Training

Dangerous Food for Dogs

It's hard to say no to those puppy eyes when your lovable Goldendoodle puppy is begging for a bite of your food

Knowing every type of dangerous food for dogs is one of the most important responsibilities of a dog owner. From upset tummies and discomfort to serious symptoms and illnesses, feeding a puppy human food can lead to health consequences, expensive vet visits and even the loss of a pet.


The list below is here to serve as a guide to safe pet ownership when there's a hungry fluff-ball in your life — and a curiosity that knows no bounds. Any dog owner can tell you that dogs love to eat, and even an adult dog must be supervised when there is food around. So not only will you need to actively avoid feeding these foods to your dog, but you need to make sure they are not accessible to your dog at any time. With a little discipline and some force of habit, you'll get the hang of it quickly — and keep dangerous human foods away from your dog like it's second nature. Below is a list of human food that is dangerous food for dogs.

Dangerous Food for Dogs: Human Food

  1. Chocolate

    Chocolate is a dangerous food for dogs because it contains a chemical called theobromine, which humans have a tolerance for but causes immediate toxicity in dogs. Theobromine can lead to a range of symptoms in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, tummy pain, frequent urination, irregular heartbeat, hyperactivity, muscle tremors, lethargy, restlessness, seizures and death.


    Symptoms of theobromine poisoning in dogs typically occur between 4 to 24 hours after ingestion. It's important to note that dark chocolate has much higher levels of theobromine than milk chocolate and white chocolate, which makes it significantly more dangerous. Of course, you should always avoid feeding your puppy chocolate altogether to ensure their safety.

  2. Caffeine

    Caffeine is another poisonous chemical for dogs and can be found in chocolate, chocolate-containing products, coffee, tea, certain breakfast cereals, sodas and coffee-flavored ice cream. Caffeine is a member of the methylxanthines family of substances, of which the theobromine found in chocolate is also a member. Caffeine ingestion in dogs can lead to similar symptoms as in the case of theobromine ingestion and should always be avoided. Because chocolate contains both caffeine and theobromine, it's extremely important to keep chocolate out of your puppy's reach.

  3. The Onion Family: Onions, Garlic, Chives, Shallots and Scallions

    The onion family (Amaryllidaceae) is a dangerous food for dogs and includes onions as well as garlic, chives, shallots and scallions. While the onion family has some notable health benefits in people, it has the complete opposite effect on our pups. These foods contain certain compounds that are toxic to both dogs and cats, and can cause gastroenteritis, damage to red blood cells, anemia and associative conditions such as organ failure. If your dog has eaten any of these vegetables, the symptoms may not appear for several days. Symptoms of onion or garlic poisoning in dogs include off-colored urine (orange or red) and lethargy. Keep in mind that no type of onion family vegetable is safe for doggie consumption whether it's cooked, dehydrated, powdered or otherwise — so keep the pup away from the leftover pizza and other foods containing any traces of the onion family.

  4. Xylitol

    Xylitol is a common artificial sweetener found in sugar-free candy, gum, baked goods and diet snacks as well as in certain toothpaste, mouthwash, cough drops and chewable vitamins. Xylitol is considered extremely toxic to dogs and can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia (reduced blood sugar), blood-clotting disorders and liver failure. Symptoms of xylitol ingestion in dogs include vomiting, loss of coordination, lethargy and seizures, which may occur immediately after ingestion or after a period of several hours.

  5. Grapes & Raisins

    You should never feed grapes or raisins to a dog and always supervise them around food that contains them — even in the smallest amounts (like fruit loaf and grandma's pecan pie). Grapes and raisins are a bit of a mystery when it comes to our pups. Some doggies can get away with eating them while others experience toxicity that can eventually lead to kidney failure. Symptoms of grape and raisin ingestion in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy within 12 hours. If dogs experiencing grape or raisin poisoning do not receive immediate treatment, it can lead to dehydration and kidney failure in just days. Dogs with existing health problems are particularly at risk to the effects of grape and raisin poisoning. The fact that people don't often expect such severe symptoms from something as innocent-sounding as a grape or raisin makes them an especially dangerous food for dogs. It's best not to find out if your puppy can tolerate these foods and avoid them altogether.

  6. Alcohol

    Alcohol is literally a poison — and the doggie metabolism is just not cut out for a drink. It's even more toxic to our pups than it is to us, and a drunk dog may be the least of your worries when it happens. Alcohol in dogs can lead to symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, excessive panting, high body temperature, breathing difficulties, central nervous system depression, tremors, blood damage, coma and death. If your dog has ingested alcohol or you suspect they might be under the influence, seek immediate help from an animal poison control center.

  7. Yeast Dough (Raw Bread Dough)

    Uncooked bread dough is a dangerous food for dogs and can pose a significant health risk. When ingested, yeast dough can begin to rise in a dog's digestive system and lead to bloating, stomach expansion, blockage, digestive tissue damage and life-threatening consequences. Yeast also produces alcohol as a byproduct, which, as you've just read, is extremely toxic to dogs.

  8. Macadamia Nuts

    Macadamia nuts can cause a temporary illness in pups with symptoms such as vomiting, weakness, paralysis, high body temperature and tremors lasting 1-2 days.

  9. Bones

    "Give the dog a bone" is a saying we've all heard, but it's actually not the best idea. Dogs love to chew — which is exactly why there are a world of chew toys and dog chews that your pup will love and chew safely. Real bones pose a choking hazard to dogs because they can splinter or get stuck in their throats and digestive systems when swallowed as well as damage their teeth during chewing. Take special care if you choose to offer your pup meat that contains bones, which is generally not recommended for the reasons above.

  10. Moldy Food

    Dogs can react badly to mold toxins (mycotoxins) found in stale bread and leftover foods that have seen better days. Always keep the trash can out of your puppy's reach and moldy food out of their diet, which can cause mycotoxin poisoning and symptoms such as vomiting, excessive drooling, high body temperature, ataxia, tachycardia, twitching, tremors and seizures within hours of ingestion.

  11. Milk and Dairy Products

    Most dogs are lactose intolerant and are unable to properly digest dairy products such as milk and cheese. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as upset tummy, vomiting and diarrhea. While it's not really a dangerous food for dogs, milk can cause symptoms of both intolerance and allergies. Believe it or not, milk has the same effect on cats!

  12. Blue Cheese

    Unlike other dairy products that may cause indigestion and symptoms of lactose intolerance, blue cheese is actually a dangerous food for dogs. Blue cheese contains something called roquefortine C, which is a known toxin in dogs. Blue cheese ingestion among dogs can lead to symptoms that include vomiting, diarrhea, high body temperature, twitching, tremors and seizures.

  13. Corn on the Cob

    You shouldn't feed your dog corn on the cob for the same reason you shouldn't feed them bones. Unlike a person, your pup won't stop chewing when the corn is gone, and can end up swallowing pieces of the cob which can result in intestinal problems and blockage. Your pup might have swallowed something too big to digest if they are vomiting, have no appetite, aren't pooping and are showing signs of discomfort.

  14. Raw Meat and Eggs

    While a bloody steak might sound like the perfect thing to feed your dog, it's important to keep in mind that domesticated dogs and wild animals are not the same — and that your pup can get sick from the bacteria that raw food harbors. You also don't want to feed your dog raw eggs, which contain avidin — an enzyme that reduces B-vitamin absorption and can cause skin, fur and health problems in dogs. We know you have loving intentions, but it's best to stick to high-quality pet food to avoid giving them dangerous food for dogs.

  15. Human Snack Food

    Salty human snack foods such as chips, popcorn and many others can be very unhealthy for dogs and cause salt poisoning which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, twitching, tremors, high body temperature, seizures and death when consumed in large amounts. A general rule of thumb is that anything you might feel guilty about eating is probably also bad for your dog!


    While a bloody steak might sound like the perfect thing to feed your dog, it's important to keep in mind that domesticated dogs and wild animals are not the same — and that your pup can get sick from the bacteria that raw food harbors. You also don't want to feed your dog raw eggs, which contain avidin — an enzyme that reduces B-vitamin absorption and can cause skin, fur and health problems in dogs. We know you have loving intentions, but it's best to stick to high-quality pet food to avoid giving them dangerous food for dogs.


    While a bloody steak might sound like the perfect thing to feed your dog, it's important to keep in mind that domesticated dogs and wild animals are not the same — and that your pup can get sick from the bacteria that raw food harbors. You also don't want to feed your dog raw eggs, which contain avidin — an enzyme that reduces B-vitamin absorption and can cause skin, fur and health problems in dogs. We know you have loving intentions, but it's best to stick to high-quality pet food to avoid giving them dangerous food for dogs.


    IMPORTANT NOTE: If your puppy or dog has consumed any of the below foods or you suspect ingestion may have taken place, call a local veterinarian or animal poison control center right away and seek immediate treatment in the case of symptoms.


    Apart from Human Food, we must also be mindful of Additives and Ingredients to STAY AWAY from commonly found in Puppy Food and Treats.

Dangerous Food for Dogs: Harmful Pet Food Ingredients

  1. Dog Food and Treats to STAY AWAY From

    As we discussed above, not all food is safe for dogs, so let us now dive into bad Pet Food Additives and Ingredients you should watch out for.


    Your dog is a member of the family — so it's only natural to treat the Goldendoodle puppy like a baby! From happy snuggle-time and healthy activities to feeding them nutritious foods, your puppy's well-being is always on your mind. Unfortunately, not every company we trust with puppy food shares the same regard for our puppies' health — as the harmful dog food ingredients in their products show.


    Unprincipled pet food companies use harmful ingredients to cut down expenses as well as extend their products' shelf life all in the name of profit. They also specialize in creating misleading advertisements to fool pet owners into thinking the food is actually safe. In the end, it can make even the biggest pet food brands dangerous food for dogs!


    This leaves it up to us to know what's in the food before feeding it to our sweet and innocent pups. Just like we carefully inspect food labels when feeding our kids and loved ones (not to mention ourselves!), choosing the right puppy food involves simply being aware of what's in the food we're putting in their hungry little tummies.

    Here's a list of bad ingredients in puppy food you'll want to avoid so that your puppy can grow up strong, healthy and safe.

  2. Feed-Grade Dog Food Ingredients

    The problem with so many commercial dog food products is their source: feed-grade plants — where questionable ingredients are processed and stuffed into the food our innocent pups rely on for sustenance. Before we get into the ingredients themselves, it's important to understand what feed-grade food actually is.


    In short, feed-grade food is processed food that is considered unsafe for human consumption by the FDA. If that explanation bothers you, it should. As opposed to human-grade food, feed-grade food includes chemicals, "meats" (we'll get into that), fillers and other ingredients that are officially illegal to put into human food. It also gives a pass to excreta from rodents, roaches and birds before processing. Does that sound like something you want to be feeding your growing Goldendoodle puppy?


    That's not to say you can't find some "human-grade" ingredients in puppy dog food that are also harmful. So not only will this article teach you about harmful ingredients to avoid in dog food, but in human food as well!

  3. Mycotoxins

    These chemicals are a natural byproduct of mold metabolic processes and are present in a wide-range of human-grade foods found on grocery store shelves. In low quantities, mycotoxins are generally considered harmless.

  4. So why are mycotoxins on this list?

    One of the major differences between human-grade and feed-grade food is the allowance of chemicals such as mycotoxins. Feed-grade food typically contains much higher levels of this chemical — to the point where it can be considered toxic and a dangerous food for dogs. The thing is, mycotoxin itself isn't an ingredient, and you won't find it listed on the label. So how do you know if your puppy food has a lot of mycotoxins in it? That leads us to the next ingredient…

  5. "Meat", "Meals", and "Byproducts"

    Some of the most harmful ingredients in pet food hide under the guise of ingredients called "meat", "meals" and "byproducts". These ingredients are in fact anything but their namesakes — in fact, you can hardly call it food. What this non-descript term actually refers to is the leftover scraps of dead and diseased animals from farms, feedlots, facilities, shelters and even leftover food waste from stores and restaurants. As disgusting as it sounds, this is, unfortunately, completely legal to put in feed-grade food (in the USA, for now…).


    So-called "meats" and "meals" are simply scraps which have been cooked to remove fat, leaving protein and other mysterious elements. There is no standard of quality regarding the source of these ingredients: it can come from almost anywhere and in any form. And while it's always superheated to remove pathogens, the process also destroys almost any nutrients that can be had from such an offensive creation. Unnamed meats, meals and byproducts also carry the risk of contaminants left over from the source, including large quantities of mycotoxins and…

  6. Pentobarbital

    You won't find pentobarbital listed on your puppy food ingredients — but it doesn't mean it's not there. As long as your dog food is full of "meat", "meals" or "byproducts", pentobarbital might be along for the ride. This contaminant is an anesthetic used in the euthanasia of animals. So not only are our beloved pets supposed to eat leftover scraps of diseased animals, but they can also be consuming the very chemicals that put those animals to sleep. Unthinkable!

  7. BHA, BHT & Ethoxyquin

    These harmful chemical preservatives can lead to long-term health problems and have no business in your puppy's food. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) are found in low-cost (and even standard) pet food brands and are actually banned in some countries. They are known carcinogens that have been shown to cause organ damage in rats and may be linked to conditions such as hyperactivity and cancer in human children.


    Ethoxyquin is a feed-grade preservative considered too toxic for human consumption. It is used in pet food to preserve its fat contents and extend the product's shelf life. Ethoxyquin can also be found in pesticide. Needless to say, anything with these chemicals in it can be considered a dangerous food for dogs.

  8. Propylene Glycol (PG)

    Another nasty chemical that is the last thing you want in your puppy's tummy. This moistening agent is a derivative of antifreeze (yes, you read that right) and is labeled as "pet-safe" when packaged in your pet's food. Yeah, right.

  9. Rendered Fat (often sourced from 4D meat)

    If the sound of this ingredient wasn't enough to turn you off, then its origin undoubtedly will. Rendered fat (sometimes called animal fat) is fat typically sourced from 4D meat — or the meat of diseased, disabled, dead or dying animals. This includes anything and everything from sick and dead livestock to euthanized animals and even roadkill. Beyond being outright disgusting, rendered fat may also contain traces of salmonella and other pathogens as well as heavy metals and other toxins. Yum!

  10. Melamine

    Melamine is actually a plastic. Whosever idea it was to put this nitrogen-containing plastic in dog food probably doesn't have a dog at home, and if they do, they certainly don't feed it their brand. Melamine can lead to kidney damage, kidney failure and death in dogs, making it a despicable culprit in dangerous food for dogs. In 2007, a major dog food recall took place all because of this ingredient. Unfortunately, melamine testing is not required yet (don't ask us why), and may not be listed on the ingredients — so you may want to ask about it if you're not sure.
    And the List Goes On…

  11. Sodium Hexametaphosphate

    A dental additive meant to prevent tartar buildup. Good intentions, harmful effects when ingested.

  12. Artificial Colors

    This one is just ridiculous. Artificial colors make food more colorful and yummy-looking. They also contain processed chemicals without any nutritional value which can be harmful to overall health. Do our puppies and dogs even care what their food looks like?

  13. Food Dye

    Another completely unnecessary ingredient. Food dyes like Blue 2, Red 40, Caramel Color and Yellow 5 and 6 are put in your puppy's food so it looks better to you (what?). Food dyes have been known to cause health problems in humans. They are the last thing your growing puppy needs to be eating.

  14. Corn Syrups and Artificial Sweeteners

    Not only are these ingredients toxic, but they can actually increase your puppy's glycemic index and result in related diseases such as diabetes and problems with the nervous system.

  15. MSG

    Totally unnecessary in pet food. MSG is a flavor enhancer designed to make bad food taste better. If it's in your dog food, they're probably trying to fool your pup! It's actually not required by law to list MSG on pet food, but it may be hiding under names such as autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed yeast, yeast extract, hydrolyzed protein, texturized protein, protein isolate, soy extract, soy concentrate, sodium or calcium caseinate, glutamate, glutanic acid, disodium inosinate, guaylate, and "flavors". Phew!

  16. Gluten

    Avoiding gluten may be even more important for your dog than it is for you. Grains are not a natural diet for carnivorous animals such as dogs and gluten can lead to digestive and allergy-related health problems, making it a dangerous food for dogs.

  17. White Flour

    Can cause a spike in your pup's blood sugar and create an appetite imbalance which may lead to weight problems and diabetes.

  18. Sodium Nitrate

    A common preservative found in human food for purposes of extending shelf life. While not great for people, these preservatives are particularly harmful to pets and can lead to blood disorders and even cancer.
    And On...


    • Carrageenan

    • Farmed Salmon

    • Soy

    • Vegetable Oil

    • Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP)

    • Salt Additive

    • Xylitol and Sugar Alcohols

    • Brewers' Rice

    • Cellulose

    • Corn

    • "Flavor"

    • Animal Digest or Digests

    • Pea Protein

    Phew!


    By now you must be wondering what on earth they are trying to feed our pets. The truth is, these big companies simply don't have your best interests in mind. We know the idea of reviewing every label and checking off dozens of harmful ingredients may not be practical or even realistic. Instead, it's much easier to simply find a real pet food brand that actually cares about your pets and stick to it. Check out our recommended High-Quality Puppy Food Brand or Puppy Treats loaded with nutritious, natural ingredients that are made to support your growing Goldendoodle puppy in every way!

Dangerous Food for Dogs: Poisonous Plants

Whether the word "walk", "outside" or "car ride" gets their tail wagging, one thing's for sure — Our Goldendoodle Puppies absolutely love getting out of the house!


One of the best things about being a dog owner is the way our excitable pups inspire joy in the outdoors and can make us feel like kids again. The fresh air, the sky above and the beauty all around become extra special when being pulled by a taught leash and your best friend at the lead. But whether it's on a hike through a solitary forest or on playful frolic in the garden, it's important to remember that dogs love to taste test — and nature often hides poisonous danger underneath its colorful beauty.


This article is designed to prevent life-threatening dog illness and injury by highlighting dangerous food for dogs in the form of poisonous plants, shrubs and other wildlife dangers for dogs and puppies. As a dog owner, practicing puppy safety outdoors involves keeping an eye on your dog, being aware of your surroundings, and knowing what to look out for. It's equally important to know which plants are poisonous to dogs in the case of beautifying your home with plant life, whether indoors or in a backyard garden. Through protective knowledge and habits, puppy safety becomes second nature — and you and your dog can enjoy the wonders of the world without worry.

  1. Sago Palm

    Sago palm is easily at the top of the list of extremely poisonous plants for puppies and dogs as well as other pets and even humans. They look like mini palm trees, which makes them a popular choice for home décor as bonsai house plants and outdoor landscaping. Sago palms are native to tropical and subtropical climates and can be found growing naturally in some areas of the southern United States.


    Common names for sago palm include cycad, Japanese sago palm, coontie palm and cardboard palm. All parts of sago palms are poisonous to dogs, but the seeds and nuts contain the highest levels of the toxin cycasin — which leads to liver failure in dogs.


    Symptoms of sago palm ingestion include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy, as well as clinical conditions such as abdominal fluid accumulation, jaundice, nose bleeds, bruising, liver failure, seizures and death. If you suspect sago palm ingestion or poisoning, contact a veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately for emergency treatment.


    As pet owners, it's important for us to know which plants we keep in our homes, gardens and backyards. And while sago palms are very beautiful, keeping them on our properties with dogs or other pets present is simply not worth the risk. If you have sago palms and are thinking about getting a dog or already have one, it is highly advisable to transfer your plants to a different owner for the safety of your pet.

  2. Lily of the Valley

    Found in gardens and growing naturally in woodland areas all over the United States, lily of the valley are widely known for their beauty and sweet smell. Unfortunately, they contain high amounts of cardiac glycoside toxins and are poisonous flowers for dogs. When ingested, lily of the valley poisoning can lead to life-threatening heart dysfunction and symptoms of heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat or pulse), vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, seizures, coma and death. If you think your dog may have ingested lily of the valley, call your veterinarian, a pet poison helpline, or animal poison control center immediately.

  3. Oleander

    Oleander is another pretty flower with a mean streak when it comes to pets. These flowering bushy shrubs grow naturally in the western and southern United States, and are favored in private landscapes for their height (up to 12 feet) and blooming colors.


    Oleander contains cardiac glycosides, which are the same toxin found in lily of the valley. These poisonous shrubs for dogs are toxic in all their parts, but their poison is concentrated in the stem. Symptoms of oleander poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, drooling, tremors, dehydration and loss of appetite, and can lead to clinical conditions of hyperkalemia (potassium imbalance), arrhythmia, bradycardia (slow heart rate), seizures, shock and death. Needless to say, being able to identify and avoid oleander should be in the toolkit of every dog owner.

  4. Tulips, Hyacinths, and Irises

    These spring-blooming plants are some of the brightest and most colorful flowers in the world, and produce eye-catching scenery whether lined up neatly in gardens or sprawling wildly in open fields. But like with many plants, their beauty is reserved for the eyes only — and no doggie should ever go wandering in these flower fields.


    Tulips, hyacinths and irises are poisonous flowers for puppies and dogs, and can lead to symptoms such as upset stomach, drooling, diarrhea, intense vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, lack of appetite and depression when ingested. The most poisonous part of these plants is their bulbs, which makes them a particularly dangerous food for dogs that love to free-roam and dig. And while these flowers are rarely fatal, they are far from safe — and can cause severe illness especially when ingested in large amounts.

  5. Daffodil

    Another beloved spring flower —and yet another dangerous food for dogs! It's almost as if spring time is danger time to our curious pups! While in a way true, information like this can help you and your dog enjoy the beauty and fragrance of springtime while keeping a safe distance from any dangers, so everyone comes home happy, healthy and safe.


    When it comes to dogs, daffodils fall in the same category of poisonous spring-flowering plants as tulips, hyacinths and irises. They can lead to drooling, low blood pressure, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and irregular heartbeat when ingested. And like with every example of poisonous plants for dogs on this list, be sure to call a vet, animal poison helpline or control center right away if you suspect daffodil ingestion.

  6. Rhododendron (Azalea)

    Azalea are a flowering shrub known for their bright, gorgeous and repeated blooms, which makes them quite popular and a common sight in home landscaping, backyards and gardens. But when dogs eat a substantial amount, this poisonous shrub for puppies can lead to toxic shock and even death.


    Symptoms of azalea poisoning including upset stomach, vomiting, confusion, weakness and slow heart rate. If you have azalea on your property or are familiar with the plant, it's important to keep your dogs and kids away from azalea, as it can be equally toxic to humans.

  7. Ivy

    Ivy may not be the most toxic plant for dogs, but it's on this list because it's practically everywhere — and is in fact poisonous. Whether growing on the side of a building, on a tree or in the bushes, ivy can lead to illness in dogs when ingested, with symptoms of upset stomach, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain — and a very unhappy puppy.

  8. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane or Leopard Lily)

    Dieffenbachia, which goes by the name of dumb cane, is so called because eating it will result in swelling of the tongue, lips and mouth, making it hard to talk. When ingested by dogs, dumb cane has similar symptoms, along with drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and even difficulty breathing. Fortunately, this tropical plant is native to locations south of the United States, so you're unlikely to run into it outside. At the same time, it is a very popular indoor decoration, so make sure to know your house plants if you've got a doggie on the prowl.

  9. Japanese Yew (Buddhist Pine or Southern Yew)

    While it makes a great hedge, the notorious toxicity of the Japanese yew and the fact that they're potentially fatal to both people and animals makes it quite risky to have around. The Japanese yew can be identified by its red berries, but it's not the berries you have to watch out for — it's the leaves, seeds and bark.


    The Japanese yew is extremely toxic when ingested, and can lead to symptoms of vomiting, loss of balance, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, blood pressure changes and heart failure. If you have children, pets or both, you'll probably want to go with a different type of hedge.

  10. Other Notable Mentions


    We only wish this was the end of the list, but unfortunately, there are quite a few other plants that are poisonous to dogs. You can review a complete list of toxic plants for dogs as well as non-toxic plants at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website.

  11. Poisonous Mushrooms for Dogs

    Mushrooms can grow just about anywhere, whether in the backyard, under the house or in the woods. And while only about 1% of all mushrooms species are known to be toxic, it's pretty hard to even know what you're looking at unless you know your mushrooms.


    In the United States, a mushroom species known as the Amanita, dubiously dubbed as the "death cap" and "panther cap", has been responsible for the deaths of both humans and animals. And while rare, such dangerous species have been known to sprout up right in the yard.


    The severity of mushroom poisoning typically depends on the amount ingested and species of mushroom. Dogs may have no symptoms at all, or get better after a minor tummy ache. But serious cases of mushroom poisoning can involve symptoms of vomiting, panting, lethargy, confusion, increased heart rate, seizures, kidney failure, liver failure and death. Because it's hard to know the mushroom species type and safe limits of ingestion, a general rule of thumb is to consider them a dangerous food for dogs and simply avoid mushrooms altogether.


    Of course, it's much easier said than done! If you suspect that your dog may have eaten mushrooms, don't panic, and contact a local veterinarian to discuss details, symptoms and if treatment is necessary.

  12. Dangerous Trees for Dogs

    Flowers, shrubs and mushrooms aren't the only types of plant life that can be dangerous food for dogs. From the leaves, seedpods, acorns, and fruit they drop to the mold they grow, trees can pose a toxic risk to our pups which every dog owner should be aware of. Fruit trees in particular are worth mentioning, such as apple and crabapple trees, plum trees, peach trees, cherry trees and apricot trees. But other trees, such as mimosas, boxwoods, oak trees, red maples, black walnuts and more all come with their own dangers, such as toxic seedpods, acorns and mold.


    To learn more, contact your local Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or a certified arborist for more information on local tree species that can pose a risk to your pets. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a tree toxin or is showing unusual symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, lethargy, dilated pupils, panting, difficulty breathing, dark-colored urine, increased heart rate, increased body temperature, tremors, spasms or convulsions, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.

  13. Dangerous Wildlife for Dogs

    If you love to hike with your dog, it's very important to know exactly what kind of wildlife lives in the areas you visit. From poisonous snakes, spiders, toads and lizards to fire ants, bees, wasps and dangerous mammals such as raccoons, coyotes and mountain lions, some local wildlife may warrant certain safety measures depending on your location and activities. Because wildlife is unique to geography and climate, it's best to contact your local DNR or veterinarian to discuss dangerous wildlife for dogs and how to avoid any unfriendly encounters.


    Being a dog owner is a big responsibility, and part of that responsibility is doing your best to keep your best friend safe while enjoying the wonderful outdoors. It's always a good idea to get to know your local DNR office, veterinarian and other qualified support platforms so you can have the information and resources you need to stay safe and get immediate help in case of emergency.

All Dogs Go to Heaven

This Training Resource is Dedicated to the Memory of Mattie P.

Loving You Always My Baby Girl Ada Beda!