Is it toxic to dogs?
36 common foods, plants and household items, sorted by how worried you should be.
If your dog has eaten something dangerous, don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet or an emergency clinic now. Poison helplines include ASPCA Animal Poison Control (US), Animal PoisonLine (UK) and the Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia & NZ). Most charge a fee.
Alcohol
Dogs are far more sensitive than people.
Signs: Wobbliness, vomiting, slow breathing, low body temperature.
Caffeine
Stimulant related to theobromine.
Signs: Hyperactivity, racing heart, tremors, seizures.
Chocolate
Theobromine and caffeine. Dark and baking chocolate are far more dangerous than milk chocolate.
Signs: Vomiting, restlessness, racing heart, tremors, seizures.
Grapes, raisins, currants, sultanas
Can cause sudden kidney failure. Toxic dose is unpredictable; tartaric acid is the leading suspect.
Signs: Vomiting, lethargy, reduced urination.
Hops
Can trigger dangerously high body temperature; greyhounds may be more susceptible.
Signs: Panting, high temperature, racing heart.
Ibuprofen, naproxen, paracetamol/acetaminophen
Stomach ulcers, kidney and liver damage. Never give human painkillers unless your vet prescribes them.
Signs: Vomiting (sometimes bloody), black stools, lethargy.
Oleander, foxglove, yew, autumn crocus
Contain heart toxins or colchicine.
Signs: Vomiting, abnormal heartbeat, collapse.
Onions, garlic, leeks, chives
Damage red blood cells (Heinz body anaemia). Powders are concentrated.
Signs: Lethargy, pale gums, red/brown urine, often days later.
Raw bread dough
Expands in the stomach and ferments into alcohol.
Signs: Bloated belly, retching, wobbliness.
Sago palm
All parts contain cycasin, which causes liver failure; seeds are most toxic.
Signs: Vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, seizures.
Salt dough and rock salt
Salt poisoning (hypernatraemia).
Signs: Vomiting, excessive thirst, wobbliness, seizures.
Wild mushrooms
Some species cause fatal liver failure. Assume any wild mushroom is dangerous.
Signs: Vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, then liver signs.
Xylitol
Causes a rapid insulin release and dangerously low blood sugar; can cause liver failure.
Signs: Weakness, wobbliness, collapse, seizures, often within an hour.
Avocado
Persin is mainly a risk for birds and livestock; for dogs the bigger risks are the stone (blockage) and the fat.
Signs: Vomiting, diarrhoea; gagging if the stone is swallowed.
Blue cheese
Mould can produce roquefortine C.
Signs: Vomiting, tremors.
Cheese
Small amounts are fine for most dogs; high fat and some dogs are lactose intolerant.
Cooked bones
Splinter and can cause choking, tears or blockages.
Signs: Gagging, straining, vomiting, bloody stool.
Corn on the cob
Cobs are a classic cause of intestinal blockage.
Signs: Repeated vomiting, not eating, straining.
Daffodils and tulips
Bulbs are most toxic.
Signs: Vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea.
Fatty scraps
Can trigger pancreatitis.
Signs: Vomiting, hunched posture, painful belly.
Fruit stones and pits
Contain cyanogenic compounds and can cause blockages.
Signs: Vomiting, red gums, difficulty breathing (rare).
Macadamia nuts
Cause of toxicity unknown; rarely fatal.
Signs: Weakness in back legs, vomiting, tremors, fever.
Nutmeg
Myristicin, in larger amounts.
Signs: Disorientation, racing heart, high blood pressure.
Peanut butter
Usually fine, but check the label for xylitol/birch sugar. High in fat.
Tomatoes
Ripe flesh is fine; green parts and plants contain solanine.
Apples
Flesh is fine. Remove the core and seeds.
Bananas
Fine in moderation (sugary).
Blueberries
Good small treat.
Carrots
Low calorie, crunchy. Cut to avoid choking.
Cooked eggs
Plain, fully cooked.
Cucumber
Low calorie and hydrating.
Plain cooked chicken
Boneless, skinless, unseasoned.
Plain cooked rice
Bland and easy to digest.
Plain pumpkin
Plain cooked or canned pumpkin, not pie filling.
Strawberries
Fine in moderation.
Watermelon
Seedless flesh only; no rind.
Not a complete list. Severity depends on the amount eaten and your dog's size. Read the full guide: foods toxic to dogs.