Most people know a few types of human foods that are extremely dangerous to animals, but I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of them and which ones are the most poisonous.
1. Chocolate/Caffeine/Coffee – These products contain methylxanthines – causing increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, vomiting, possible death. Don't panic if you dog finds a Hershey kiss and ingests it so much as finding a bar of baker's chocolate.
2. Onions/Garlic/Chives – especially raw. More dangerous for cats, but can cause red blood cell damage in either cat or dog if enough is ingested.
3. Grapes/Raisins – No one is real sure what in these products cause the problem, but they do. They can cause kidney failure.
4. Avocados – Contains Persin, which causes vomiting/diarrhea.
5. Macadamia Nuts – Causes all kinds of stomach upset and even hyperthermia in dogs.
6. Alcohol – This one is obvious…
7. Xylitol – this is sometimes found in your toothpaste, used as a sweetener. It causes insulin release which leads to kidney failure.
8. Yeast Dough – Causes gas to accumulate and may cause intestinal rupture.
9. Salt – too much can cause sodium ion poisoning. Salty foods just aren't good for them anyway, just like for us.
10. Milk – A lot of people don't know, but most cats are lactose intolerant and cow's milk is no bueno for them.
If your pet has ingested something questionable, watch for signs of distress (vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, etc.). You may have to call your vet and get it taken care of, but a lot of times your pet is going to try to get out whatever is upsetting their stomach as soon as possible. For more info, click here.
