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Dogs can eat a wide range of foods – but not everything that humans can eat is safe to give to dogs. Here are some of the things your dog should avoid. If you are in doubt, check with your vet surgery.

Alcohol
Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol. If you suspect that your pet has ingested alcohol, contact your vet. Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.Ìý

Avocado
Avocado plants contain a substance called Persin which is in its leaves, fruit and seed and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. If swallowed, the stone of an avocado can also cause a blockage in a dogs digestive system.Ìý

Chocolate
Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine (dark chocolate has the highest content of this) which is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.

Coffee and Caffeine
Coffee contains a substance called methylxanthine, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.

Citrus
The stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid that can cause irritation and central nervous system depression if ingested in significant amounts.Ìý

Coconut and Coconut Oil
The flesh and milk of fresh coconuts contain oils that may cause stomach upset, loose stools or diarrhoea.ÌýCoconut water is high in potassium and should not be given to your pet.

Cooked Bones
Cooked bones can easily splinter and in large quantities cause constipation or at worst, a perforation of the gut which can be fatal.

Corn on the cob
Corn on the cob could potentially be fatal if eaten by your dog. Although the corn is digested by dogs, the cob can cause a blockage in your dog’s intestine.

Grapes and Raisins
The active ingredient which is toxic to dogs is unknown; however both grapes and raisins can cause severe liver damage and kidney failure.

Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can affect your dog’s muscles and nervous system resulting in weakness, swollen limbs and panting. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Milk and Dairy
Dogs do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), so milk and other dairy-based products cause them diarrhoea or other digestive upset.

Onions, Garlic, Chives
The onion family, whether dry, raw or cooked, is particularly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage. Signs of illness are not always immediate and can occur up to a few days later.

Salt and Salty Snacks
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death.

Xylitol
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including chewing gum, sweets, baked goods and peanut butter. If your dog digests one of these sweetened foods they can go into hypoglycaemia which is linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. It can also progress to seizures elevated liver enzymes and liver failure.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG HAS EATEN ANY OF THESE?
If consumed, even small amounts of these items can be dangerous so always act immediately and take your dog to the vet.