If your dog eats ripe tomatoes, they're usually fine in small amounts, but large quantities or unripe tomatoes/plant parts can cause illness due to solanine and tomatine; watch for vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or coordination issues, and contact your vet if symptoms appear.
Mild cases often resolve with supportive care such as withholding food for 12-24 hours and providing fresh water. Severe symptoms require veterinary attention and possible activated charcoal or IV fluids. Prevent access to green tomatoes and educate family members about toxic foods to avoid accidental ingestion.
Ripe tomatoes are considered non-toxic to dogs and can be fed in moderation as an occasional snack. While it's considered safe for dogs to eat red, ripe tomatoes, the plants themselves are part of the nightshade family of vegetables (which also include potatoes, bell peppers, and blueberries).
Too many tomatoes can cause digestive upset.
Even ripe tomatoes can cause mild stomach upset, like diarrhea or gas, if your dog eats too many at once. Introduce them slowly and feed only in moderation.
Ripe tomatoes are not poisonous for dogs as they're non-toxic. However, green tomatoes can be poisonous if given in large quantities because they contain natural chemicals called solanine and tomatine. In line with this, make sure your dog doesn't eat the stems or leaves of tomatoes either.
Dogs should not eat onions, garlic, leeks, and chives (Allium family) as they cause anemia; avocados due to potential toxicity and blockage from pits; green parts of tomatoes and potatoes, and unripe tomatoes as they contain toxic solanine; and corn cobs which are a choking/blockage hazard, though cooked corn kernels are fine in moderation. Wild mushrooms are also a major risk, and some sources suggest limiting peas due to links with heart disease.
There's no single "number one" food, but chocolate, grapes/raisins, and foods containing the artificial sweetener xylitol are among the most dangerous and common toxic items, causing issues from vomiting and seizures to kidney failure or death; other major threats include onions/garlic, alcohol, and fatty/cooked bones that can splinter. Always contact your vet immediately if your dog eats anything suspicious.
Symptoms of solanine toxicity: Symptoms of solanine poisoning in dogs include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, dizziness, and, in severe cases, neurological problems. Any signs of these symptoms should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately.
Treatment for Food Poisoning in Dogs
There isn't one single "most" toxic plant, as toxicity varies, but Sago Palm, Oleander, Lilies, and Lily of the Valley are among the most dangerous, capable of causing severe illness, liver failure, heart problems, and death in dogs, with Sago Palm and Oleander being particularly lethal even in small amounts. Other extremely hazardous plants include Autumn Crocus, Tulip/Daffodil Bulbs, Azaleas, and Castor Bean, affecting multiple organ systems.
Laxatives and medications used to empty the bowels may be recommended in some instances to help remove the poison from the gastrointestinal tract. If the poison cannot be physically removed, sometimes activated charcoal can be administered by mouth to prevent further absorption by the gastrointestinal tract.
Avoid feeding your dog tomato sauce, especially pasta sauce. These sauces often contain ingredients that could be unhealthy for your pet such as garlic, onions, and chives. If you want to feed your pet cooked tomatoes, it's better to stick to fresh ones that you prepare yourself.
Ripe tomatoes are classified as nontoxic to pets but should be considered a treat, not a meal. So, sharing a freshly picked cherry tomato from the garden or offering a slice of tomato when making dinner is fine for your dog.
Tomato sauce might seem harmless at first glance, but it's the added ingredients that pose potential risks to dogs. Even a small amount can lead to digestive upset or worse, depending on the recipe.
The first signs of poisoning in dogs vary but often include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and tremors, alongside potential agitation, pale gums, or unsteadiness, with severe cases leading to seizures or collapse. These symptoms depend on the toxin, but any sudden onset of illness after potential exposure to household cleaners, medications, or toxic foods (like chocolate, xylitol) warrants immediate vet contact, as some poisons act very quickly.
Dogs with mild gastroenteritis, which could happen after eating something spoiled, may feel better on their own within a day or two. However, gastroenteritis can cause severe dehydration if left untreated, so it's important to contact a veterinarian if your dog is vomiting or having diarrhea.
If your pet has ingested a poison, try to rinse or wipe out the mouth with a damp towel/flannel. Do not give your pet anything to eat or drink before speaking with the Animal Poisons Helpline or a vet.
While the red, ripened tomato is indeed safe for dogs, any part of the plant that is green is potentially not. Gastrointestinal upset is the most frequently seen symptom of tomato poisoning in dogs. If you witness your dog eat a large quantity of unripe tomatoes or the stem and leaves, consult with your veterinarian.
Toxicity in dogs can show up anywhere from minutes to several days or even months after exposure, depending entirely on the substance; some toxins (like alcohol or certain pesticides) are rapid, causing symptoms like drooling or seizures quickly, while others (like some rat poisons) cause delayed internal bleeding over days, requiring immediate veterinary attention even if the dog seems fine. Always contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately if you suspect poisoning, even without symptoms.
For most people, symptoms resolve on their own with no need to see a doctor or go to an emergency room. If symptoms do not improve and you are unable to stay hydrated with fluids, you may need medical attention.
Heartworm disease is among the top silent killers of dogs and cats, and it's a slow and insidious disease which gradually incapacitates them. By the time pet owners notice the giveaway signs of this disease, serious damage may already have been caused.
The 90/10 rule for dogs means that 90% of their daily calories should come from a complete and balanced dog food, while only 10% should come from treats, chews, and table scraps, preventing weight gain and ensuring proper nutrition. This guideline helps owners manage treat portions, preventing unbalanced diets and health issues like obesity, joint problems, and diabetes, as treats can be surprisingly high in calories, even healthy ones.
Metaldehyde poisoning is extremely serious and is usually fatal without urgent treatment. Metaldehyde is the most common known cause of dog deaths in cases referred to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS).
The leading cause of death in dogs, especially older dogs, is cancer (neoplasia), affecting about 1 in 4 dogs, similar to humans, with specific breeds at higher risk. Other significant causes include old age, heart disease, digestive disorders (like bloat), infectious diseases (like Parvo), and trauma, with sterilization influencing risks for cancer and infections.