They contain a compound known as N-propyl disulfide. This compound causes the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to anemia in dogs. A toxic dose of scallions, chives, or onions is a ¼ cup per 20 lb dog. For garlic, it’s approximately 40 grams per lb of a dog’s body weight. So, a 20 lb dog would have to eat around 160 cloves of garlic for it to be toxic. Garlic is in this family, but it is not toxic unless your dog eats enormous amounts of it. Garlic actually has some great benefits for dogs.

It contains theobromine, which dogs are unable to metabolize effectively. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, urinary incontinence, excessive drinking, hyperactivity, arrhythmias, tremors, and seizures. A toxic dose of chocolate depends on the type that is ingested—the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. A toxic dose of milk chocolate is 0.5 oz per 1 lb of body weight. A toxic dose of dark chocolate (no milk) is 0.13 oz per 1 lb of body weight.

They can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. It is hypothesized that the tartaric acid in grapes could be the cause. As little as 1 grape should be considered dangerous to your dog.

They are dangerous for the same reason as grapes and raisins. If eaten they can cause gut problems and in serious cases, kidney failure. The toxic dose varies from dog to dog, but in some cases, it can be very small.

Avocado skins contain persin, which is a natural fungicide. Persin can be harmful to dogs and is found in higher concentrations in the pit, skin, and leaves of avocados. Avocado flesh contains only low amounts of persin, so it’s safe for most dogs. However, some may experience mild stomach upset. Avocado pits can also be a dangerous choking hazard for your dog, possibly causing esophageal intestinal obstruction.

It is an artificial sweetener found in many chewing gums, breath mints, mouthwash, peanut butter, baked goods, vitamins, dietary supplements, sugar-free desserts, and more. Xylitol will cause a rapid release of insulin from the pancreas of a dog, resulting in profound hypoglycemia and, in severe cases, liver failure. A toxic dose of xylitol, 34mg per 1 lb body weight can result in hypoglycemia. Greater than 227 mg per 1 lb of a dog’s body weight may lead to liver failure. The mechanism for this liver failure is still unknown.

It causes a dog to have symptoms of alcohol intoxication (mental dullness, disorientation, lethargy), metabolic acidosis, and stomach distention. As yeast replicates in the stomach, it promotes the expansion of the dough’s mass, as well as the production of ethanol. The distention of a dog’s stomach can become so severe that gastric lavage with cold water and even surgery may become necessary.

The pits contain cyanide, which is highly poisonous to dogs.  Pits can also become lodged in the intestinal tract causing an obstruction thus requiring surgical removal.

These can splinter and cause severe gastrointestinal inflammation, leading to severe vomiting and diarrhea. They can also cause intestinal obstructions that require surgery. Stick to raw, appropriately sized bones and healthy store-bought options. Check out my blog on chewing for my favorite types of bones.

Dogs may exhibit clinical signs of caffeine toxicity within 30 to 60 minutes of consumption. Symptoms to watch for include restlessness, agitation, hyperactivity, vomiting, and panting, she says. As the toxicity progresses, they may also exhibit tremors and seizures.

These can cause intestinal irritation and, often, pancreatic inflammation in dogs. Examples of high-fat foods include fatty cuts of meat, baked goods, cheese, gravy, oils, butter, ice cream, etc. Symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Treatment often includes in-hospital supportive care and a low-fat diet for a while.

The signs of nicotine toxicity in dogs vary depending on the concentration of nicotine in the product and how much of the product is ingested. Overstimulated nerves can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, drooling, and vomiting, as well as agitation, excitement, and constricted pupils. Higher doses can cause seizures, confusion, difficulty walking, and an elevated heart rate. Ingestion of more than 9-12 mg/kg of nicotine without decontamination will likely result in death.