Not just chocolate: beware these toxic foods that can be dangerous for dogs
Hong Kong veterinarian Dr Angel Ngo explains how to keep your pet pooch healthy by avoiding foods like grapes and offers tips to prevent choking.
You might be tempted to give your dog anything they want - but there are some foods that can be dangerous for them! Photo: ShutterstockEvery week, Talking Points gives you a worksheet to practise your reading comprehension with exercises about the story we’ve written.
Most of us know that chocolate is toxic for dogs. However, many other foods can be risky for our four-legged friends.
Beware of toxic foods
Peanuts and peanut butter are delicious dog treats, but many other nuts are dangerous. For example, even one macadamia nut can be harmful to a small dog.
Dogs should never be given peanut butter with artificial sweeteners. It often contains Xylitol, which can be fatal to dogs within 30 minutes of ingestion.
Other foods that are harmful to dogs include avocado, onion, garlic, grapes, raisins and even rising bread dough.
Rising bread dough can expand in their stomach, causing obstruction and pain. Some yeast used in rising bread dough produces alcohol, which can poison dogs.
Beware of bones
Just because something is not toxic, it does not mean it is safe for your dog.
One classic example is pork bones. In Chinese cooking, pork bones are used to make soup, and the cooked bones are commonly “shared” with pet dogs.
While the idea of dogs eating bones feels natural, it can be dangerous.
It doesn’t matter whether the cooked bones come from pork, chicken, or any other animal. They can all become brittle and splinter easily. These splinters can cause serious internal injuries to a dog’s mouth, throat, stomach or intestines.
Chicken bones are thin and brittle. Be careful when serving chicken wings to your family or friends, particularly at parties and barbecues where dogs might easily snatch a discarded bone.
Why your dog chews the furniture and what it means about their mental well-being
In addition, a dog’s teeth can easily fracture when chomping down on bones. Bones can also become stuck in a dog’s mouth or throat, causing choking. Even if the animal manages to swallow the bone, it can still cause blockages in the oesophagus and gut.
That doesn’t mean raw bones are the answer. Raw bones can carry food-borne pathogens like salmonella, which can affect pets and their owners.
Recently, an outbreak of bird flu in the United States has led to infections in cats by eating contaminated raw food. We should be mindful of the risks of raw food and keep pets away from dead animals.
How to prevent choking
Choking is a very common cause of death in pet dogs. This can happen when they gulp down food too quickly. It could be a piece of apple or even a fish ball.
To prevent this, always cut fruit into thinner slices and train your dog not to snatch food. You can also consider using a slow feeder bowl or puzzle bowl. This makes it more challenging for your dog to eat, forcing them to slow down.
If you suspect your dog has ingested potentially dangerous items, immediately bring them to the vet. Give the vet as much information as possible. Bring along any food labels and record as many details of the item as possible, such as the quantity eaten or a photo of the product. This will help the vet give your dog the best treatment.
Answers provided by Dr Angel Ngo, a general practice and emergency veterinarian at VetiVa Centre For Animal Wellness.
To test your understanding of this story, download our printable worksheet or answer the questions in the quiz below.