Foods that Can Poison Pets

Pets are much more than animals; they are our confidantes, our best friends, and our daily cheerleaders. They’re family. That’s why it’s essential to know what they can and cannot eat. Some human foods can be highly toxic, even lethal, to certain pets. Here’s a list of common human foods and beverages that can poison pets, along with the potential impacts they might have on an animal’s health.

Chocolate

Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate or baking chocolate, is dangerous for dogs and cats. It contains substances called methylxanthines, specifically caffeine and theobromine. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

Xylitol

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener used in many products like gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste, can cause insulin release in most species, leading to liver failure. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination, which can progress to seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

Alcohol

Alcohol is significantly more toxic to pets than to humans. Even ingesting a small amount of a product containing alcohol can cause life-threatening toxicity. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, acidosis, coma, and even death.

Avocado

Avocado contains a toxin called persin. While persin is harmless to humans who aren’t allergic, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. In birds and rodents, ingestion can cause significant health problems, including difficulty breathing, and can even be fatal.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. Even a small amount can make a dog ill, especially smaller breeds. The toxicity manifests as vomiting, followed by diarrhea, a loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, and kidney failure.

Onions, Garlic, and Chives

Onions, garlic, and chives—and foods seasoned with them—can be dangerous for dogs and cats. These vegetables can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage and anemia. While cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if they consume a large enough amount.

Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeine

Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for pets, and there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and fits.

Dairy Products

While this might surprise many pet owners, cats, and dogs don’t have the high levels of lactase that humans do. Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Dairy products can cause digestive upset and can lead to food allergies, which can manifest as itching.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Yeast Dough

Raw dough containing yeast can lead to gas accumulation in a pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and may cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Also, as the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol which can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Remember, each animal is unique in its physiological makeup, and reactions to foods can vary significantly from one pet to another. Always consult with your vet if you have any concerns or questions about what foods are safe for your pet to consume.

In cases of suspected pet poisoning, seek veterinary help immediately. Many animal poison control centers exist, such as the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), which can provide immediate guidance over the phone.