1. Chocolate — Contains caffeine and theobromine (xanthines). The darker it is, the more dangerous. It can cause vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain, restlessness, an irregular heart rhythm, raised body temperature, seizures and even death.
2. Milk — Dogs can be lactose intolerant: vomiting, diarrhoea and other intestinal problems.
3. Cheese — Like milk, it contains sugars and fats that dogs' enzymes cannot process. In excess: wind, diarrhoea and vomiting.
4. Onion — Can damage red blood cells, leaving the animal weak; in large quantities it may require a blood transfusion.
5. Macadamia nuts — Cause toxic reactions: weakness (especially in the hind legs), vomiting, an unsteady gait, depression, tremors and hypothermia.
6. Garlic — From the onion family but more toxic: a single clove of garlic can cause more damage than 30 g of onion. It affects red blood cells days later; urine turns orange to dark red; it may require a transfusion.
7. Grapes — Can cause kidney failure, vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of energy, dehydration and loss of appetite. Kidney failure can lead to death within three or four days.
8. Avocado — The leaves, stone, skin and fruit contain persin. Upset stomach, breathing difficulties; the stone, being slippery, can be swallowed and obstruct the gastrointestinal tract.
9. Apple stalks/seeds — Like those of pears, and the stones of plums, peaches and apricots, they contain cyanogenic glycosides (cyanide): dizziness, breathing difficulties, seizures, fainting, hyperventilation, shock and even coma.
10. Raw fermenting dough — Ferments in the stomach, producing alcohol and gases, causing severe pain and possible intestinal rupture, vomiting and lethargy.
11. Caffeine — This xanthine stimulates the nervous system: vomiting, restlessness, palpitations and even death.
12. Bacon — Foods high in fat can cause pancreatitis, leading to serious problems with digestion and nutrient absorption.
