With their adorable persistence and imploring gazes, dogs are experts at getting their humans to share food intended for people. No matter how cute your pup may be, though, it's important to share your food with them sparingly—and certain foods never at all. The dog could experience anything from mild stomach upset to life-threatening symptoms and require an emergency trip to the veterinarian. Here’s a closer look at four foods you should never give your dog.

What Types of Human Food Are Toxic for Dogs?

1. Garlic & Onions

Garlic belongs to the allium family of flowering plants; onions and chives also belong to this family. For dogs, alliums are toxic in large amounts. It takes about 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilograms of body weight to cause harm to a dog. Symptoms include anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate—especially of the dark variety—is a big no-no for dogs because it contains theobromine, an alkaloid that the human body breaks down quickly but the canine body processes slowly. This slower metabolization allows more time for the theobromine to build to toxic levels—and it doesn't take a lot.

Symptoms can emerge after consuming 0.7 ounces of milk chocolate per pound of body weight. Mild signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever; more serious signs are seizures, cardiac issues, and death. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog eats chocolate.

3. Nuts

While some nuts won’t cause serious harm, dogs should never eat walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or macadamia nuts. These can cause a range of issues, such as digestive problems and liver and pancreatic complications. Also, avoid peanut butter flavored with xylitol, a sweetener that’s toxic to dogs.

4. Cooked Bones

The old image of a dog with a bone is a bit of a misnomer, as dogs should never be given cooked bones to chew on. The cooking softens the bone, which increases the chances that bits of it will break off. The dog can then easily swallow the splinters, which may puncture internal organs and require emergency intervention.

If you're concerned that your dog may have eaten any of the above foods, consult a veterinarian right away. Westside Veterinary Hospital in Statesboro, GA, is here to help. They are a full-service animal hospital serving pets of all breeds, species, and sizes. In addition to professional medical care, they offer pet grooming and boarding services. Call (912) 489-1998 or visit them online to schedule an appointment.