The short answer
Chocolate, xylitol (in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters), grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol and caffeine are toxic to dogs. So are antifreeze, rodent bait and many human medications. If your dog eats something dangerous, call your vet, a 24-hour emergency hospital or a pet poison line right away.
Foods to keep away
- Chocolate and cocoa, darker being worse
- Xylitol (birch sugar) in gum, candy, some peanut butters and baked goods
- Grapes, raisins and currants
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives, including powders
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcohol, caffeine and raw yeast dough
Household and seasonal hazards in Canada
- Antifreeze: sweet-tasting and deadly. Wipe up spills and store it sealed
- Ice-melt salts: rinse paws after winter walks
- Rodent and slug bait
- Human painkillers, ADHD and heart medicines
- Cannabis edibles
- Lilies and sago palms (houseplants and gardens)
What to do
- Note what was eaten, how much and when
- Call your vet or the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to
- Bring the packaging with you
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my dog ate chocolate?
Call your veterinarian or an emergency hospital right away with your dog's weight, the type and the amount of chocolate. Treatment depends on the dose.
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Plain peanut butter usually is. Check the label for xylitol (sometimes listed as birch sugar), which is highly toxic to dogs.
Sources
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