10 Treats to Never Feed Your Dog
Coffee
Ice Cream
You've heard about the epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes in America? Dogs mirror these problems.
Case in point: Up to 35 percent of American dogs are overweight, says Dr. Tony Johnson, clinical assistant professor of emergency veterinary medicine at Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Chocolate
Yes, says Dr. Marty Becker, author of "Chicken Soup for the Pet-Lovers Soul."
"But I hate to see people worry so much," he says. "A 10-pound dog has to eat the equivalent of an entire milk chocolate bar to be in any real danger."
Dark chocolate and baker's chocolate are more hazardous, as they contain high levels of the offending substance, theobromine. It can cause excessive thirst, irregular heart beat, seizures, and even death.
Alcohol
"Some people do it maliciously, but sometimes, at a party, a dog will walk around lapping up the spilled beer," he says.
Booze has the same effect on your dog's liver and brain as it does on yours - only your dog's organs are smaller and thus more sensitive. Depending on the type of alcohol and the size of the dog, alcohol can cause difficult breathing, coma and even death.
Gum
According to WebMD, symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Eventually, your dog may have seizures.
Grapes and Raisins
Macadamia Nuts
"People go on vacations and they bring back macadamia cookies and things like that, and they give them to their dog," says Dr. Becker.It seems like a harmless little treat, but he says macadamia nuts top the list of foods that can devastate dogs. Just a few can cause muscle tremors, vomiting, fever, and rapid heart rate.
"I know a dog that was euthanized for rear leg paralysis after eating macadamias," says Becker. "But the condition corrects itself over time with supportive care."
Salty Food
"One potato chip or treat isn't likely to cause a problem," says Dr. Johnson.
The one exception? Dogs with heart trouble should avoid salt completely.
Onion
With all of the pet food scares out there, many people are making food for their dogs, sometimes including onions and garlic (which is also not so great for dogs.)
Avocado
If you have a plant-chewer on your hands, keep him away from avocado plants as well-persin is also in the leaves.