Health: Human foods to NOT feed your dog!!

I was recently made aware that there are some human foods that a very toxic to dogs. I was aware that chocolate was a problem but never realized the depth of the problem it could create if ingested. After a little research, I've compiled the following list and health issues:

Avocados
The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain the toxin compound persin. Persin is a toxin which can damage the heart, the lung and other tissue in many animals. The most common variety found in stores, the Guatemalan variety, appears to be the most problematic. The major concern in dogs is gastrointestinal irritation which includes vomiting and diarrhea.

Beer
Any alcohol is toxic to dogs. Alcoholic drinks can cause damage to a dog's liver and brain just as they do in humans. Since dogs are much smaller than humans the effects can be deadly.
Obviously, the smaller the animal, the more deadly the effects can be. Even a small amount of alcohol may cause vomiting and damage the liver and brain.

Caffeine
Anything that contains caffeine stimulates a dog's central nervous and cardiac systems.
This can lead to restlessness, heart palpitations and even death, depending on how much the dog consumes.

Candy
Anything containing Xylitol (a very common sweetener found in some diet products and sugar-free gum) can cause a sudden drop in a dog's blood sugar, loss of coordination and seizures. Once ingested, the symptoms can develop within 30 minutes; seek treatment immediately as the dog could die.

Chocolate
Chocolate contains a natural occurring alkaloid, theobromine, which is used in humans for the treatment of high blood pressure and sometimes as a diuretic. Theobromine's effect on dogs is potentially quite lethal. Dark and unsweetened chocolates are especially dangerous.

Grapes and raisins
A single serving of grapes/raisins can be fatal to a dog. Both grapes/raisins contain an unknown toxin which can lead to kidney failure in dogs. It is important to keep in mind that the effects are cumulative. This means that if a dog eats just a few grapes/raisins periodically, the toxin accumulates in her system which can kill her.

Nuts
Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles. Within 12 hours of eating nut, dogs may start to develop symptoms such as the in ability to walk or stand, vomiting, and an elevated heart rate. All these symptoms can be worse if the nuts were in chocolate.

Onions
Onions are common in some many foods and can be highly toxic to dogs. Baby food can contain onion powder so it should not be fed to dogs. Onions contain sulfoxides and disulfides which can damage red blood cells which can lead to anemia, weakness and breathing difficulties. The effects are also cumulative.

In the event of emergency

You can take all the precautions in the world to keep your pet safe but accidents happen. Consequently, the ASPCA, Humane Society and animal advocates advise pet owners to keep the telephone numbers of their local veterinarian and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — (888) 426-4435 for 24-7 telephone assistance — in a prominent location.

Common signs of poisoning include:

• muscle tremors or seizures;
  
• vomiting and diarrhea;
  
• drooling;
  
• redness of skin, ears and eyes;
  
• swelling and bleeding.

If you suspect your pet has consumed, inhaled or come in contact with a toxic substance, stay calm and call for help immediately. Even if they are not displaying any symptoms.