Problem Foods for Your Dog and/or Cat

According to the ASPCA,

Chocolate, Macadamia nuts, avocados…these foods may sound delicious to you, but they’re actually quite dangerous for our animal companions. Our nutrition experts have put together a handy list of the top toxic people foods to avoid feeding your pet. As always, if you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine all contain methylxanthines which are found in cacao seeds which is the fruit of the plant that is used to make coffee.  When ingested, your pet can experience excessive thirst and urination, panting, vomiting and diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, hyperactivity and even death.   Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate and white chocolate has the least amount of methylxanthines.  Baker’s chocolate has the most in it.

Alcohol can cause vomiting and diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Avocado can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and more severe symptoms in birds and rodents, which can include death.

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs.  Signs can start anywhere up to 12 hours and can last from 12-48 hours.  Be careful because macadamia nuts are found in many cookies and candies.  

Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure.  Some pets that already have kidney issues of course would be worse and the signs can be more visible.

Yeast dough can rise in your pet’s stomach and cause it to rupture.  This can also happen in the intestines.  Small bits of bread that has been cooked may be ingested, however it should not be more than 5-10 percent of your pet’s daily intake.

Raw or undercooked meat, eggs and bones may contain salmonella or E. colli.  Raw eggs contain a substance called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin, which can lead to skin and coat problems.  Bones would be fine for a wild dog or animal, but a domestic dog can choke or a bone may splinter and cause digestive issues if an organ is punctured or it becomes lodged in the digestive tract.

Xylitol, a sweetener used in many types of candy and gums, baked goods and toothpaste can cause insulin release which can cause liver failure.  The increase in insulin can cause hypoglycemia, low blood sugar.  Sign if ingested can include vomiting, lethargy, decreased coordination and seizures.  Live failure can result in a few days.

Milk can causes them vomiting and diarrhea and excessive salt can cause them excessive thirst and urination.  Signs that your pet has eaten too many salty foods can be vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, depression, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death.  

Please be careful and try not to feed your pets human foods.  Stick to pet food.

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