Food poisoning is a common problem in dogs and can even be fatal. Chocolate is known to be toxic to dogs, but there are other foods that many people don't know are toxic to dogs. At GUNFINDER, we've compiled the top 10 most toxic foods for dogs to help educate pet owners on what precautions they should take to avoid poisoning. It is important for dog owners to know which foods can be dangerous for their four-legged friends to ensure that their beloved dogs stay healthy.

Dog killer avocado

Avocado is toxic to dogs because it contains persin, a toxic fatty acid that is harmless in humans but can cause health problems in dogs. Both the pit and the flesh of the avocado are dangerous to dogs. The pit can cause a fatal intestinal obstruction, while the high-fat flesh can cause diarrhea in sensitive dogs. At high doses, persin can also cause pancreatitis and myocardial degeneration (heart muscle destruction). It is important that dog owners remember to keep avocado away from their dogs.

Alcohol - highly toxic for dogs

Caution. Alcohol is extremely dangerous for dogs and can even be fatal. A small sip of alcohol is enough to trigger intolerance or poisoning reactions in a dog. Therefore, always keep your dog away from alcoholic beverages and make sure that he does not have access to them - for example, if you are at a party or barbecue in the park. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs can include nausea, vomiting and incoordination. In severe cases, there can also be respiratory distress and coma, which can ultimately be fatal. So always be very careful and watch out for your dog's safety!

Raw yeast dough

Yeast dough should never be fed raw to dogs as it can be dangerous for them. When the dough enters the dog's stomach, the fermenting yeast fungi provide ideal conditions for multiplication there. The walls of the stomach can expand and over-expand greatly due to the formation of carbon dioxide from starch and sugar. It can be difficult to vomit because of the tough, fermenting dough. If the growing yeast dough also presses on the diaphragm, breathing problems can occur. Small dogs like Yorkshire terriers are especially at risk.

Food ban: pork

It is important to know that pork can be contaminated with herpes viruses, which can be dangerous for dogs. It is recommended that only cooked pork be fed to dogs, as herpes viruses can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, leading to death. Hunting dogs may be especially at risk because they can come into contact with infected wild boar meat. Even small doses of herpes virus can be toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning include inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and death can occur within two days of the onset of symptoms.

Raisins and grapes are poison for dogs

It is important to know that grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and other pets, although the exact cause is not yet known. A genetic predisposition is being discussed as a possible explanation. Symptoms of poisoning may include diarrhea, vomiting, reduced urination and pain. In severe cases, dramatic kidney damage and even death can occur. Therefore, dogs should never be given grapes or raisins

Hidden danger: birch sugar (xylitol)

Warning: xylitol, also known as xylitol or birch sugar, is increasingly found in candy, sugar-free chewing gum, and reduced-calorie spreads like jam or peanut butter. It can also be found in dietary foods for diabetics such as pastries, chocolate or desserts. Even homeopathic globules are sometimes sweetened with xylitol. It is extremely important that dog owners know that xylitol is toxic to dogs and even small doses can cause serious side effects. The amount considered toxic is 0.1 grams of xylitol per kilogram of body weight. This means that just 1.5 chewing gums of 0.3 grams of xylitol can be fatal to a 5 kilogram dog. It is just as dangerous if a dog eats only five xylitol-sweetened globules. Symptoms of intoxication can occur within 20 minutes to an hour and include diarrhea, vomiting, feeling weak, and an unsteady, stumbling gait may be symptoms, as well as rapid heartbeat, tremors and convulsions. Extremely high doses may cause loss of consciousness and liver failure

Chocolate and cocoa

Chocolate is toxic to dogs and can cause heart problems. The toxic ingredient theobromine is particularly high in cocoa and therefore in dark chocolate. Even 7 grams of dark chocolate per kilogram of dog weight can cause poisoning reactions. Milk chocolate and white chocolate are less dangerous, but can still cause lactose intolerance and tooth decay in dogs. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, rapid heartbeat and epileptic seizures. In the worst cases, death can occur from heart failure.

Drinks containing caffeine

Caffeine is one of the most toxic substances for dogs and is found in various forms, including coffee, tea, soft and energy drinks, chocolate and chocolates. Dark chocolate is especially risky because it also contains theobromine, which is also toxic to dogs. Caffeine can be fatal at a dose of 150 mg per kilogram of body weight. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning in dogs include restlessness, panting, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, seizures, incoordination, fever, tremors and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, death from heart failure can occur within a day.

Garlic and onions are taboo!

Please do not give your dog onions or other bulbous vegetables such as leeks, spring onions, garlic or chives. These foods can cause hemolysis, a dissolution of red blood cells. Even a medium-sized raw onion (about 200 grams) can be toxic to medium-sized dog breeds if they eat more than 5 grams per kilogram of body weight. Symptoms of poisoning include digestive disturbances such as vomiting and diarrhea, reluctance to eat, bloody urine and feeling weak, and increased respiratory and heart rates. These symptoms can even be fatal in severe cases. Therefore, please make sure that your dog does not get onions or other bulbous plants.

Be careful with nuts!

Please heed our friendly advice that several types of nuts can be harmful to your furry friend. These include walnuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, pistachios and peanuts. In walnuts, the moldy fruit shell can be dangerous, but in macadamia nuts, the cause is unknown. It's best to keep all types of nuts away from your dog to be safe. Symptoms of poisoning can include diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, apathy, elevated body temperature, indigestion, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness of the limbs and breathing problems. Watch for these signs and keep your dog safe!