We have listed a number of foods dangerous to pets below. In particular, chocolate that is more bitter and darker is very toxic to dogs. Sugarless candies and gums that use an artificial sweetener called xylitol are very toxic to dogs. Raisins and grapes are also very toxic to dogs.
Human Foods Dangerous to Pets
Moldy Foods
Often old foods left in trash cans and even some left in the refrigerator too long can grow many types of molds. Many of these molds release what are called “tremorgenic mycotoxins” which can cause seizures, some of which may be fatal if severe enough.
Chocolate
Chocolate poisoning in dogs is determined by the chocolate toxicity severity, which varies with the size of the animal and the concentration and amount of the chocolate. Learn more about chocolate toxicity and how to calculate if your pet ate too much chocolate, i.e. Rule of Thumb for Chocolate Toxicity.
Alcohol Poisoning in Pets
Some pets like some humans have an affinity for alcohol and alcoholic drinks. These can rapidly develop into alcohol poisoning, coma and death.
Onions Toxicity in Pets
Plants in the onion family have chemicals in them that can cause damage to red blood cells resulting in anemia, which limits the ability of the red blood cells to bring oxygen and nutrients to the body tissues. Onion powder is often used as a preservative in human baby food, so this is another potential source pf toxicity for pets.
Macadamia Nuts Toxicity in Pets
Macadamia nuts have been shown to cause problems in dogs who ingest them. These signs have not been seen in other pets. Clinical signs commonly reported in dogs ingesting macadamia nuts include weakness, depression, vomiting, incoordination, tremors, and hyperthermia (excessive rise in body temperature…not a true fever). The actual cause of this toxicity is unknown at this writing. This can occur with as few as 6 shelled nuts.
Rising Bread Dough Toxicity in Pets
Ingestion of rising bread dough can be life-threatening to dogs. The dog’s body heat will cause the dough to rise in the stomach. The rising process produces ethanol; and, the dough may expand several times its original size. Signs seen with bread dough ingestion are associated with ethanol toxicosis (alcohol poisoning) and obstruction from the increasing mass of dough. These signs can include severe abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, incoordination, and depression.
Grapes and Raisin Toxicity in Pets
Although it is not completely understood how it happens, there is enough evidence to support the claim that grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage in some animals (especially dogs). For that reason, we recommend that you not give any of these to your pets. We do not know if it happens slowly or over a long period of time, or if it takes a large amount all at once, or if either scenario is equally toxic.
Xylitol Toxicity in Pets
Many newer sugar free candies and gums have a sweetener in them called Xylitol. Although this is a very efficient sweetener and is safe for humans, this chemical can cause a severe, life threatening drop in an animal’s blood sugar that can take days to correct with IV fluid therapy. If the blood sugar drops too low, the animal could go into repetitive, uncontrolled seizures.
Avocado Toxicity in Pets
The pit can cause a blockage easily (we have had to surgically remove a few of these). The meat of the avocado contains a chemical called persin which can damage heart, lung and other tissue in many animals. They are also higher in fat which means they can stimulate gastroenteritis or pancreatitis in susceptible pets.
Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches, Pears, Plums Toxicity in Pets
The main culprit here is the seeds which have cyanogenic products which can result in cyanide poisoning in dogs. The meat of the fruit is fine and the seeds are the issue.
Corn Cobs
These cause very substantial blockages that require surgical intervention (we’ve seen these too).
Raw Eggs Danger in Pets
Cooked eggs are high in protein and healthy as a periodic snack, but the raw eggs have a substance called avidin that depletes the biotin, an essential B vitamin, in your dog. Also raw eggs are often contaminated with bacterial like Salmonella, which can affect your pets.
Nuts
In general, these are not good due to the high levels of phosphorus in them, which can lead to bladder stones.
Nutmeg
Has been known to cause tremors, seizures and even death when eaten in large enough quantities.
Tomatoes and Tomato Plants
These contain some levels of atropine which can dilate the pupils, cause tremors and an irregular heartbeat. The concentration is highest in the leaves and stems, next highest in green unripe tomatoes, and then in lowest amounts in the ripe red tomato.
Tobacco Products
Tobacco contains nicotine which can be very toxic to animals. The butt of a cigarette often contains 25% of the total nicotine in the cigarette. After ingestion of a toxic dose, the animal usually shows signs fairly rapidly (within 15-45 minutes). These signs may include excitation, rapid breathing, salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Muscle weakness, twitching, depression, rapid heart rate, shallow respiration, collapse, coma, and cardiac arrest can follow the period of excitation. Death occurs secondary to respiratory paralysis. Once they have reached the excited stage, vomiting should not be induced as a treatment because it may trigger a seizure.
Plants Poisonous To Cats And Dogs
Plants poisonous to cats and dogs should not be kept around your home for the safety of your pets. Dogs and cats don’t usually know what things make them sick, so their curious nature occasionally gets the best of them. Some houseplants and outdoor plants can be dangerous for dogs—even deadly—so make sure you know before you grow. Learn more about Plants Poisonous To Cats And Dogs.
If you would like to learn more about the Plantation Pet Health Center, please call 972-731-0001 to schedule an appointment or complete an Online Appointment Request.
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