While it may be hard to resist those big brown eyes and pleading face, many people aren't aware that people food can be dangerous to pets. And its not just because of the added weight gain. Some foods are downright dangerous. The following is a list of a few of the more commonly ingested toxic foods. As always, if you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, please cal your veterinarian immediately.
- Chocolate, coffee and caffeine. When ingested by pets, these can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and even death. Darker and baking chocolate is more dangerous than mild chocolate.
- Grapes and Raisins. These fruits can cause kidney failure.
- Macadamia Nuts. Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs.
- Milk and Dairy. Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase, milk and dairy products can cause diarrhea and digestive upsets.
- Nuts. Almonds, pecans, and walnuts all contain high amounts of oils and fats which can cause vomiting and diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis in pets.
- Onions, garlic and chives. These can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage.
- Raw/Uncooked meat, eggs or bones. All these may contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E.Coli that can be harmful to pets and humans.
- Xylitol. Xylitol is a sweetener in many products such as gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. This can cause liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar.
