5 foods that could kill your dog

Beware: what’s safe for your stomach could spell disaster for your dog. Vets have recently issued warnings about everyday foods lurking in your kitchen that could turn a treat into a major problem.

Here are five common foods that are shockingly toxic to dogs – and what every owner must know.

1. Chocolate – the sweet killer in your cupboard

Most people know about this. Think you’re sharing a bit of love? Think again. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that dogs simply can’t handle. Unlike humans, dogs process it painfully slowly, allowing it to build up to toxic levels.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate – and in severe cases, seizures or death.

Dark chocolate is the deadliest, but even milk chocolate isn’t safe. According to the Kennel Club, it’s one of the top reasons for emergency vet visits each year. “cases of chocolate poisoning in dogs increase by 50% over Easter, compared to an average month.”

“Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be dangerous for all pets. Dogs, however, are particularly susceptible to poisoning” warns the British Veterinary Association.

2. Grapes and raisins – a fruity little death trap

They might seem like innocent snacks, but grapes and raisins are ruthless to your dog’s kidneys. Even a handful can cause acute kidney failure.

No one’s entirely sure why these fruits are so deadly, but the results are grim: lethargy, vomiting, and a loss of appetite can appear within hours. Left untreated, it could mean dialysis – or worse.

“Even one raisin can be toxic,” according to the American Kennel Club.

3. Onions and garlic – flavourful for us, fatal for them

Love a bit of garlic bread or onion gravy? Don’t let your furry friend near it. Alliums (that’s the onion family) contain compounds that destroy red blood cells in dogs, leading to anaemia.

And here’s the terrifying twist: symptoms often take days to appear. By the time your dog is weak, breathless, and refusing food – the damage might already be done.

Whether raw, cooked, powdered, or in leftovers – keep it well out of paw’s reach.

4. Avocado – the trendy snack that’s not paw-friendly

Avocado toast might be Instagram gold for humans – but it’s a gastro grenade for dogs. The flesh contains persin, a toxin that can trigger vomiting and diarrhoea.

And don’t forget the pit: it’s a choking hazard and can cause dangerous blockages in your pet’s gut.

Dogs don’t need avocado in their lives – full stop, say the PDSA.

5. Alcohol – one sip could be a death sentence

We shouldn’t have to say it, but here we are: alcohol is toxic to dogs. From beer and wine to spirits, even small amounts can cause vomiting, disorientation, breathing issues, and in extreme cases, coma or death.

Their livers simply can’t cope. So next time you’re enjoying a pint, don’t let your pup lap up the leftovers.

“Dogs are much more susceptible to its effects” warns VetHelpDirect. “In severe cases, death can occur.”

Final bark: don’t dish out danger

It’s tempting to treat your dog like a human – but their bodies work very differently. The safest thing you can do? Stick to vet-approved dog food and avoid giving your pup scraps unless you’re 100% sure it won’t harm them.

And if something happens?

Call your vet immediately. Time is everything when it comes to poisoning.

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