What Foods Make Dogs Sick?

There are some foods you enjoy that are quite inviting to the doe-eyed canine sitting at your feet, but don’t be tempted to share. Human treats can be quite dangerous for your dog, causing mild digestive upsets, severe illness and even death. The best cure is prevention, so avoid feeding your pet these foods and pet-proof your kitchen to keep your canine safe.

  1. Grapes

    • Grapes can be toxic to dogs and cause renal failure, leading to death

      Grapes have an unknown toxic substance and can be toxic to dogs, cause kidney problems and, in some cases, death. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reports that as few as seven grapes can be toxic to your dog. Raisins are more concentrated than grapes and more toxic.

    Chocolate

    • Chocolate, coffee or anything with caffeine contains a stimulant that is dangerous to dogs.

      According to nutrition experts at the ASPCA, methylxanthines— found in chocolate, coffee or anything with caffeine—can cause symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, increased urination, seizures and death.

      Dark chocolate is more dangerous to your dog than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines and baking chocolate contains the highest.

    Artificially Sweetened Foods

    • Don't let your dog pick gum off the street—it has a sweetener that could cause hypoglycemia.

      According to PetMD, the popular artificial sweetener, Xylitol, found in many products including candy, gum, baked goods, toothpaste and mouthwash, can cause insulin to release in your dog and lead to liver failure.

      Initial signs of toxicity include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination, and symptoms can quickly develop with the sudden lowering of your dog's blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Some dogs develop more severe complications including internal bleeding and death.

    Onions

    • Onions and garlic can kill your dog's red blood cells and make her anemic.

      Onions and garlic contain thiolsulfate ion, which can kill the hemoglobin in your dog's red blood cells and cause anemia if h eats a large amount. Onions contain more thiolsulfate than garlic and are proportionally more dangerous to animals. An occasional low dose of garlic, which you might find in treats or dog food, will likely not cause a problem.

    Yeast Dough

    • Yeast dough can rupture your dog's stomach or intestines.

      According to the ASPCA, yeast dough can produce gas and swell in your dog's digestive system and lead to the rupture of his stomach or intestines. The risk is far less once the dough is fully cooked—your dog can then have a few small pieces of bread as treats.

    Alcohol

    • Alcohol can intoxicate your dog and cause serious liver damage.

      Alcohol can be harmful to your dog. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma and death. It can poison your dog just as it can you, but more rapidly, severely damaging her liver and possibly triggering total liver failure.