We all are found helpless when our furry friend starts making those puppy eyes during meals at the dinner table. While there’s a bowl full of food right in front of it, they undeniably convince us to share our food with them. While it satiates their uncontrollable urge and makes us feel better for that moment, we must be very careful about what foods should and shouldn’t be ingested by our four-legged friend. Here’s a list of foods that are dangerous for dogs.

Xylitol
Found in sweets like gum, candy, toothpaste, cakes, cookies, muffins, and sweetbreads, xylitol is a sweetener that’s toxic for dogs. It brings down their blood sugar levels due to excess release of insulin from the pancreas, causing vomiting, lack of coordination, seizures, liver failure, and even death in some breeds.

Caffeine
This is a stimulant and its impact is much higher in dogs than it has on humans, for instance, the ingestion of caffeine could disrupt their sleeping pattern more than it disrupts ours. Caffeine is a stimulant that keeps us wide awake at night and that should be enough reason to keep our pet away from the pantry. But the reason caffeine makes it to the list of foods that are dangerous for dogs is due to its adverse symptoms like hyperactivity, spiked blood pressure and heart rate, barking more than usual, and cardiac arrhythmias are the most fatal symptoms of all. Sodas, tea, chocolates, medicines, sports drinks and more such products in your pantry contain this stimulant.

Chocolate
Theobromine is the predominant toxic substance found in chocolate that causes problems for dogs. While a human body can easily ingest chocolate, a dog’s system ingests chocolate slowly and increases the level of toxins in their body. The symptoms will show only with large amounts of intake and the signs include severe hyperactivity, muscle tremors, seizures, inconsistent pulse, internal bleeding, and even a heart attack.

Onions and Garlic
These two ingredients and chives can pose a threat to the red blood cells in your dog and excessive exposure of these ingredients can lead to anemia. Your dog will not show any immediate signs, but onions have the most toxic reaction in them. All forms of onions must be avoided, be it dehydrated, powdered, and paste. In fact, steer clear of pet baby foods that have onions as an ingredient on the packaging.

Grapes and Raisins
These have earned their spot on every list there is of dangerous foods for dogs, for they can make your dog feel lethargic and depressed. An early sign would include non-stop vomiting, and can even lead to kidney failure in some breeds.

Dairy
Milk and its byproducts like yogurt, ice cream, and cheese cause an upset stomach and diarrhea among pups. It’s best to avoid eating these foods in front of them. And on a hot summer day, while you enjoy your ice-cream, treat your pooch with some cold water and it will equally be grateful.