Human Foods Dangerous To Pets

By KAREN STEINROCK, For The Patriot-News

February 27, 2010

Deadly duo - chocolate & raisins Getty Photo

The most comprehensive information I’ve found has been compiled by experts at the ASPCA Poison Control Center. Below are the top eleven “people foods” they consider dangerous to pets. A few surprises here:

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
These products contain methylxanthines which, when ingested by pets, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. The darker the chocolate (especially baking chocolate) the more lethal.

Alcohol
Beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

Milk
Big surprise to cat owners! Because many pets, including most adult cats & dogs, are lactose intolerant, milk and other milk-based products can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Salt
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods (e.g. potato chips, pretzels, etc.) include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death.

AvocadoAvocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestions may be fatal.

Macadamia NutsA common ingredient in cookies and candies, these nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours.

Grapes & Raisins
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets with pre-existing health problems, symptoms may be more dramatic.

Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system which can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked, pets can have small bits of bread as treats.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Though raw diets have gained popularity, raw meat and raw eggs can contain Salmonella and E coli bacteria. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Raw bones can be dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in the pet’s digestive tract. Cooked bones even more likely to splinter

Xylitol
A sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste, Xylitol can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can occur within a few days.

Onions, Garlic, ChivesThese vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. An occasional low dose likely will not cause a problem, but do NOT feed pets large quantities of these foods.

For more information on plants, foods, and household products poisonous to pets visit the ASPCA Poison Control Center or call 1-888-426-4435. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxin, try to determine what and how much, then call your veterinarian immediately.