Surprising Foods That Can Harm Your Pup

If you’re like most loving pet parents, you enjoy sharing everything with your furry friend. However, not everything that is perfectly safe for human consumption is a good idea to give to your beloved companion.

For example, you probably already know that chocolate is bad for dogs. But are you aware of these other common items that can be toxic for dogs or even deadly?

Read on to find out!

1. Xylitol

Xyli-what? Wait, weren’t we going to be talking about common household foods? Who has ever heard of xylitol?

Well, if you’re diabetic or really nutrition savvy, you might already know what we’re talking about. Even if you don’t, it’s likely you have items in your home that contain xylitol.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that appears in chewing gum, baked goods, some types of peanut butter, drinks, and even random items like toothpaste. It’s perfectly safe for us, but if your dog consumes enough xylitol it can send them into hypoglycemic shock. A large enough dose is deadly.

2. Alcohol

Dogs are similar enough to humans that alcohol has the same effect on them as it does on us. However, dogs are smaller than us and a little goes a long way.

With the consumption of alcohol, diarrhea and vomiting as well as the expected coordination problems can occur. Too much, and the dog can begin to have breathing problems, go into a coma, or even die.

Though most households have their alcohol secured, it’s important to remember this fact during gatherings at your home. A forgetful guest who leaves a sweet mixed drink unattended could bring trouble for your pup.

3. Avocado

Nope, no guacamole for your Chihuahua no matter how much he begs for some on his tacos! Avocados have an ingredient called persin that is toxic to dogs and provokes diarrhea and vomiting.

Persin is present in the leaves, seed, and bark of the tree as well. So you also need to be careful if you have an avocado tree in your yard.

4. Anything in the Onion Family

The worst thing humans can generally get from onions and garlic is bad breath. For dogs, unfortunately, it’s a different story.

Onions, garlic, and chives in all forms (powdered, raw, cooked) attack the dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. These foods can also provoke gastrointestinal distress.

Watch for vomiting, weakness, or breathing problems if your dog consumes some.

5. Caffeine

For obvious reasons, this one hits close to home for us. Coffee, tea, colas, energy drinks, and even some medications all contain caffeine. While caffeine is a great pick-me-up for us, it’s more of a put-em-down for your dog.

Too much caffeine can be fatal for dogs. If your dog is looking tired, take them outside for a rousing game of fetch to get their blood pumping, don’t offer them a cup of Grounds & Hounds coffee. No matter how delicious it is.

Obviously, we here at Hounds and Grounds love our cup of coffee more than anything, but it’s not something you can share with your pup!

Share Safely

We know the feeling of wanting to share everything with your pup. Afterall, they’re so cute, how can you resist? But make sure you’re checking on the safety of any human foods you give to your pup. And, if in doubt, just stick to the pup treats.