Five Summer Foods to Keep Away From Your Dog

For most people, their dog is just another member of the family.

So here are five foods the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says you should keep away from that beloved member of your family to keep them safe!

Ice cream

You might think that a nice bowl of ice cream would help your dog cool down in the summer, but too much ice cream could be a problem. A small scoop is fine, but according to the ASPCA, because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase – the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk – milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset. 

Avocados

You wouldn’t think so, but this fruit can cause serious gastrointestinal problems to your dog. According to the ASPCA’s website, “Avocados can be harmful because they contain Persin, which can cause dogs to vomit and have diarrhea.”

Grapes/Raisins

Another fruit that can cause big problems for your pooch. According to the ASPCA, although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure.

Lemons and Lemonade

More fruit, more bad news for your dog. According to the ASCPA, the stems, leaves, peels fruit and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid, limonin and oils that can cause irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression, if ingested in significant amounts. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, depression and potential photosensitivity.

Onions

If you plan on barbecuing, then make sure you don’t drop any onions on the ground where your dog can pick them up. According to the ASPCA, onions can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage.

Mrchewy.com contributed to this article.