ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation, drunkenness, tremors, difficult breathing and/or panting, coma and even death. Always place unattended drinks where your dog cannot reach them;
AVOCADOS, ingestion of which can result in respiratory distress and the accumulation of fluid around the heart;
CHOCOLATE in all forms—baking, semi-sweet, milk and dark—can be potentially poisonous to dogs, depending on the amount eaten. Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity and increased thirst, urination and heart rate can be seen with the ingestion of as little as ¼ ounce of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog;
All forms of COFFEE, including the grounds and beans, can cause the same symptoms as chocolate;
GRAPES and RAISINS, which may be toxic to some dogs. Depending on the amount ingested, clinical signs can range from vomiting to life-threatening kidney failure. As much is still to be discovered about the toxic principle in these fruits--and as it is not yet clear if chronic, long-term ingestion can also lead to toxicosis--it is advised that you do not give your dogs grapes or raisins in any amount;
MOLDY or SPOILED FOOD, which may contain molds that can result in GI irritation, tremors, seizures and death. Spoiled food may also contain bacteria that can cause severe food poisoning;
ONIONS, GARLIC and CHIVES, which can lead to GI upset and damage red blood cells;
SALT and SALTY FOODS can result in sodium ion poisoning, symptoms of which include regurgitation, tremors, excessive thirst, diarrhea, high temperature and seizures. If enough salt is consumed, death can also result;
While the ripe red fruit of the TOMATO is not a potential problem, the leaves, stem and unripe fruit are. Ingestion of these can cause GI upset, excess salivation, drowsiness, dilated pupils and weakness. The same symptoms can be seen with the ingestion of any green plant parts of the potato;
Candies and gum that contain the sweetener XYLITOL can also cause problems in dogs—a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression and seizures--especially if large amounts are eaten;
YEAST DOUGH can be double trouble for dogs. As it rises, the dough can expand the GI tract, possibly causing the intestine to rupture. The yeast can also form alcohol as it rises, leading to alcohol poisoning;
experts further caution canine caretakers to be careful when it comes to fatty meats and spicy foods.
