Common Dog Dangers
You Should Avoid

As a responsible pet owner it is essential to learn how to prevent common dog dangers. Avoiding these potential dangers can make the difference between life and death.

Your dog is curious about everything, so it’s your job to make sure he can’t get into anything that can make him sick or that could be potentially life threatening. I've seen my new puppy try to put just about everything in her mouth - rocks, grass, worms, poop... anything - the grosser the better.

Some of the items on the list below are widely known or common sense, but some potential dog dangers are quite surprising like grapes or onions.

Here’s a list of the most common dog dangers:

Chocolate: Most people have heard by now that chocolate can be quite toxic for dogs. Avoid giving any chocolate to your dog, but baker’s chocolate (or any dark chocolate) is the most dangerous.

Apple seeds, cherry stems, and apricot pits: The stems, leaves, and seeds of these fruits can cause vomiting and can be lethal if eaten in large amounts.

Household cleaners: Keep bleaches, detergents, and disinfectants away from your pets. If it’s something you’d keep away from your children, keep it away from your pets as well.

Metals: According to the ASCPA, there were over 3000 cases of metal pet poisonings reported in 2008. Metals such as lead can be found in paint chips or linoleum.

Grapes and Raisins: These seemingly harmless fruits can be potentially toxic and cause kidney failure if eaten in large quantities.

Macadamia nuts: These nuts can cause vomiting, weakness, and poor coordination. The ASPCA lists this as being potentially poisonous.

Onions: If eaten in large quantities, onions can cause gastrointestinal irritation and anemia and can even be toxic in some dogs.

Chives: These are in the onion family, so it's best to avoid.

Nutmeg: May cause neurologic and GI symptoms according to The Forever Dog book.

Milk and other dairy products: While dairy products aren’t necessarily dangerous, they can be hard for your dog to digest and can cause gas and diarrhea.

High Fat Foods: If something isn’t good for you, it’s a sure bet it’s not good for your dog either. High fat foods can cause health problems including dog obesity and pancreatitis (especially in breeds predisposed to the disease).

Raw eggs: While cooked eggs can be a great addition to your dog's food, raw eggs may cause Salmonella.

Tylenol: Acetaminophen, the active ingredient, can be a deadly poison for dogs if overdosed.

Alcohol: While alcohol may not be toxic for your dog, it’s definitely not a good idea to leave alcoholic beverages where your dog can get to them. Just like with people, the effects of alcohol can be dangerous to some.

Antifreeze: This bright green liquid can leak out of your car on to a hard surface. Unfortunately, dogs are attracted to the sweetness which can be lethal.

Bones: Raw bones can damage teeth and cooked bones can splinter into knife-sharp pieces that can get stuck in their intestinal tract, cut it, or perforate it. This can be potentially life threatening.

Household plants: You can prevent common dog dangers associated with some varieties of plants. Make sure any plants your pets have access to are safe, as some varieties can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even be toxic.