If you spend any time searching on the internet, you will find dozens of recommendations for coprophagia home remedies. Everything from crushed up Certs candies, to garlic, pineapple, and dozens of other plants, foods and substances. Most of the recommendations I’ve seen are harmless, but some are downright dangerous, so I though it would be a good idea to offer an overview of the common foods and household items that can be poisonous to your dog:
- Chocolate, coffee, some soda pop – these contain methylxanthines which can cause all kinds of problems from diarrhea and vomiting to abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, and seizures. These substances can be fatal in high enough doses.
- Sugar-free candies / gum / toothpaste / baked goods with artificial sweeters – Xylitol is a very common artificial sweetener that can cause your dog’s insulin levels to spike and lead to hypoglycemia. This can in turn lead to other complications and possible death.
- Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Chives: These contain N-propyl disulfide which can damage your dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.
- Grapes and Raisins – for some unknown reason, these can cause kidney failure / death.
- Rhubarb – contains soluble calcium oxalates which can cause kidney failure / death.
- Alcohol – this one should be self explanatory.
- Marijuana – ditto.
- Hops – hops are very dangerous and can cause extreme hyperthermia, seizures and death. You should NEVER give a dog beer, not only because of the alcohol, but also the fact that hops are very poisonous.
- Avocado – avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Any seeds, pits, stems, leaves from: Apples, apricots, cherries, plums, peaches. These contain small amounts of arsenic and can make pets very sick.
- Citrus: Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange – the oils in these fruits can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Black Walnuts and Macadamia Nuts – can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia.
- Chamomile, Eucalyptus and Hibiscus – can cause vomiting, diarrhea
- Parsley – contains furanocoumarins which can cause extreme sensitivity to light.
- Raw Salmon – raw fish, particularly salmon can contain parasitic flukes that make your dog very ill.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, I just wanted to point out some of the common household items that are potentially dangerous to your dog. There are many common household and landscaping plants that can present dangers as well.
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