Does your canine buddy fix you with that sad, soulful stare when you’re eating something that smells delicious? Dogs are pretty good at getting us to hand over yummy tidbits and morsels. While begging is bad manners, in this blog we’re going to focus more on safety. Not everything is safe for Man’s Best Friend. In fact, some of our favorite foods are deadly to Fido. Here, a Bucks County, PA veterinarian lists a few things you should never give your pup. 

Fat Trimmings

While fat is an important part of Fido’s diet, this is one area where too much of a good thing can be very, very bad. Never give your furry pal fat trimmings. Too much fat can cause pancreatitis, which is extremely dangerous, and can even be fatal. The occasional piece of bacon or sausage is fine, but don’t go overboard.

Grapes And Raisins

This one takes many people by surprise. No one is quite sure why, but grapes and raisins—as well as their cousin, the currant—are highly toxic to pups. In fact, some pups can go into organ failure from eating just one! Take extra care not to let Fido snap up any of these from the floor.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sweetener that is used in many sweets and baked goods. It can cause Fido’s blood sugar to plummet, and can even lead to liver failure, sometimes within a matter of days. Xylitol is particularly concerning, because it’s sometimes found in foods that would otherwise be safe, such as peanut butter.

Garlic And Onions

As a general rule of thumb, anything with a bulb should be considered toxic to Fido. Garlic, onions, scallions, and chives are unsafe in any form. Cooked, powdered, raw, or minced: they’re all bad. These foods actually kill dogs’ red blood cells, which can cause anemia.

Warning Signs

Dogs are very opportunistic eaters, so there’s always a chance that Fido could eat something when you aren’t looking, or before you can take it away from him. (This is one reason the Drop It command is so useful.) Keep an eye out for warning signs. These include vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory issues, trembling, and elevated heart rate. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these red flags, or anything else out of the ordinary.

As your Bucks County, PA veterinary clinic, we’re here for you. Call us anytime!