Toxic Foods for Pets

Alcohol

Alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and affects pets quickly. Ingestion of alcohol can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature. Intoxicated animals can experience

wine, Toxic Foods for Pets

seizures and respiratory failure. Products such as desserts containing alcohol or yeast-containing doughs are often the unknown culprits.

Avocado

Avocado, Toxic Foods for Pets

An avocado's seed, bark, and leaves are composed of persin, a toxic fatty acid derivative. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, persin toxicity does not affect dogs and cats; however, birds such as canaries, parakeets, cockatiels and large parrots are extremely susceptible. Owners should avoid feeding their birds fresh avocado or packaged ready-to-serve guacamole. Symptoms of persin toxicosis include the inability to perch, respiratory distress, congestion, fluid accumulation around the bird’s heart and lungs and liver and kidney failure.

Caffeine

Coffee, Toxic Foods for Pets

Coffee, tea, energy drinks, dietary pills or anything else containing caffeine should never be given to your pet, as they can affect the heart, stomach, intestines and nervous system. Symptoms include restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination, excessive panting, increased heart rate, and blood pressure levels and seizures.

Chocolate

Chocolate, Toxic Foods for Pets

Cocoa and chocolate contain theobromine, a chemical that is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but the ingestion of larger quantities can cause seizures and affect heart rhythm.

Fatty Foods

Fatty food, Toxic Foods for Pets

Foods that are high in fat can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in pets, especially in certain breeds like miniature schnauzers, Shetland sheepdogs, and Yorkshire terriers. Fight the temptation to share these kinds of table scraps and give a healthy pet treat instead.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes, Toxic Foods for Pets

Avoid the wrath of grapes—keep them away from dogs. Just a few grapes or raisins can damage your dog’s kidneys or even prove deadly. Even small amounts of raisins in trail mix or snack boxes can pose a problem.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts, Toxic Foods for Pets

Popular in many cookies and candies, macadamia nuts should never be given to pets. Lethargy, vomiting, and loss of muscle control are among the effects of macadamia nut ingestion.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg, Toxic Foods for Pets

High levels can be fatal. Signs include tremors, seizures, and nervous system abnormalities.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic, Toxic Foods for Pets

Onions and garlic in any form—even powdered—can endanger your pet’s health. Ingestion of small amounts can result in a mild gastrointestinal upset, while larger amounts can cause severe anemia, particularly with long-term ingestion (like sprinkling it on your pet’s food).

Salt

Salt, Toxic Foods for Pets

Believe it or not, common table salt is poisonous to your pet—but it’s not usually from table scraps. The source is often what surprises pet owners: pets often experience salt toxicity as a result of eating household play dough, swallowing too much ocean saltwater or ingesting paintballs, which are loaded with salt. Salt toxicity can be very severe and results in neurologic signs such as incoordination, seizures, and brain swelling, and needs to be treated carefully by a veterinarian.

Sweeteners

gum with xylitol sweetener, Toxic Foods for Pets

Many sugarless gums and candies contain xylitol (pronounced ZY-li-tall), a natural sweetener that is acutely toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting, weakness, a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, loss of muscle control, seizures and liver failure.

Yeast Dough

Yeast dough, Toxic Foods for Pets

Unbaked dough that contains yeast can expand in your pet’s stomach or intestines. As the yeast ferments, it releases gases, resulting in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even life-threatening bloat and a twisted stomach. Some yeast dough also ferments into alcohol, which contributes to signs of lethargy and alcohol toxicity.

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