A vet nurse has issued a stark warning to dog owners about six common foods that could be deadly for their canine companions.
Jade, who goes by the name Jade The Vet Nurse on TikTok and is a proud owner of three dogs and three tortoises, regularly posts pet care advice online. In a TikTok video, she outlined six foods that are toxic to dogs, urging immediate veterinary contact if ingestion occurs.
Her post was captioned: “Six Foods that are toxic to dogs from a Vet Nurse! If your dog eats any of these, please contact your veterinarian immediately.”
Here’s what you should never feed your pooch:
1) Cherries
While the fruit’s flesh isn’t harmful, the pits, stems, and leaves contain amygdalin, which turns into cyanide when digested.
This can lead to serious health issues such as difficulty breathing, red gums, dilated pupils, and potentially fatal poisoning. Jade advises: “The pulp is not toxic but the pips, leaves and stems are so we advise just best to avoid.”
2) Raw potatoes
These contain solanine, particularly in their skin and when they’re raw or green. Solanine is poisonous to dogs (and in large quantities to humans too). Cooking potatoes reduces solanine levels, but it’s still wise to practice moderation.
3) Xylitol
This sweetener, found in many products, can cause insulin release in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, or even death. While it’s safe for human consumption, it can have a harmful impact on a dog’s metabolism.
4) Avocado
Jade also warns against feeding dogs avocados due to their persin content, which is toxic. Although dogs are generally more resistant to persin than other animals such as birds or horses, the fruit, pit, leaves, and skin of avocados contain varying amounts of persin, which can still pose health risks to dogs.
5) Chocolate
Jade expressed surprise at the number of owners who admitted to feeding their dogs chocolate. She clarified: “So, chocolate obviously comes as white, milk, dark, cocoa powder and basically chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine. Now, chocolate itself isn’t toxic to dogs but it’s the theobromine that’s in chocolate that’s highly toxic.”
She further explained that the darker the chocolate, the higher the levels of theobromine
6) Grapes/raisins
Grapes and raisins are another food item that dogs should avoid as they are toxic and can lead to serious, potentially fatal health issues. The exact reason why grapes are toxic to dogs is not fully understood, but even small quantities can result in kidney failure in dogs.
Jade’s informative video has clocked in 156,400 views, amassed 3,928 likes, and sparked more than 100 comments. A number of viewers confessed their dogs have consumed foods that Jade listed as ‘toxic’.
But thankfully, people didn’t take the advice lightly. One said: “Did not know about the raw potato or avocado.” And another wrote: “Not that I’ve ever given my dog potatoes but I did not know that about potatoes. Thanks.”
Meanwhile, a third wrote: “Simply people should just do their research before feeding anything to their dog.” And we’d have to agree, definitely check before giving your pet any food that’s not intended for them.
If you are concerned about something your dog has eaten, be sure to contact a vet or animal professional immediately.