Foods (and more) That Can Be Toxic to Pets

People love to pamper their pets and one way they do so is through the treats they bestow.

Many pet owners have become wise to the potential fillers, preservatives and generally unhealthy ingredients in some of the commercially produced pet foods. They may turn to natural or home-cooked foods to nourish their pet instead, thinking they're benefitting their cat or dog. But not all foods that people eat are safe for pets; some can be quite toxic. And other common items around the house can be lethal as well.

There really are no accurate pet poisoning statistics available nationally, but the Veterinary Poisons Information Service reports annually based on the number of queries it receives from veterinary surgeons across the country. Everything from food to over-the- counter medication to plants may be toxic, and it's best to be aware.

Foods

Alcoholic Beverages: In addition to becoming intoxicated, alcohol can cause coma and death in some pets.

Apple Seeds: These and other fruit seeds/pits can cause various reactions, including trouble breathing. Plus, hard, small pits may be a choking hazard.

Caffeine: Coffee, tea and grounds which have caffeine should not be consumed by pets because they can affect the nervous system.

Chocolate: Many people have heard that chocolate is a no-no for dogs and cats. That's because it contains theobromine, which can cause gastrointestinal problems in moderate cases, or coma and death in severe instances. Milk chocolate contains less theobromine than semi-sweet or bakers' varieties, but all cocoa-containing products should be avoided.

Garlic and Onions: Both of these popular seasonings are toxic to pets at high doses, onions more so than garlic. They can do damage in both powder and fresh forms. Both contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia. Baby foods and some pet gravy products contain these seasonings, and they're best avoided to be safe.

Grapes and Raisins: Even relatively small amounts of these fruits can cause kidney problems in dogs and cats and lead to upset stomachs.

Macadamia Nuts: These can cause vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, stiff joints, lameness and tremors.

Salt: In high quantities salt can cause electrolyte imbalances.

Tomato Stems and Leaves: The digestive, urinary and nervous systems may be affected by these. Keep dogs and cats away from backyard vegetable gardens where tomatoes are growing.

Drugs Do not give a pet medicine prescribed for a human unless explicitly advised by a veterinarian. Some common pain relievers can prove fatal for pets.

Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, and Paracetamol: These over-thecounter painkillers are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. As little as one tablet of ibuprofen can cause gastric ulceration, liver damage, kidney failure and death. It is the most common cause of poisoning in pets. Paracetamol produces toxic byproducts as it is used by the body. Pets cannot break these toxins down and so they quickly become poisoned by them. Acetaminophen is also very toxic in relatively small doses.

Cannabis: This recreational drug can cause overexcitement, drooling and increased sweating.

Permethrin Flea Treatment: Common poisoning occurs when the dog variety of the treatment sold at supermarkets and pet shops is inadvertently used on a cat. Affected cats become overexcited, have fits and fall into a coma. They can recover if treatment is administered quickly.

Frontline®: This common flea/tick treatment for dogs and cats can prove fatal if used on a rabbit.

Pest Control

Moth Balls: They contain an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement and seizures. When ingested, metabolization of moth balls can lead to liver failure.

Rat Poison (warfarin): This is either consumed directly, or by a pet consuming or biting a rodent that was killed by the product. Ingestion of the poison will prevent a pet's blood from clotting and he or she can bleed to death.

Slug Bait (metaldehyde): These blue tablets attract dogs for some reason and can cause seizures and coma in canines. Keep dogs away from garden treatment areas.

Other Household Chemicals

Antifreeze: The sweet smell and taste of antifreeze attracts pets. If ingested, antifreeze (ethylene glycol) forms crystals in the kidney rapidly causing kidney failure and death. Safer varieties are now available.

Batteries: Watch or other alkaline batteries can eat holes through the stomach lining.

Fabric Softener, Detergent, Bleach: These laundry staples are all toxic to pets, especially dogs. Fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, burns to the mouth, drooling, muscle weakness, and even coma.

If you think your pet may have ingested or come in contact with something poisonous, consult with a vet immediately. Inducing vomiting is not always the prescribed remedy, so play it safe.

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