Common Things Dogs Can Get Sick From

The next time you see that hopeful look on your dog's face as he begs for a piece of whatever you are eating, think about the fact that it could be poisonous--and possibly life-threatening--to him. A dog's body differs from that of his human, and some foods that are enjoyable to you may be detrimental to "man's best friend."

  1. Grapes/Raisins

    • Grapes and raisins are harmful to dogs. According to petfinder.com, in the late 1980s, the Animal Control Center, a division of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), noticed a disturbing pattern: Nearly all dogs that ate grapes or raisins vomited within hours of ingesting the fruits. Then their kidneys began to shut down, and the production of urine ceased. When the animals could no longer go to the bathroom, they died.

    Onions

    • Onions can cause a dog to develop hemolytic anemia, a condition lethal to a dog's red blood cells. Once this condition occurs, a dog's gums will become pale and his energy level will plummet. Also, he will develop breathing problems.

      A dog will get better once the toxins from the onions pass out of his body. This condition can be lethal if a veterinarian does not administer a blood transfusion in time.

    Chocolate

    • Never give a dog chocolate. All chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, two chemicals that can raise a dog's heart rate, producing arrhythmia. He also could begin to have seizures, which could lead to a coma.

      Especially beware of baking or dark chocolate. These two chocolate types are nine times as deadly as milk chocolate.

      Among the signs to look for if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate are vomiting, urinating beyond that which is normal, and diarrhea. Also contact a veterinarian if your dog seems more hyperactive than usual.

    Plants

    • A number of common house plants can be harmful, even fatal, to a dog. Typical holiday plants, such as Christmas roses, Easter lilies, poinsettias and mistletoe, contain chemicals that are poisonous to a pet. It's best to keep these plants out of a dog's reach.

      Also, plants that would normally not harm a dog can still be an issue. If you spray these plants with insecticides, be cautious about the contact your pet has with them.