Toxic Foods For Dogs And Cats: A Guide

Alcoholic beverages can be harmful to our pets if consumed in a large enough amount, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, impaired coordination, difficulties breathing, and tremors.

The persin in avocado leaves and the skin is toxic to animals, especially birds. While cats and dogs aren’t as sensitive as other animals, it’s still something to be aware of. Also high in fat, avocados can contribute to pancreatitis in dogs.

Dogs are particularly sensitive to caffeine. While a lap or two of coffee isn’t likely to hurt them, it may be fatal if consumed in excess. Vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, tremors, fast breathing, heart palpitations are all symptoms of caffeine poisoning.

Citric acid is present in all parts of citrus fruits (fruit, peel, seeds, leaves and stems), which can be harmful to dogs and cats. Your pet should only experience minor symptoms if a small amount is eaten. When a large quantity is ingested, though, it may cause nausea and vomiting. Lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits are all citrus fruits to keep away from your pet.

Chocolate is poisonous to cats and dogs, and is a poisoning case we see often in our hospital. Caffeine and theobromine are chemicals found in chocolate that cause vomiting and diarrhoea on the mild side of the toxicity spectrum, as well as convulsions and heart arrhythmias on the severe end.

Garlic and chives, when eaten in small amounts, should not cause any issues. However, if ingested in large quantities they can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage.

Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants contain a toxin that can induce severe liver damage and kidney failure in dogs. It doesn’t take eating many for dogs to become seriously ill. Vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, abdominal discomfort, tremors, and seizures are all signs of poisoning. By the time clinical symptoms appear, the pet is already suffering from renal failure.

Macadamias are toxic to dogs. It is still unknown what part of the macadamia causes harm, but lethargy, vomiting, tremors, abdominal discomfort, joint stiffness, and pale gums are among the signs of macadamia toxicity.

As our cats and dogs are lactose intolerant, avoid giving them cow’s milk. Milk-based products can induce diarrhoea, constipation, and digestive upset.

Onions can be deadly to cats and dogs. They contain thiosulfate, a toxic substance poisonous to both cats and dogs. Haemolytic anaemia, when red blood cells burst throughout the body, occurs when this food is ingested.

When our pets consume too much salt, they can experience the same effects us humans do. When a pet eats too much salt, they may experience excessive thirst and urination, as well as sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of ingesting a large amount of salt include depression, diarrhoea, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), seizures, vomiting, and tremors.

The stone in stone fruits is poisonous and can cause blockages if consumed.

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that may be found in many foods, including sweet and savoury items, chewing gum, and peanut butter. It’s poisonous to dogs and can induce liver failure and seizures. If you are wanting to give your pet a delectable treat, double-check the label to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol.

If our pets consume raw yeast dough, it can continue to expand and cause gas to build up in their digestive system. Not only will this be unpleasant and painful for them, it can also induce their stomach to bloat and possibly twist. Yeast also produces ethanol (a type of alcohol), which is toxic to dogs and cats.