Many common indoor and outdoor plants contain toxins that can harm dogs, and the same goes for a long list of everyday foods. Symptoms range from mild gastrointestinal upset to life-threatening organ damage.

Common Toxic Plants

• Daffodils — vomiting, tremors, respiratory distress and heart problems
• Azalea and Rhododendron — vomiting, drooling, weakness and heart issues
• Lilies — some varieties cause stomach upset in dogs (far more dangerous to cats)
• Tulips and Hyacinths — stomach upset, drooling and heart rhythm issues
• Chrysanthemum — vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and skin irritation
• Geranium — lethargy, low blood pressure and skin rashes
• Philodendron and Pothos — oral irritation, drooling and vomiting
• Hydrangea — stomach upset caused by cyanogenic glycosides

Most Dangerous Foods — Never Feed These

The most dangerous foods for dogs can cause severe poisoning, organ failure or a life-threatening emergency, even in small amounts.

• Chocolate — contains theobromine and caffeine, causing vomiting, tremors, seizures and heart issues. Dark and baking chocolate are the most toxic
• Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener, sometimes listed as birch sugar) — found in chewing gum, sweets and some peanut butters. Causes rapid hypoglycaemia and liver failure. Even one piece of gum can be dangerous
• Grapes and raisins — can trigger acute kidney failure. There is no known safe dose, and even a single grape may be harmful
• Onions, garlic, leeks and chives — damage red blood cells and cause haemolytic anaemia. All forms are dangerous, whether raw, cooked or powdered
• Macadamia nuts — cause weakness, tremors, vomiting and difficulty walking
• Alcohol — causes metabolic and central nervous system toxicity
• Caffeine (coffee grounds, tea, energy drinks) — similar stimulant toxicity to chocolate
• Raw yeast dough — expands in the stomach and produces alcohol, causing bloat and poisoning
• Cooked bones — splinter easily, causing obstruction or perforation
• High-fat scraps — can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially severe condition

Why Awareness Matters More Than Testing

We have all heard about — or experienced — a dog who has nicked a chocolate biscuit or hoovered up a piece of bacon that dropped off a plate. The reason to stay aware of toxic foods is simple: you physically cannot have your dog allergy tested for everything.

Allergies in dogs generally fall into four groups:

• Environmental allergens — pollen, dust mites, mould and grass
• Food allergens — beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, wheat gluten and soy
• Flea allergy dermatitis — a reaction to proteins in flea saliva
• Contact allergens — materials that touch the skin, such as certain fabrics or cleaning products

These are identified through various testing methods, including skin tests, blood tests and food elimination trials.

A Case I'll Never Forget

An entirely avoidable night at the vets.

Whilst I was working as an auxiliary veterinary nurse, a puppy came in having eaten an entire tin of Quality Street. He was given medication and every single piece came out still in its wrapper.

He cost his owners a lot of money — admission, x-ray and laxatives — and he felt awful. But luckily none of the wrappers had opened, so he wasn't poisoned. He soon learnt not to do it again, and his owners kept everything out of reach in future.

Then again, if any of those wrappers had opened and he had reacted badly, it could have been a completely different story.

Seeing your dog in pain or discomfort due to accidental poisoning can be devastating. So just try to be aware of your surroundings — and keep the tin on a high shelf.