By Vetstreet.com
"A number of human foods are dangerous to pets. Many of these
foods may seem tasty to them but can prove deadly if eaten. We know it can be
tempting to offer your favorite four-legged friends food from the table, but
pets should not be given human food unless recommended by your veterinarian.
If you suspect your pet may have eaten a dangerous food,
contact your veterinarian
immediately. In many cases, early recognition and treatment
are critical.
1. Garlic and 2. Onions
Garlic and onions contain chemicals that damage red blood
cells in cats and dogs. Affected red blood cells can rupture or lose their
ability to carry oxygen effectively. Cooking these foods does not reduce their
potential toxicity. Fresh, cooked, and/or powdered garlic and/or onions are
commonly found in baby food, which is sometimes given to animals when they are
sick, so be sure to read food labels carefully.
3. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that is toxic to
dogs in large enough quantities. Chocolate also contains caffeine, which is found
in coffee, tea, and certain soft drinks. Different types of
chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine and caffeine. For example,
dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain more of these compounds than
milk chocolate does, so a dog would need to eat more milk chocolate in order to become ill. However, even a few ounces of chocolate can be
enough to cause illness in a small dog, so no amount or type of chocolate
should be considered "safe" for a dog to eat. Chocolate
toxicity can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid or irregular heart rate,
restlessness, muscle tremors, and seizures. Death can occur within 24 hours of ingestion.
4. Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in products such as
gum, candy, mints, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Xylitol is harmful to dogs
because it causes a sudden release of insulin in the body that leads to
hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Xylitol can also cause liver damage in dogs.
Within 30 minutes after eating, the dog may vomit, be lethargic (tired),
and/or be uncoordinated. However, some signs of toxicity can also be delayed
for hours or even for a few days. Xylitol toxicity in dogs can be fatal if
untreated. It is unknown whether xylitol is toxic to cats.
5. Grapes and 6. Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause acute (sudden) kidney failure
in cats and dogs. It is unknown what the toxic agent is in these fruits.
However, clinical signs can occur within 24 hours of eating and include
vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy (tiredness). Other signs of illness relate to
the eventual shutdown of kidney functioning.
7. Avocados
The avocado tree leaves, pits, fruit, and plant bark are
likely all toxic. Clinical signs in dogs and cats include vomiting and
diarrhea.
8. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are common in candies and chocolates. The
mechanism of macadamia nut toxicity is not well understood, but clinical signs
in dogs include depression, weakness, vomiting, tremors, joint pain,
and pale gums. Clinical signs can occur within 12 hours after eating. In some
cases, signs can resolve without treatment in 24 to 48 hours, but
patient monitoring is strongly recommended.
