The Easter weekend is just around the corner. We hide eggs and chocolate en masse in the house and in the garden. And then there is always the question of who found the first egg \u2014 your children or your dog. There are also plenty of treats within reach for children and animals on the coffee table. But what is and what is not harmful? <\/div>\n
Most people are familiar with chocolate and grapes. But does that also apply to raisins in Easter stollen, sugar-free candies or a craft egg made of salt dough? On the Internet you can find large lists of toxic foods for dogs. But most of those stories are only half true \u2014 and in the meantime, you can miss the real dangers. <\/p>\n
As an integrative veterinarian, I discuss this with owners on a weekly basis. The confusion is understandable, but the fear is not always justified. It’s almost always about how much<\/strong> your animal has eaten, not so much what<\/strong>. Unless it concerns a handful of substances \u2014 because they are always dangerous, even in small quantities. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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Straight to the vet \u2014 never wait for:<\/h3>\n
This article is educational. When in doubt, always call. <\/p>\n
\n\n\n\nAfter taking<\/div>\n \u25cf Xylitol \u2014 in any quantity<\/div>\n \u25cf Grapes, raisins or sultanas<\/div>\n \u25cf Larger amount of dark chocolate<\/div>\n \u25cf Raw yeast dough<\/div>\n \u25cf Alcohol or human medication<\/div>\n \u25cf Feces from another animal (junk poop)<\/div>\n<\/td>\n \nIn case of complaints such as<\/div>\n \u25cf Convulsions or loss of coordination<\/div>\n \u25cf Trembling, weakness, or confusion<\/div>\n \u25cf Rapid deterioration<\/div>\n \u25cf Vomiting or diarrhea with drowsiness<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n \n What is really dangerous, what is not so bad?<\/h2>\nAn honest overview in three categories.<\/p>\n \n\n\n\nAlways dangerous<\/div>\n Xylitol In Chewing Gum, Toothpaste, Sugar-Free Products<\/span><\/div>\nGrapes & raisins Also organic \u2014 kidney damage possible<\/span><\/div>\nRaw yeast dough Yeast ferments in the stomach<\/span><\/div>\nDark chocolate & cocoa Dose-dependent \u2014 small dog = high risk<\/span><\/div>\nAlcohol Also in bread dough and fruit juice<\/span><\/div>\nParacetamol in cats Even small amount is life-threatening<\/span><\/div>\n<\/td>\n\nBe careful \u2014 context counts<\/div>\n Onion & garlic Harmful in large or repeated amounts<\/span><\/div>\nMacadamia nuts Neurotoxic, usually temporary<\/span><\/div>\nCream of tartar Concentrated: kidney damage possible<\/span><\/div>\nSalt in large quantities Salt dough, craft clay \u2014 quickly harmful to small dogs<\/span><\/div>\nGreen potato Avoiding green skin and suckers<\/span><\/div>\nCaffeine Coffee, tea, energy drink<\/span><\/div>\n<\/td>\n\nOften exaggerated<\/div>\n Ripe tomato No problem \u2014 just avoid leaves and stems<\/span><\/div>\nSweet paprika No toxicological risk<\/span><\/div>\nAvocado (pulp) Pit is the real danger<\/span><\/div>\nMilk Intolerance possible, no poisoning<\/span><\/div>\nRaw eggs Incidentally no problem \u2014 even valuable<\/span><\/div>\nStrawberries & berries Safe in normal quantities<\/span><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n \n \n Frequently heard stories \u2014 what is true about them?<\/h2>\nInternet lists don’t distinguish between what’s really toxic and what’s just not ideal. Here are the most common misunderstandings \u2014 and an Easter special. <\/p>\n \n\n\n<\/p>\n\n “Any chocolate is toxic to dogs.”<\/p>\n Nuance needed \u2014 especially at Easter<\/span><\/p>\nChocolate contains theobromine, a substance that can be dangerous for dogs. But the risk depends very much on the type. White chocolate<\/strong> contains virtually no cocoa \u2014 at most some gastrointestinal complaints. Milk chocolate<\/strong> contains a small amount of cocoa \u2014 a piece in a medium-sized dog is rarely an emergency. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder<\/strong> are dangerous in a small dog. Dosage and body weight are decisive. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n \n “Raw eggs are dangerous.”<\/p>\n Greatly exaggerated<\/span><\/p>\nThere are two points of attention: salmonella (in the case of contaminated eggs) and PFAS (in the case of contaminated soils). These risks are real, but they also apply to people. With eggs of good origin, raw eggs are nutritious. The egg itself provides proteins, fats and vitamins. The eggshell is an excellent source of calcium. And the eggshell membrane \u2014 the membrane on the inside \u2014 contains glucosamines and collagen precursors that support joints and connective tissue. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n “Tomato is poisonous to dogs.”<\/p>\n Largely fable<\/span><\/p>\nRipe red tomato is no problem. The leaf and stem contain higher concentrations of a substance that can cause abdominal discomfort \u2014 but one tomato in a normal dog? No need to panic. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n “A crumb of garlic is already deadly.”<\/p>\n Greatly exaggerated<\/span><\/p>\nA little bit of garlic in a dish is almost never a problem. A whole clove daily as a supplement is \u2014 it affects the red blood cells. And the use of garlic against fleas has not been scientifically proven. There are better and less harmful alternatives available. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n <\/p>\n\n “Salt dough from the craft table is not dangerous.”<\/p>\n Underestimated risk<\/span><\/p>\nAt Easter, there is salt dough or craft clay ready for the children on many tables \u2014 and that attracts dogs. But salt dough contains a lot of salt in a small amount. In dogs, a large intake can lead to salt toxicity: thirst, vomiting, confusion, muscle tremors and in severe cases brain problems. Keep craft materials out of reach of your dog. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n “Any raw dough is dangerous.”<\/p>\n Largely fable<\/span><\/p>\nPlain cookie dough without yeast? No toxicological problem. But raw bread dough or pizza dough with active yeast is a different story \u2014 yeast ferments in the warm stomach and produces CO\u2082 and alcohol. This can cause stomach distension and alcohol poisoning at the same time. That is dangerous. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n \n “Organic grapes are safe.”<\/p>\n Dangerous misunderstanding<\/span><\/p>\nThe problem is in tartaric acid, a substance that is naturally present in the grape. Organic or not makes no difference. No grape, raisin or sultana is safe for dogs. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n | | | | | | |