Bulldogs are ALWAYS hungry, and always have the room to devour anything you offer them. Many pet owners have the habit of feeding their dogs everything they eat themselves, but you may be surprised at some foods that are toxic for dogs to eat.
Chances are, you may have already even served your beloved bulldog some toxic food in the past, but it was not a dangerous amount. However, just because luck was on your side once, doesn’t mean it is worth the risk of doing it again. Don’t let their puppy eyes and adorable faces fool you; just say NO to feeding them toxic foods!
Here are five of the most common, yet dangerous, foods for your bulldog to eat.
1. Chocolate and Caffeine
Bulldogs are renowned for their sensitive stomachs. If your bulldog consumes chocolate, the level of toxicity will depend on the type and quantity of chocolate. A common rule is “The darker the chocolate, the greater the risk.”
Now, how is chocolate unfavorable?
All types of chocolate and caffeinated products have a stimulant called theobromine. Even a small quantity of theobromine can cause serious ailments in dogs, affecting their guts, heartbeat, central nervous system, and kidneys. Over-thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, and restlessness are some indicators that your bulldog is suffering from theobromine toxicity. Symptoms often take up to 24 hours to appear, so even if they are acting like everything is okay, it is recommended that you bring your dog straight to the vet if they have ingested these products. If left untreated, your dog can die from consuming caffeine and chocolate, so keep your coffee, tea, and sweets away!
2. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins, although not as problematic for some other dog breeds, can be very harmful to bulldogs. Grapes and raisins can cause renal failure in dogs, causing your bulldog’s kidneys to malfunction. The earliest symptom of grape or raisin ingestion may be vomiting, with symptoms amplifying to lethargy, and even death if left untreated.
3. Alcohol and Raw Bread Dough
This one should be a no brainer- don’t let your dogs drink alcohol! A single sip of an alcoholic beverage can have your dog throwing up, depressed, and passing runny stools. It’s dreadful for them and even life-threatening.
Alcohol and raw bread dough contain ethanol and hops both of which can be a source of alcohol toxicity. The yeast in raw bread dough can cause flatulence and stomach expansion, resulting in tissue damage. If you notice your dog panting excessively or believe they may have gotten into something they shouldn’t have, check their body temperature instantly. Are they significantly hotter than usual? This can be a symptom of alcohol or bread dough consumption, and should be treated immediately
4. Xylitol
Sugar alcohol found in chewy candies and gum, Xylitol, causes zero harm to humans, but it’s exceptionally poisonous for dogs. This artificial sweetener is found in sugarless and baked edibles, as well as in some mouthwashes, toothpaste, cough drops, and chewable vitamins. Though it may seem strange, a bit of Xylitol intake can result in low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, or even the death of your puppy. This happens because of a sudden surge in the amount of insulin in your dog’s body; always check ingredients before feeding anything to your bulldog!
5. Onion and Garlic
Raw, cooked, dried, powdered, or in combination with other foods, onion and garlic are some of the worst foods you can give to your dog.
Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks belong to the same family. They all contain disulfides and sulfoxides,which destroy red blood cells and can lead to anemia. Some common symptoms of garlic or onion ingestion in dogs is general weakness, vomiting, and trouble breathing.
A small amount of garlic or onion consumption may not damage your dog tremendously, but it is never good for them to consume.
Onion and garlic are in a majority of American foods, so it is imperative that you are careful before giving your dog any leftovers.
Final Words:
Keeping your bulldog away from toxins is key to maintaining their health; you do not need to feed them everything you are eating, even when they beg! Resisting these adorable creatures is hard, but do not give in. Clean anything toxic you spill on the floor at once, and if you suspect your dog has consumed anything they shouldn’t, consult with a veterinarian immediately.
