Mmmm! I love rawhide! Mind you, the momma is a veterinarian so she is very careful with what she feeds me. You would be surprised to learn about several foods that are harmless to humans but can kill dogs (and even cats…..here kitty kitty…..want a raisin?). Before you give in to our tried and true begging techniques, please check out the list below. Most of these seem innocuous. But be very careful letting your dog finish your breakfast (cereal with raisins? NO!). A dog is pretty darn funny when you put a little peanut butter in its mouth (so why not try sugarless gum? NO!!!!).

  • Chocolate - many humans are aware of this by now….baking chocolate, cocoa powder and dark chocolate are the most toxic. There is a chemical in chocolate (theobromine) that causes arrhythmias (sometimes fatal) in dogs. Do not forget about cocoa mulch in flower beds (gardener’s beware! )! Also dangerous for dogs!
  • Coffee/tea - caffeine can also cause arrhythmias in dogs. I know about this one first hand! I opened a new bag of Starbucks coffee and when the momma saw me eating it, she quickly mixed up some hydrogen peroxide and milk. After I drank it, I hurled all sorts of coffee grounds in the yard. If she had not caught me in the act, I probably would have ended up in intensive care (or worse).
  • Grapes/raisins - not many people (or dogs) know about this. In fact, I know a few dogs who claim to have eaten grapes! However, no one knows why some dogs are susceptible to grape/raisin toxicity and even as few as 7 raisins can kill a dog! Very scary!
  • Macadamia nuts - Yup! These are toxic, too! This includes roasted, raw and even macadamia nut butter. This usually results in motor weakness and paralysis.
  • Onions/garlic - these can cause severe anemia if eaten in large quantities within a short period of time OR in small quantities consistently over a long period. Even human baby food may contain concentrated onion powder!
  • Xylitol (but not Sorbitol)- Xylitol is often used in sugar-free candy as an artificial sweetener (also may be in toothpaste). In dogs, it can cause the blood sugar to suddenly drop to dangerously low levels resulting in neurologic symptoms such as seizures. This can occur in less than an hour after ingestion. More recently it has been found that xylitol also can cause acute liver failure and blood clotting abnormalities in dogs.
  • Mushrooms – many kinds are toxic to dogs. Do NOT let us have any!
  • Tomatoes- these are in the nightshade family. The most toxic parts are leaves, flowers and small, unripe (green) tomatoes. The toxin can cause weakness and gastrointestinal irritation. Death is rare, but why take a chance?
  • Nutmeg is poisonous to dogs and even to humans in large quantities.

Also toxic: raw potatoes, avocados, walnuts, apple seeds, cherry, peach, plum and apricot pits, and pear pips

Bottom line, NO TABLE SCRAPS and do NOT leave any food (or food waste) sitting out! Usually I do not think first and will eat whatever smells interesting.

More information:

ASPCA Animal Poison Control (emergencies call (888) 426-4435. A $60 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.)

Pet Poison Helpline (emergencies call (800) 213-6680. There is a $35 fee per incident which covers follow up.)

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