When Fido or Fluffy are inquisitive about what you are eating and begging or looking at you with cute kitty cat or puppy dog eyes, it’s essential to know what human food they can’t eat. Here we cover some of the most toxic things your pet should not be given. Please be sure to keep these items out of “paws reach.”
Alcohol
Alcohol and food containing it can cause a multitude of issues for your pet, including severe reactions such as death and coma. Other problems include central nervous system malfunction, tremors, decreased coordination, breathing difficulty, vomiting, diarrhea, and abnormal blood acidity. Therefore, you must never give or let your pet consume alcohol in any form.
Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine
Cacao seeds and the fruit of plants used to make coffee beans contain alkaloid methylxanthines. Theophylline, theobromine, and caffeine are most commonly found in chocolate and coffee. When ingested by pets, the resulting actions are similar to those created by alcohol, including vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, panting, excessive thirst and urination, or even death. Dark chocolate contains higher amounts of these substances than milk or white chocolate.
Avocado
Avocado can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and more severe symptoms in other animals. It’s primarily dangerous to horses, birds, rabbits, donkeys, sheep, and goats. It can cause cardiovascular illness and death in birds and rabbits, while donkeys, sheep, goats, and horses frequently develop swollen heads and necks.
Grapes and Raisins
Even though the toxicity of these foods is unknown, they can cause kidney failure. Avoid giving them to pets until more information is known.
Onion, Garlic, and Chives
Gastrointestinal irritation caused by these vegetables and herbs can lead to red blood cell damage and anemia. Cats are more susceptible, but dogs are also at risk if they are eaten in large enough amounts.
Salt and Salty Snack Foods
According to the ASPCA, excessive thirst and urination or even sodium ion poisoning can result from too much salt. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures, and even death.
Macadamia and Other Nuts
Vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis can be attributed to the high oil and fat content in nuts such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts.
Macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, tremors, weakness, depression, and hyperthermia in dogs. The symptoms usually appear within 12 hours of ingesting, lasting from 24-48 hours.
Cooked Bones
PetMD reports that feeding dogs cooked bones is dangerous and should never be given because they can break easily into sharp shards and pieces that can damage the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract while being passed. This includes purchased cooked bones and those from your home kitchen.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free foods of multiple types. Even toothpaste and oral hygiene products may comprise xylitol. It’s essential to read labels because most dogs love peanut butter, but sugar-free brands may contain xylitol. Sugar-free gum, mints, candy, chewable vitamins, and baked goods with xylitol can affect insulin release. This causes glucose uptake in the liver, fat cells, and muscle, leading to decreased blood glucose levels. Almost immediately after ingestion, vomiting may occur, and in about a half hour to an hour, hypoglycemia can develop, causing collapse, seizures, and difficulty walking. Other signs developing within hours grant a very poor prognosis. If you know of or suspect xylitol ingestion, consult a veterinarian immediately. Your pet may need to have vomiting induced and/or intravenous infusions and close observation.
Bacon, Ham, and Fatty Trimmings
Like salt and salty snacks, bacon, ham, and fat trimmed from other types of meat contain too much sodium for pets. High salt intake can lead to excessive drinking, which can cause “bloat,” which can be fatal. Pancreatitis may also develop in pets that eat these items and can upset the stomach.
What To Do If Your Pet Ingests Something Dangerous
If you know or suspect that your pet has ingested anything dangerous or toxic, call the ASPCA’s poison control hotline at 888-426-4435. They are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We are here to help your fur baby live a long, happy, and healthy life. Don’t forget to schedule wellness appointments. Keep your pet up to date on vaccinations and monthly preventatives. We offer a wide range of services, including our mobile vet clinic that provides free physical exams, low-cost pet shots, and access to affordable prescription medications.
