What not to put on dogs

Onions, garlic and chives are particularly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage. Chocolate is another poisonous food for dogs, containing a stimulant called theobromine which is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can affect your dog’s muscles and nervous system resulting in weakness, swollen limbs and panting. Corn on the cob could potentially be fatal if eaten by your dog, as the cob can cause a blockage in your dog’s intestine. Avocados are another poisonous food for dogs, with the leaves, fruit and seed containing a substance called Persin which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. Artificial sweetener, also known as xylitol, can cause an insulin release in our bodies, but if your dog digests one of these sweetened foods they can go into hypoglycaemia which is linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders. Alcohol has a huge impact on dogs even in small doses, causing intoxication, sickness, diarrhoea and even central nervous system damage. Cooked bones can easily splinter and in large quantities cause constipation or at worst, a perforation of the gut which can be fatal. Grapes and raisins may cause severe liver damage and kidney failure.

Chocolate can be toxic for dogs, even in quite small amounts. Dark chocolate, cooking chocolate and cocoa powder usually contains more theobromine than milk chocolate, making it more dangerous for dogs. But even the amount of sugar and fat in chocolate can make your dog ill, so it's best to be cautious and prevent them from finding it in your home. Grapes and raisins can put dogs at risk of kidney failure – even a small amount can make your dog seriously ill. Onions, garlic, chives and leek contain a toxin that is very dangerous for dogs. Sugar-free products such as chewing gum, cakes and sweets which contain the sweetener xylitol, can cause a life-threatening fall in blood sugar levels and collapse, which may result in death. Avocado contains a toxin that is poisonous to dogs. Just a small amount of macadamia nuts can be toxic for dogs. When dogs eat uncooked bread dough, it can begin to rise in their stomach and cause discomfort.