“We’ve tried to train him, but it’s his way or no way.” — The Sutherlins

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.—This is one of those stories that makes you go “Ewww…” but it still raises a very good point—it’s probably not a great idea to indulge in too many table scraps this Thanksgiving, dogs!

Here’s the sad tale of Snoopy, the “counter surfer.” In a press release from The Pet Poison Hotline, Snoopy’s mom Kiana Sutherlin described last year, when her family had spicy fried chicken wings for a pre-Thanksgiving meal.

“I was cooking some fried chicken wings, and I added several ounces of both onion and garlic powder,” Sutherlin explained. “I also used a full bottle of cooking oil, and what was left of a second bottle. After I was done cooking, I placed the pan full of used oil at the back of the stovetop and covered it so Snoopy couldn’t get to it. I then left it to my husband Joe to clean up the next day.”

With Mr. Sutherlin distracted by a phone call, Snoopy saw his opening.

“Joe left the kitchen for a few minutes to take a call, and Snoopy swooped in,” Kiana continued. “When he got back, he found the dog had licked up almost all the oil, which of course contained a large amount of the seasoning. I wasn’t there, so I’m not sure how his mood started, but Snoopy began throwing up the oil. I stayed with him the next day, and he was whining and crying while continuing to vomit. I called the emergency veterinarian, and they recommended I call Pet Poison Helpline.”

“Onions and garlic can be deadly to pets if ingested in a large enough quantity, with garlic being five times as potent,” added Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director of Veterinary Medicine at Pet Poison Helpline. “Snoopy consumed used cooking oil that contained large amounts of onion and garlic powder, which is even more concentrated and therefore more dangerous.”

Snoopy was treated at the emergency vet and recovered. This year, his family is keeping an eye on him around the food.

Here’s a quick checklist of foods that can be toxic to dogs (and other pets):

• Chocolate — Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, seizures or potentially death, especially dark chocolate.
• Grapes and Raisins — Can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.
• Onions and Garlic — Contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
• Xylitol (in sugar-free gum, candy, peanut butter) — A sugar substitute that can cause insulin spikes, seizures and liver failure.
• Alcohol — Even small amounts can be toxic, leading to vomiting, disorientation.
• Avocado — Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs (especially dangerous for birds and rabbits, too).
• Macadamia Nuts — Can cause muscle weakness, vomiting and tremors.
• Cooked Bones — Can splinter and cause choking or internal injury.
• Caffeine — Found in coffee, tea and energy drinks; stimulates the nervous system and can be fatal in high doses.
• Raw Potatoes (especially green or sprouted) — Contain solanine, a toxic compound that can cause nausea, lethargy and neurological signs.

The Pet Poison Hotline is available 24/7 for pet owners to call, if they think their pet has ingested or been exposed to toxic substances. Fees are applicable.

Here’s more info about what to do if you think your dog ate something toxic.

Photo: Snoopy/Pet Poison Hotline