THERE have been a worrying amount of poisoning incidents involving dogs across south Essex in recent months.
In most of these cases, it appears poison has been deliberately planted in woodland areas for animals to find and eat.
But there are also many day-to-day human foods which can cause serious illness if consumed by dogs.
Here is a guide to just some of the food and drink items which should be kept away from dogs at all costs.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a big no for dogs as theobromine - an alkaloid of the cacao plant - can be toxic.
Common symptoms include deep panting, vomiting, and diarrhoea, as well as affecting your dog’s heartbeat and nervous system.
Caffeine is a big problem with chocolate too so keep the sweets away.
Coffee
You might find coffee helpful to stay awake but your dog doesn’t.
Caffeine will affect your dog’s heartbeat and like chocolate, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and panting which, in extreme circumstances, can cause death.
Corn on the cob
Corn on the cob may get stuck in our teeth but it can clog up a canine’s small intestine as it doesn’t break down in the stomach, causing blockages and possible haemorrhaging.
If your dog snacks on one of these, it will most likely need to be removed surgically.
Avocado
Avocados contain a fungicidal toxin called persin, which can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and heart congestion in dogs and also cats.
Grapes and raisins
Owners should make sure that their dogs don’t eat grapes as they contain a toxin that can cause the animal to develop acute kidney or renal failure with anuria - a lack of urine production.
Vomiting and diarrhoea are often the first signs of grape or raisin toxicity.
Macadamia nuts
These nuts can cause physical weakness, lethargy, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia affecting the nervous system.
The toxin combination is not known but is a member of the protaceae plant family.
Onions and chives
It’s a bad idea to feed your dogs onions as they join with hemoglobin in the red blood cells, forming clumps which mean they can't take in as much oxygen.
Signs of low oxygen levels include lethargy, weakness, red urine, and pale gums.
Garlic can cause the same problems as onions, but as it's only used in small amounts, pooches aren't likely to ingest enough of the toxin for it to be a problem.
Persimmons, peaches and plums
Be careful if you live near or walk past persimmon, peach or plum trees.
The juicy part of the fruits are good for dogs to eat, as with a plum which is high in vitamin C, iron and antioxidant qualities.
Persimmon seeds and peach and plum pits can cause big problems for the dog’s intestine however.
The seeds and pits contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs creating blockages and enteritis - inflammation of the intestine, especially the small intestine.
Look out for your dog defecating a lot more than usual if this is the case.
Blue-green algae
Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, found in lakes and ponds, creates lethal cyanotoxins which are some of the most powerful natural poisons in the world.
Initial symptoms of algae poisoning include muscle tremors, an increased breathing rate, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapses and seizures – and can progress to death in as little as 15 minutes.
Toxic Plants
If you're walking your dog off the lead and you're worried about what plants they should or should not be sniffing and licking the Echo has an A-Z guide which you can look at by clicking here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel