8 foods not to feed fido

You may share lots of things with your best friend but here are 8 common foods that are dangerous for dogs (and cats) if you are conscerned that your pet has eatten any of these foods contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poision Control Center at 800-426-4435.

1. Chocolate
   Why: Stimulates the nervous system and the heart.
   Poisonous to: All species, but dogs are most likely to eat dangerous quantities.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, increased thirst, restlessness, agitation, increased or irregular heartbeat, increased body temperature, tremors, seizures.
   
   
2. Grapes (this includes rasins)
   

   Why: Damage the kidneys.
   Poisonous to: Dogs, cats.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, vomiting

3. Garlic, Onions
   Why: Damage red blood cells, causing anemia.
   Poisonous to: Cats, dogs.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, red-colored urine, weakness, anemia
   
   
4. Xylitol (ingredient in sugarless gum)
   Why: Causes increased insulin secretion, resulting in lower blood sugar levels.
   Poisonous to: Dogs.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, lack of coordination, seizures, jaundice, diarrhea.
   
   
5. Alcohol
   Why: Depress the nervous system.
   Poisonous to: All species.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizures.
   
6. Raw Yeast, Bread Dough
   Why: Forms gas in the digestive track; fermentation of yeast causes alcohol poisoning.
   Poisonous to: All species, but only dogs typically ingest it.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Distention of abdomen, vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizure
   
   
7. Macadamia Nuts
   Why: Cause muscle and nervous-system problems.
   Poisonous to: Dogs.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, weakness, increased body temperature, tremors.
   
   
8. Avocados
   Why: Contain persin, which damages the heart muscle.
   Poisonous to: Most species―birds are especially sensitive.
   Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea (in dogs), lethargy, difficulty breathing (in birds and rodents)

Real Simple Magazine October 2009