Some of the most toxic foods and drinks that dogs should avoid and some that may upset your dog’s stomach:

Dogs are notorious scavengers, so you have to be careful with what they eat and drink.

• Onions, chives, leeks & garlic (raw and cooked) – these can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red cell damage
• Chocolate – this can cause kidney failure due to the stimulant theobromine – feed your dog doggy chocs instead
• Macadamia nuts – these contain a toxin that can affect your dog’s nervous system causing panting, weakness and swollen limbs
• Corn on the cob – the cob can be fatal as it can cause a blockage in the intestines
• Avocado – these contain Persin which causes vomiting and diarrhoea
• Xylitol – an artificial sweetener found in chewing gum, diet and low fat foodstuffs including some peanut butter which if ingested can cause hypoglycaemia which can lead liver failure and clotting
• Alcohol – never allow your dog to drink this, as their bodies cannot metabolise alcohol and they can become extremely sick with lethargy, low body temperature and respiratory depression. Alcohol poisoning is fatal for dogs.
• Grapes & raisins – contain a substance that can cause severe liver damage and kidney failour
• Blue cheese – dogs can get very ill from eating blue cheese, as they are very sensitive to Roquefortine C, which is a fungus used to make blue cheeses.
• Cooked bones – never feed your dog cooked bones as they are prone to splinter and can cause blockages
• Bread dough/yeast – dogs can become bloated, disorientated and ataxic if they eat uncooked yeasts in dough, as during the fermenting process it produces ethanol and carbon dioxide.
• Mouldy food – dogs are prone to allergies and are more susceptible to the effects of mould than humans.
• Salt
• Too much liver
• Apple, cherry, apricot & plum seeds
• Broccoli
• Caffeine
• Mushrooms
• Nutmeg & cinnamon
• Spicy food
• Green tomatoes
• Raw potatoes
• Tobacco

If your dog becomes distressed after eating any of these foods or poisons, be sure to take them to a vet immediately. Signs to look out for include: vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, lethargy, dehydration, hyperactivity, drooling and seizures.