Pet Digest

Why Dogs Should Never Consume Alcohol Updated for 2025 It may seem like harmless fun to let your dog have a sip of beer or wine during a celebration, but even small amounts of alcohol can have serious — even fatal — effects on your dog. Unlike humans, dogs process alcohol inefficiently, making them extremely sensitive to its toxic effects. Understanding the science and dangers behind alcohol consumption in dogs is critical to ensuring your pet's health and safety. Why Alcohol is Toxic to Dogs Alcohol (ethanol) affects the nervous system, liver, kidneys, and brain. Dogs lack the metabolic enzymes to safely break down ethanol, even in small amounts. This can lead to ethanol poisoning within just 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion. Their smaller size means it takes far less alcohol to cause damage compared to a human. Common Sources of Alcohol Exposure Many dog owners don’t realize how many household items contain alcohol. These include: Beer, wine, ...

10 Common Houseplants That Are Toxic to Dogs (with Photos) Indoor plants can brighten up your home, but not all greenery is safe for pets. Many popular houseplants are actually toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. Below is a list of common plants to watch out for — including photos to help you identify them. 1. Sago Palm The sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is extremely toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the seeds. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to vomiting, seizures, liver failure, and even death. 2. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) This popular decorative plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe mouth pain, drooling, swelling, and difficulty swallowing. Dogs that chew on this plant often paw at their mouth and may vomit. 3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Snake plants are known for their resilience, but they contain saponins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in dogs. It’s best kept out of reach or...

12 Common Human Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs (and What to Do Instead) We all love treating our dogs like family—which sometimes means sharing food from our plates. But what’s tasty (or harmless) to us can actually be dangerous to our pups. Many everyday foods we eat are toxic to dogs, causing anything from stomach upset to life-threatening reactions. Here’s a list of the most common human foods that are toxic to dogs—plus safe alternatives and what to do in an emergency. --- 🧄 1. Garlic & Onions (Including Powdered) Toxic Part: All forms—raw, cooked, powdered, or dried. Why It's Harmful: These veggies destroy red blood cells and can cause anemia. Symptoms: Weakness, vomiting, pale gums, collapse (can take days to appear). 👉 Better Option: Stick to dog-safe herbs like parsley or turmeric for flavor. --- 🍫 2. Chocolate Toxic Part: Theobromine (especially in dark and baking chocolate). Why It's Harmful: Causes heart issues, seizures, and even death in high doses. Symptoms: ...