Fall/Autumn is my favorite time of the year! How about you? Do you love fall/autumn too? I love everything about that time of the year. Sweaters, plaid, cool, crisp air. Apple cider, Carmel apples, the list goes on! But what of these are toxic foods to your Chihuahua?

Beginning in October with Halloween, come all the other holiday parties. What’s a party without great food? The problem is along with all fun and food comes dangers to your Chihuahua.

Did you know that some of your favorite fall foods are dangerous even toxic to your Chihuahua? Even though Chihuahuas aren’t as tall as a Great Dane or other large breeds that can reach your kitchen counter, they have their ways!

Ways that you may not even think about. How many times have you set your plate on the coffee table or an end table to get something and when you come back, your Chihuahua has snatched part of it?

Time To Be Diligent

So this is also the time of year that you need to be extra diligent about what you put in harm’s way of your Chihuahua! Time to be aware of what is considered toxic foods for your Chihuahua

Here are just some foods that we all love during the fall that you need to watch out for. Some are very toxic foods, so you need to be aware so you can keep your Chihuahua safe this season. Some foods that your guests bring or even set aside may harm your Chihuahua.

• Alcohol
• Apple Seeds
• Avocado
• Candy, Chewing Gum, Toothpaste & Mouthwash
• Chocolate
• Coffee, Tea & Other Caffeine
• Cooked Bones
• Corn on the Cob
• Fat Trimmings
• Garlic
• Grapes and Raisins
• Macadamia Nuts
• Milk and Dairy Products

Alcohol:

Fall is a wonderful time of the year for our favorite warm alcoholic drinks, spiced cider, hot toddies, etc. During football season there will probably be a lot of beer being consumned.

Alcohol toxicity is not real common because dogs are not usually drawn to alcoholic beverages. However, accidents happen. My Chico, loved beer. I confess that once or twice I put a little beer on the tip of my little finger and let him lick it off.

But, it’s not the type of alcohol that is the problem, it’s the amount consumed. However, it’s just not a good idea to give it to your dog in any amount, if he develops a liking to it, it could be difficult keep it away from him. Chihuahuas are little opportunists. They will take advantage of any situation to get what they want.

Apple Seeds

September is Apple Month and it is also the best time of the year for apples! Who doesn’t love a caramel apple? Although raw apples are a healthy snack for your Chihuahua, make sure they don’t get any of the seeds. Apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide and it is released when chewed. Just a couple of apple seeds can be harmful to a tiny Chihuahua.

Avocados

If you “google” “can my dog eat avocados” you will get some yeses and some nos. Why? Because avocados contain a toxin called persin. Persin is quite toxic to dogs. The highest concentration of persin is in their leaves, skin, and pits. The flesh of the avocado has the least amount of persin. But personally, I would just avoid letting your Chihuahua eat avocados, period.

Candy, Gum

Candy and gum are extremely dangerous for dogs. Most candy and gum contains xylitol. Even a small amount of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, and even death for your Chihuahua.

Here’s a tip. When you have people over, put purses up high or in a room where your Chihuahua can not get into them. Most people when they come in put their purse on a chair or on the floor. Many people carry candy or gum in their purse. My Chihuahuas can smell candy or gum a mile away and as I said before, they are little opportunists and they love the sweet taste. They will even tear off wrappers, so please be careful.

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine

I think most of us are aware that chocolate is toxic to dogs. It depends on the amount and the type of chocolate as to how dangerous. See my chocolate toxicity calculator.

Dogs are much more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than we are. A few laps of coffee probably won’t hurt them, however, coffee grounds, tea bags, or diet pills could easily cause the death of a Chihuahua.

Cooked Bones

Bones of any kind are not safe for your Chihuahua. I know that a lot of people say bones are good for dogs. It’s true that bones are a good source of minerals and other nutrients, however, veterinarians will tell you that it’s just not worth the risk. Bones will splinter and can cause punctures in the intestines and or blockages, broken teeth, not to mention they are a huge choking hazard.

Instead, for plaque and gum disease prevention, give your Chi a raw carrot. The chewing and scraping do the same as a bone for discouraging plaque build-up. For the minerals and nutrients that they may get from bones, just make sure that they are getting those from a healthy diet.

See: What is the best dog food for a Chihuahua?

Corn on the Cob

Corn, real corn, not the processed corn in kibble, is actually good for dogs, however not the corn cob. The corn cob does not digest in a dog’s stomach and will cause a blockage and possibly perforation if left to make their way through the intestines.

Fat Trimmings

Fat trimmings whether cooked or uncooked can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Pancreatitis is when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas helps digest food and controls blood sugar. Pancreatitis requires treatment from a veterinarian.

Garlic, Onions, and Chives

These are all toxic foods to a Chihuahua. These contain thiosulfate and is toxic to dogs, but not humans. Thiosulfate can cause damage to the red blood cells leading to anemia, gastric upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Grapes, Raisins

Grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs. No one knows exactly what it is in the grape or raisin that causes the toxicity, but it can cause kidney failure. It’s very important to be extra cautious when you set out a bowl of grapes for guests or not to drop one on the floor when washing and preparing them. Chihuahua’s reflexes are much faster than ours! Just one grape requires a trip to your veterinarian!

Macadamia Nuts

Planning some fall baking? Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. It only takes a small amount of any food that contains these nuts to make your Chihuahua very sick. If they do, they will require veterinary care. Baked goods can also contain the xylitol mentioned above which is toxic to dogs.

Milk and Dairy

Why not milk or dairy? Because most dogs are lactose intolerant. Symptoms may be mild to severe. So, why take the chance? Any nutrients that your Chihuahua can get from milk or dairy can be found in other healthy foods or in a healthy diet.