Foods that are poisonous to dogs
Chocolate, grapes, onions & co. – what's dangerous and what to do in an emergency.
Some everyday foods are poisonous to dogs: chocolate and cocoa (theobromine), grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol/birch sugar (in chewing gum, sweets and toothpaste), avocado, alcohol, macadamia nuts and raw yeast dough. In some cases even small amounts are enough – the smaller the dog, the more critical the dose.
Xylitol is especially treacherous: even in small amounts it can trigger a life-threatening drop in blood sugar. With dark chocolate the cocoa content is what counts – a bar of plain chocolate can be dangerous for a small dog. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage, without the critical amount being reliably known.
The symptoms of poisoning range from vomiting, diarrhoea and heavy salivation through trembling and restlessness to cramps and apathy. They can appear immediately – or only hours later. If you suspect poisoning, don't wait: call the vet's practice or the emergency vet service straight away and state what, how much and when was eaten. Take the packaging with you. In Switzerland, Tox Info Suisse also gives advice around the clock on the emergency number 145.