If he could brush his teeth after eating something stinky, could my dog eat onions? Or garlic? Can my dog eat salsa and chips, or what about grapes and raisins?
Would it surprise you if the answer was NO?
Let’s go with the salsa first. Its main ingredients are onions, jalapeno peppers, and tomatoes. Onions are a no-go because they cause anemia in dogs. Although jalapenos aren’t poisonous to dogs, they’re too spicy and can cause digestive issues, such as throwing up or diarrhea. And misery.
(You say tomato, I say “tomauto.”)
It’s fine for your dog to eat red, ripe tomatoes. But green tomatoes, or the actual plant, can cause seizures and even death. Now the chips, you know, are not healthy for anyone, not even humans. But one every now and then is okay.
(You say potato, I say “potauto.”)
Your dog can eat cooked potatoes, but you better watch out for the uncooked or green ones. They can have adverse effects on your dog’s kidneys, digestive tract, and nervous system
You know that chocolate is poisonous to dogs. But did you know that grapes are a no, no as well? They can cause irreversible kidney damage. And of course, raisins are basically sun cooked grapes, so keep your dog away from those too.
Can My Dog Eat ANY Fruit?
Other fruits to watch out for are peaches, plums, cherries, and others because of their seeds. Dogs can eat the fruit, but those harmless looking seeds contain cyanide. That’s a poison that’s harmful to most animals…even humans. Apple seeds are no good either. No eating the core!
Garlic has some properties that onions have and can cause harm to your dog. But studies show a lot would have to be eaten for it to be harmful. There are small amounts of garlic in supplements, and it’s currently believed that in small doses it’s actually helpful for dogs, and cats too.
What else can be harmful to my dog?
You probably aren’t aware of some other household things that are toxic to your dog: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and xylitol that’s found in sugar-free gum. So, if your dog doesn’t seem to feel good or has mild pain, contact your vet before you give non prescribed medicines.
Watch out for your cat too. Spot-on flea killers for dogs are poisonous to your cat, along with ibuprofen and essential oils.
If your dog eats something you’re not sure about, check out the pet poison helpline and learn more about things that are poisonous to your dog, cat, and other pets.
Until next time, Carol
Feature Photo: See…I brushed my teeth. by Sonny Abesamis licensed