Avocado
These fleshy green fruits contain a fungicidal toxin1 called persin which could give your dog a digestive upset. However, its the large avocado stone that presents most danger because it could potentially block the gastrointestinal tract3, leaving your dog requiring surgery.
Bones
Contrary to popular opinion, bones are bad for dogs. Not only can they potentially choke your dog, they can cause blockages4 in the gut5, intestinal2 damage and chipped or broken teeth.
Bread dough6
The smell of unbaked yeasty bread dough could attract your dogs attention but it should always be kept out of reach. If eaten, the dough could expand dangerously in your dogs stomach, and the fermented8 yeast7 could become toxic9.
Chocolate
Chocolate and cocoa-based products contain a stimulating10 substance called theobromine which is extremely poisonous to dogs the darker the chocolate, the greater the risk. Even a few ounces of chocolate could leave your dog with sickness, diarrhoea, dehydration11, and high blood pressure, and the effect is potentially worse in small breeds. If your dog appears restless or agitated12 and you think chocolate poisoning could be the cause, contact your vet13.
Caffeine
Any product with caffeine can have a similar effect on your dog to chocolate and could ultimately damage its heart. So, keep your coffee, teabags and fizzy drinks well away from inquisitive14 tongues.
Dairy products
Many dogs find it difficult to digest the lactose in milk, butter and cheese because they dont produce enough of the enzyme15, lactase. The effects can range from a mild tummy upset to an irritating skin allergy16.
Dried fruit
Raisins17, currants and sultanas affect different dogs in different ways and scientists cant work out why. However, experts agree that they contain chemical compounds that are potentially very toxic to dogs. At best, your dog could suffer from diarrhoea and vomiting18 and, at worst, dried-fruit poisoning could lead to kidney failure.
Fresh fruit
Like dried fruit, grapes are highly toxic and should be kept away from your pet. The pips and stones of some fruits contain a chemical called amygdalin, which can cause a digestive upset. Large fruit stones are also a choking hazard - particularly among puppies and small breeds.
Garlic and onion
Members of the allium family contain a substance called organosulfides which could affect your dogs red blood cells too much garlic or onion could ultimately lead to anaemia. The symptoms take a few days to appear so if your dog appears sleepy and lethargic20, head straight to your vet.
Nuts
Nuts are high in fat and should be avoided by dogs but the most toxic of all are macadamia nuts. They can cause vomiting, increased temperature, tremors21 and a rapid heart beat.
Xylitol
This artificial sweetener is used in sweets, cakes, toothpaste and chewing gum and has a laxative effect on humans. For dogs, though, an excess of xylitol could prove fatal because it kickstarts a rapid release of the hormone22 insulin. Too much insulin affects the amount of glucosplaye23 in your dogs blood which, in turn, could cause seizures24 and affect your pets liver. The symptoms of xylitol poisoning include weakness, vomiting and a lack of co-ordination, and it requires urgent veterinary attention.
