Alcohol: Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and death. The smaller the dog, the greater the effect.

Fat trimmings: Cooked and uncooked trimmings can cause pancreatitis.

Avocado: Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Avoid both the plant and fruit.

Chocolate: Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and death. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolates are the most dangerous.

Coffee, Tea and Caffeine: Consumed in large quantities can be fatal. There is no antidote for caffeine poisoning. Symptoms include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits and bleeding. Includes beans and grounds.

Grapes and Raisins: A small amount can cause illness. Commonly causes kidney failure. Early symptoms include repeated vomiting and hyperactivity. Within a day, lethargy and depression will set in. Signs may be more dramatic in dogs with certain health problems.

Garlic and Chives: Risk increases if a large enough amount is consumed. Symptoms include gastrointestinal irritation and possible red blood cell damage. An occasional low dose, what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem. It is recommended not give large quantities of these foods.

Milk and milk based products: Symptoms include diarrhea, gas, bloating and other digestive upset. Can set up food allergies which often manifest as itchiness.

Macadamia Nuts: Symptoms include weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, depression, vomiting, muscle tremors, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) and rapid heart beat. Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours. Eating chocolate with nuts will worsen the symptoms and lead to possible kidney failure and death.

Onions: Onions in any form can destroy red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, breathlessness, dullness and loss of appetite. An occasional small dose is okay. Consuming a large quantity once or smaller amounts regularly can cause onion poisoning. Onion power can be found in some baby foods.

Persimmons, Peaches and Plums: Persimmon seeds can cause inflammation of the small intestine and intestinal obstruction. Peach and plum pits can also cause an obstruction and are poisonous, containing cyanide.

Raw/Undercooked Fish: Certain kinds of fish such as salmon, trout, shad or sturgeon can contain a parasite which causes fish disease. If not treated, the disease can be fatal within two weeks. Symptoms include vomiting, fever and enlarged lymph nodes.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones: Raw meat and eggs contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Raw eggs decrease biotin (a B vitamin) absorption which can lead to skin and coat problems. Raw bones can splinter and cause an obstruction or laceration in the digestive tract.

Salt: Large amounts can produce excessive thirst and urination or sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and death.

Sugary foods: Can lead to obesity, dental problems and diabetes.

Xylitol: Can increase insulin circulation, which can cause hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels) and lead to liver failure. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Symptoms can progress to inactivity and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days. Xylitol is used as a sweetener in gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste.

Yeast dough: Raw dough rises and causing gas to accumulate in the digestive system, which can cause the stomach or intestines to stretch and rupture. Fermented dough produces alcohol which can lead to alcohol poisoning. Bread (cooked dough) is acceptable in small amounts. These treats should not constitute more than 5-10% of the daily caloric intake.

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please contact your veterinarian, as symptoms may vary depending on your dog’s breed, age and health.