Poisonous Foods for Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are known for their sensitive stomachs and tendency to get sick from certain foods. To keep your furry friend safe, it’s important to know what foods they should avoid. Some foods can even be fatal and are highly toxic to Chihuahuas. In this article, we will explore the most poisonous foods for Chihuahuas and provide you with a comprehensive guide to keeping your Chihuahua healthy and happy.
The Most Dangerous Foods: Chocolate
One of the most commonly misunderstood foods that Chihuahuas cannot eat is chocolate. Even small amounts of chocolate can make your Chihuahua sick due to the presence of the toxic substance theobromine. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous because it contains higher levels of theobromine. Ingesting chocolate can lead to vomiting, abnormal heartbeats, tremors, seizures, and even death for your beloved Chihuahua.
Onions, Garlic, Leeks, and Chives
Foods belonging to the Allium family, such as onions, garlic, leeks, and chives, are all poisonous to Chihuahuas. These foods can cause red blood cell damage and make your dog feel unwell. Symptoms of poisoning may not appear immediately, so it’s important to keep these foods away from your Chihuahua’s reach.
Artificial Sweetener (Xylitol) in Gum and Mints
Xylitol is highly toxic to Chihuahuas and can be found in certain mints and sugar-free gums. It is 100 times more toxic to dogs than chocolate. Even a small amount of gum containing xylitol can decrease your Chihuahua’s blood sugar levels. Ingesting a whole pack of gum with xylitol could damage their liver irreparably and can be lethal. Other foods and products that may contain xylitol include toothpaste, mouthwash, peanut butter, sugar-free candy, baked goods, and more.
Candy and Sweets
Some types of candy may also contain xylitol, so it’s important to check the labels. Apart from the xylitol content, candy and sweets are generally not recommended for dogs due to the high sugar levels and the risk of choking or blockages in their digestive tract.
Certain Peanut Butter Brands
Most dogs love peanut butter, but some brands may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. It is essential to check the ingredients before giving your Chihuahua any peanut butter.
Corn on the Cob
While sweetcorn itself is safe for Chihuahuas, corn on the cob poses a choking hazard. The cob can get lodged in their throat or intestines and should be avoided.
Cooked Bones
Cooked bones can be a dangerous food for Chihuahuas. They become brittle when cooked and can break apart, causing internal injuries or blockages. It’s best to avoid giving your Chihuahua cooked bones.
Avocado
Although avocado is generally a healthy fruit, certain parts of it, such as the skin and pit, contain a toxic substance called persin. While the fleshy part is not harmful, it’s still recommended to avoid avocado for your Chihuahua.
Grapes and Raisins
Both grapes and raisins can be toxic to Chihuahuas and may lead to kidney failure when ingested in large quantities. It’s best to keep these fruits away from your furry friend.
Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts
Nuts, in general, should be avoided in a Chihuahua’s diet as they pose a choking hazard. Macadamia nuts and walnuts are specifically toxic to dogs. Ingesting these nuts can cause diarrhea, sickness, and even pancreatitis.
Cherry, Peach, and Plum Pits
Avoid giving your Chihuahua fruits with large pits like cherries, peaches, and plums. Small dogs like Chihuahuas are at risk of intestinal blockages from swallowing these pits. Additionally, some pits may contain trace amounts of cyanide.
Mustard Seeds
Mustard seeds and mustard products can be highly toxic to dogs. They contain poisonous elements that can cause severe reactions and are even used by vets to induce vomiting in certain situations.
Coconuts and Coconut Oil
While a small amount of coconut is generally safe for dogs, excessive consumption of coconut milk and white flesh can cause stomach upsets in dogs, primarily due to the high potassium content in coconut water.
Yeast Dough
Yeast dough, when ingested by dogs, can expand and create gas in their stomachs. This can lead to extreme pain, bloating, and even twisting of their gut. It’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention if your Chihuahua consumes yeast dough.
Alcohol
Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can have severe consequences. Alcohol consumption can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, tremors, coma, or even death. Never give alcohol to your Chihuahua.
Hops
Hops used in home brewing kits are dangerous for Chihuahuas. Ingesting hops can cause malignant hyperthermia, leading to rapid temperature increase and potential organ and brain damage.
Coffee, Caffeine, and Tea
Drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, can cause similar adverse reactions in dogs as chocolate. While a small amount of caffeine may not cause harm, larger amounts can be very harmful and require veterinary assistance.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains a toxic substance called myristicin. Ingesting large amounts of nutmeg can lead to abdominal pain, increased heart rate, seizures, and hallucinations in dogs.
Moldy Food
Moldy food should be avoided as it can contain mycotoxins, which are poisonous to dogs. Make sure your Chihuahua does not have access to trash or moldy food.
Bad Foods for Chihuahuas
Apart from the highly toxic foods discussed above, some foods may not be strictly poisonous or toxic but should still be avoided due to potential negative side effects, such as weight gain.
Milk and Dairy Products
Many Chihuahuas are lactose intolerant, meaning they have difficulty digesting dairy products. Milk and dairy can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea. Avoid giving your Chihuahua milk and dairy.
Blue Cheese
Cheeses like blue cheese, Roquefort, and Stilton should be avoided as they contain roquefortine C, which can cause adverse reactions in dogs. Eating these cheeses may result in diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and tremors.
Meat and Eggs that Have Not Been Cooked Properly
While some owners feed their Chihuahuas a raw diet, there is a risk of bacterial infections like Salmonella and E. coli from raw meat. Make sure to handle and cook meat properly before feeding it to your Chihuahua.
Food and Drinks with High Sugar Content
Sugary snacks and treats are not suitable for dogs. Overconsumption of sugary foods can lead to diabetes, weight gain, and dental issues. It can also upset a Chihuahua’s stomach.
Food High in Salt and Sodium Content
High-sodium foods can be dangerous for Chihuahuas. Ingesting a large amount of salt can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, high body temperature, and seizures. It’s best to avoid feeding your Chihuahua excessively salty food.
Fatty Foods
Foods high in fat, such as sausages, bacon, burgers, and fried foods, can cause upset stomachs and even pancreatitis in Chihuahuas if consumed regularly. It’s important to resist those pleading eyes and avoid giving your Chihuahua fatty treats.
What Plants Are Poisonous to Chihuahuas?
In addition to food, there are several plants that are toxic to Chihuahuas. Some of these plants include Aconitum, Amaryllis bulbs, Azaleas, Citrus, Foxgloves, Hemlock, Ivy, Lily of the valley, Rhododendron, Tomato leaves and stems, and many more. Make sure to keep your Chihuahua away from these toxic plants when outdoors.
Conclusion
While most of the foods mentioned in this article may not cause immediate harm in small amounts, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If your Chihuahua ingests any harmful foods, it’s essential to consult with a professional veterinarian immediately. Remember, I am not a vet, but a fellow dog owner, and the information provided here should not replace veterinary advice. Take care of your Chihuahua and ensure their safety by avoiding these toxic foods.
Click here for a complete list of poisonous plants for Chihuahuas.
