Summer Foods to Avoid Giving Your Dog 

Many popular summer foods are not suitable for dogs’ consumption and can cause issues like diarrhoea, vomiting and lethargy, and in some cases can lead to serious life-threatening issues. Carry on reading to find out what foods you need to avoid giving your dog and the lovely summer foods that your dog will love. 

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog

Chocolate 

Chocolate is extremely toxic to all dogs, but surprisingly, it is a common problem seen at the vet usually due to accidental ingestion. The reason chocolate is so bad for them is because it contains a chemical called theobromine which dogs cannot metabolise. It is important, that if your dog has consumed any chocolate, you contact your vet – the sooner your dog is treated the better, even if they only had a tiny bit. 

Avocado 

Avocados contain persin which is toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even heart congestion. Eating a small amount of avocado wouldn’t do too much but ensure if this happens you monitor your dogs for symptoms. 

Chicken/Rib Bones 

It is best to avoid feeding your dog bones, especially cooked bones. These bones can break and splinter when they’re bitten into which can cause internal issues for your dog. If your dog does start chewing on any and appears in distress, act quickly and contact the vets immediately. If they appear to be okay, the bone will likely pass through – make sure you monitor the situation. 

Ice Cream 

Sneaking your four-legged friend a lick of your 99 is very tempting and something we all do. It won’t harm your dog but could cause an upset stomach. Dogs are not commonly fed dairy, so they don’t produce the right enzymes needed to digest it. Ice cream is also quite high in sugar, which is not healthy for your dog. 

Alcohol 

Alcohol cannot be safely consumed by dogs as they cannot metabolise it. This means that drinks, foods and household products containing alcohol are unsuitable for dogs and can be toxic. If your dog is lethargic, having respiratory distress or a dangerously low body temperature they may have consumed alcohol. Contact the vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. 

Dog Safe ‘Human’ Food 

There are many delicious ‘human’ foods that are suitable for your dog. They can also have many benefits for your dog, especially in the summer.  

Some of these foods include: 

• Frozen Berries – these will keep your dog cool on hot summer days as well as having very healthy vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. 
• Watermelon – the flesh of this fruit is the ideal summer treat for your dog. It is 90% water so it’s really hydrating. It is also packed full of fibre, potassium and vitamins. 
• Banana – freezing bananas can create a dog-safe ice cream for your pup, to help keep them cool on a hot day. It also has lots of fibre and potassium. 
• White Fish – fish like cod or flounder can give your dog cooling proteins. It is also lean and low in fat. 

We love to treat our four-legged friends, just make sure they’re healthy and if they do eat something they shouldn’t call the vet straight away! Why not read our blog about The Importance of Veterinary Care.