A comprehensive guide to foods that are toxic to pets

How often did your mother tell you off for feeding your pet from the table? Offering a pet “people food” isn’t just about encouraging bad manners: in some cases it can even be a matter of life and death. Here is a guide to the toxic foods you should never let your pets get hold of:

The three Cs of toxic pet food

Whatever kind of pet you have, never let it get at chocolate, coffee or caffeine. These three “big Cs” contain substances known as methylxanthines, found among other things in the cacao seed. They cause everything from vomiting and diarrhoea to excessive thirst, seizures and even death. So always keep the three Cs of toxic pet food in mind.

Alcohol

Pets should never be given alcoholic drinks or food containing alcohol. Some people think it’s funny to give alcohol to animals, but it can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, breathing problems, tremors, coma and in some cases death.

Avocado

We often think of avocados as a superfood, but in a pet’s diet they are anything but super. Every part of an avocado, from the leaves of the tree to the fruit itself, contains a substance called persin, which is toxic to dogs, birds and rodents. Persin causes breathing difficulties, can lead to fluid building up in the lungs and is often fatal.

Grapes

All grapes, including raisins, can cause kidney failure in dogs, often irreversibly. Even a single grape or raisin can be highly toxic. If a dog eats a grape and starts vomiting, take it to a vet as quickly as possible.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are another extremely toxic food for dogs. Just a few can cause serious illness or even death. If a dog eats a macadamia nut, watch for tremors, vomiting, an increased heart rate and paralysis of the hind legs. A dog that has eaten a macadamia nut should be taken to an emergency vet immediately.

Yeast dough

Anyone who has ever made bread knows that yeast expands and makes the bread rise. The same can happen in a pet’s digestive tract, and in small animals that expansion can even rupture internal organs. Pets can safely eat fully baked yeast products, but should stay away from raw dough.

Fruit stones and pips

People know not to eat seeds and stones, but animals don’t. Stones are a choking hazard and can cause an intestinal blockage. Never let a pet swallow a peach stone, a plum stone or an apple core, as they contain compounds that release cyanide. Always cut up fruit before giving it to a pet, and throw the stones and pips away in a bin your pet can’t get into.

Salt

Too much salt isn’t good for anyone, but in small animals it can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known as sodium ion poisoning. Always keep salt out of your pets’ reach.

Dairy products

Dogs and cats love milk, ice cream and even cheese, but dairy products are best avoided. Animals are only equipped to digest the milk of their own species, and lactose intolerance can cause serious stomach upsets. For pets that love dairy, look for specially made pet products that give them the same taste as milk without the danger.

Bones from other animals

Bones can be a great way for pets to pass the time, but not all bones are safe. Cooked bones can splinter, and small bones (such as chicken bones) can be swallowed whole. Those pieces can block the intestines or even cause internal cuts.

Toxic pet food: in an emergency

Pets explore their world through touch, smell and taste. If a food appeals to them, they will eat it straight away. While some human food is perfectly safe, many table scraps are toxic to pets. However careful an owner is, animals will always find a way to get hold of something they shouldn’t have. To be safe, keep the numbers of your vet, your local emergency vet and the Belgian Poison Centre (070 245 245) on the fridge in case of an emergency. If you think your pet has eaten something poisonous, call for help immediately.

Source: Tractive Blog