It's safe to say that most people, whether they are a dog owner or not, are aware that feeding a dog chocolate can be threatening to the animal's health.
There are many other foods that are not meant for canine consumption, some of which might just surprise you...
Avocados can damage your dog's heart and lungs.
The culprit is believed to be a chemical called persin, and some dogs are more sensitive than others.
Coffee (and other foods and beverages that contain caffeine) cause toxic effects in dogs that are similar to chocolate.
Apple seeds, peach pits, cherry pits, and plum pits.
While the flesh of these fruits are fine, the seeds contain cyanide.
They can also become lodged in your pup's intestine, causing an obstruction.
Nutmeg can permanently damage your pet's nervous system, causing seizures and tremors.
There are many other foods that can prove a threat your dog's health.
You may be thinking to yourself, "My dog has eaten some of these foods plenty of times without suffering any harm.
" You are very lucky that your pet got away unscathed from the health concerns that can result from eating these foods.
However, it is best that you cease feeding your dog all of these foods to ensure that he remains healthy.
To be on the safe side, you may want to take a trip to your dog's veterinary office just to make sure that your pet is not suffering from complications, especially if your dog has eaten any of the above mentioned foods on a regular basis.
Health issues can gradually build up over time to a point that they become an immediate concern.
To many of us, we feel as though our pets are a true member of the family.
We should take the extra care to make sure that we are not inadvertently endangering our dog's health.
It's easy to feel that giving your dog a piece of chocolate or a handful of grapes every now and then is just a way to show your dog you love him by "treating" him.
Instead of providing him with harmful treats, why not purchase treats that are specifically intended for dogs?