When it comes to our furry friends, we always want the best for them. This includes the food we give them. As much as possible, we try to ensure that their diet is healthy and complete. But sometimes, we tend to overlook the snacks we give them.

While snacks may seem harmless, there are some that can actually harm our pets. Below are some snacks that you should avoid giving your dogs:.

Salty Treats

As much as we love our potato chips and pretzels, these type of snacks should never be given to dogs. Too much salt can lead to dehydration and sodium ion poisoning.

Symptoms of sodium ion poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

Sweets

Chocolates, cookies, and cakes may be pleasing to our pet’s taste buds, but the sugar content in these treats can cause health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and dental issues among dogs.

Furthermore, chocolates contain a component called theobromine which can lead to heart problems, tremors, and seizures.

Fatty Foods

While dogs may enjoy eating meat trimmings, bacon, and sausage, such fatty foods can cause pancreatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation in the pancreas.

Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite which require immediate veterinary assistance.

Grapes and Raisins

Small as they may be, grapes and raisins can be extremely toxic to dogs. Eating even just a small amount of these fruits can cause kidney failures for our four-legged friends.

Symptoms of this condition include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain.

Onions and Garlic

Seasonings such as onions and garlic may add flavor to our meals but should be avoided when it comes to dog food. These seasonings contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, causing anemia.

Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, weakness, and an overall sluggish disposition.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are a big no-no when it comes to dogs. These nuts contain a toxin that can cause lethargy, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. These symptoms usually occur within 12 hours of a dog eating these nuts and can last up to 48 hours.

Avocado

Although avocado has been touted as a superfood for humans, it should never be fed to dogs. Avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Also, the large pit in the avocado can cause intestinal obstruction, a potentially fatal condition that requires surgery to fix.

Corn on the Cob

While this may seem like a harmless snack, corn on the cob can actually be a choking hazard for dogs. The cob can become lodged in the digestive tract, leading to obstruction, vomiting, and dehydration.

Bones

Although dogs are known to love gnawing on bones, these can cause a range of problems. Bones can splinter and cause choking and blockages in a dog’s digestive system.

In addition, bones can cause dental problems among dogs such as tooth fractures and gum injuries.

Conclusion

While some of the snacks listed above may be tempting to give to our furry friends, we must keep in mind that their health and safety is our top priority.

Always read the labels of dog treats and snacks, and make sure that they are safe for dogs to eat.