog has gained access to an item that could be dangerous is to check the labeling information.
Some products will even discuss possible pet toxicity. Do not hesitate to call if there is an 800 number on the package. You should also contact your vet. Remember to take all packaging with you to the vet!

[Lara's mom]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post this information. It must have been a lot of work! I certainly learned a lot from reading it.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

Thanks so much for taking the time to post this information. It must have been a lot of work! I certainly learned a lot from reading it.

I am glad to hear your comments and yes a lot of work but as I'm always saying "I love dogs and want to help them all I can" and this I think is a good way to do that and if it only helps save even one dog's life it is well worth the effort for me! But you are giving me new inspiration ---would like to put info (kind of a sub-thread) just on vitamins and minerals and some other suplements but know it will be a bigger job yet and at the moment is too much and too long 'for me to attempt' right now---maybe at a later date! Again, thanks!

[CorkyMax]

I just posted a fairly long post that just got 'snatched' by the moderator to be checked out. Well from past experiences (and I'm sure many of you have had the same experiences) I'm sure this post will never make it to 'here'
So am just going to post a couple web addresses here--no explanations (Who knows this might not go through either.)
"The Peeing Post" - the on-line newsletter for dog lovers who respect the dog's nature K9joy - for people who love dogs and respect their nature

[CorkyMax]

Pasting this info I just found:WARNING! Zinc poisoning in dogs! Read!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(from a horse magazine)


We heard from a reader that her one year old dog started falling over and acting sick. She took him to the vet, and it turned out he had eaten four pennies and a quarter at some time in his short life. The vet could not get the coins to pass through the stomach, so he ended up doing surgery to remove them.

U.S. pennies minted after 1982 have a copper coating around a zinc core, and contain roughly 2,440mg. of elemental zinc. One penny can cause zinc poisoning in animals. The vet explained that the smell of zinc seems to attract dogs. This particular dog had gotten on a dresser and picked out the coins containing zinc.

The zinc was breaking down in the gut and causing zinc poisoning. The red blood cells were exploding. The dog was suffering from anemia and the vet gave him some compound to help with couteracting the zinc. The had to do a blood transfusion and the bill was above $2,000.

Zinc posoning can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, weight loss, anemia, seizures, and kidney failure. It's amazing that a simple thing like a penny can be so harmful. Be sure to tell yourkids to keep those pennies off the floor where the dog can't eat them.

[rayter]

As dog owners, we just need to be very extra careful on feeding our dogs. Reading the labels all the time is important. We'll never know if the foods we're buying contain harm ingredients. Anyways, thanks for sharing the list!

Originally Posted by AuntieDale

Wow, thanks for this info Corky/Max! I knew alot of them, but not apples - I have been known to share an apple with my dog, but I won't anymore.

It is perfectly safe to share your apples with your dog. Just don't let him eat the seeds. Ditto for peaches, apricots, cherries, pears, and plums.

An additional problem with peach, apricot or plum pits. If the dog swallows them whole, they'll get stuck in the intestines, and have to be surgically removed. The intestines will "grab hold" of the corrugated surface of the pit, and there it stays until removed.