Beware of chocolate !
We choose dogs as pets for their affectionate and curious nature, but sometimes this curiosity works against their well-being. Indeed, this bad habit of swallowing everything without sorting often causes problems, and we can, to some extent, reduce the risk of such accidents by keeping potentially toxic products out of their reach.
THE KITCHEN
Chocolate (especially dark)
While chocolate is generally a source of pleasure for us, for our furry friends, especially dark chocolate, it can lead to serious circulatory and neurological issues. Theobromine, an alkaloid similar to caffeine found in chocolate, stimulates the nervous system and heart muscle in a toxic and potentially fatal way.
Most common symptoms after chocolate ingestion in dogs:
Fever / Vomiting / Increased heart rate / Breathing difficulties / Neurological disorders: seizures, coma
Onion, Leek, and Garlic
These seemingly harmless foods seriously damage the red blood cells of our four-legged companions. Garlic, onion, and leek contain sulfur-containing substances toxic to dogs. These molecules, found in large quantities in these foods, damage red blood cell membranes and lead to hemolytic anemia (a decrease in red blood cells due to their destruction), which can progress to jaundice, heart failure, or even death if left untreated.
Grapes
This fruit, rich in water, carbohydrates, and organic acids, contains a molecule called tartaric acid. Dogs cannot excrete this acid through the kidneys (due to an evolutionary loss of the gene associated with its excretion). This absence leads to accumulation, causing kidney toxicity and potentially acute kidney failure, sometimes fatal. Some studies show that grape products like wine or thermally processed grapes are less toxic.
Raw Dough
Fermentation of raw dough produces ethanol, a toxic alcohol for dogs. Its capacity to expand also poses a risk by filling the stomach and compressing surrounding organs like the lungs. Digestive tract obstruction and respiratory failure are serious risks.
Xylitol
A sweetener found in many “sugar-free” foods such as chewing gum, candy, and even some dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash. Xylitol causes a significant spike in blood sugar levels, followed by liver damage worsened by clotting issues—leading to a poor prognosis in intoxicated dogs.
Other toxic foods for dogs include: avocado, macadamia nuts, coffee, raw foods in general (fish, potatoes, etc.).
THE GARDEN
Oleander
All parts of this shrub (leaves, wood, flowers) are toxic to dogs. Just 2 to 3 leaves can kill a 10 kg dog. This high toxicity comes from cardiotonic glycosides, a group of molecules found in the plant. The main issues caused affect the heart, nervous system, and digestive tract.
Yew
This conifer, common in parks, contains a cardiotoxic alkaloid mainly in the seeds, but also in other parts. Ingestion is dangerous only if the dog chews the seeds, releasing the toxic compound. It’s best to remove any part of the plant from the dog’s mouth to prevent poisoning.
Lily of the Valley
These springtime flowers cause many clinical cases. Again, it’s due to a cardiotoxic molecule—a glycoside found in all parts of the plant. It also acts as a strong digestive irritant and can cause hemorrhagic diarrhea in affected dogs.
LESS OBVIOUS DANGERS…
Antifreeze
Although it seems unlikely for us to ingest, for dogs, antifreeze tastes sweet and tempting due to the ethylene glycol it contains. Once metabolized by the liver, it forms crystals in the kidneys, severely damaging renal function and causing widespread physiological disruptions.
Rodenticides
Used to eliminate pests, these products contain vitamin K antagonists that act as anticoagulants. Ingestion by pets leads to systemic bleeding and deterioration of overall health. Signs include : Skin hematomas / Blood in urine, stool, nostrils, gums / Respiratory difficulty/ General weakness
Paracetamol
One of the most common over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for humans is highly toxic to dogs. Due to the absence of key liver enzymes, paracetamol accumulates and causes liver necrosis. It also reduces oxygen circulation in the blood. The first sign of poisoning is excessive drooling. Most human anti-inflammatories are unsuitable for pets and must be kept out of their reach.
Conclusion
There is a wide range of toxic substances and products for dogs. Although it’s nearly impossible to prevent all poisoning incidents, knowing the threats helps reduce the risk or respond quickly. Never act blindly—always call a veterinary emergency professional after any ingestion of a toxic product.
Sources
Centre Antipoison Animal. Laurier-rose. Centre Antipoison Animal de l’Ouest
Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Frégis. Intoxication au if chez le chien (Taxus baccata)
CHUV. Intoxication au xylitol chez le chien – Édouard Martin, D.M.V., I.P.S.A.V.
112 Vétérinaire. Intoxication au paracétamol chez le chien et le chat
Centre Antipoisons belge. Intoxication du chien par le chocolat
AniCura France. Empoisonnement à l’oignon chez le chien
Bulle Bleue, 2017. Intoxication : les aliments dangereux pour les chiens
TESSIER, Ludovic. Intoxication au raisin chez le chien et le chat, ONIRIS, 2024
