When staring at a half eaten plate of spaghetti, it may seem like a
good idea to let your pet finish it off. After all, we shouldn’t let
that meatball go to waste, right? Not so fast says the ASPCA. They
warn that table scraps could be lethal, due to ingredients that are
perfectly harmless to humans, but may be poisonous to pets. Click here
for their list of foods that should not be fed to your four-legged
friend.
Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which
are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and
in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets,
methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive
thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors,
seizures and even death. Specifically, chocolate additionally contains a
chemical known as theobromide that can adversely affect the heart,
lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system. Pure baking chocolate is
most toxic while white milk chocolate often requires a higher quantity
to cause harm. If ingested, treatment includes aggressive fluid therapy,
extensive medication, and administration of activated charcoal.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages containing ethanol, which can cause vomiting,
diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression,
difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even
death. Ethanol is rapidly absorbed in the system, so it is important to
seek medical attention as soon as possible after ingestion.
Avocados
The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados 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. In
general, fruit pits and seeds contain a toxin known as cyanide. Signs
of cyanide poisoning include heavy breathing, vomiting, cardiac
arrhythmias, and skin irritation
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and candies.
However, they can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts
have caused weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hypothermia in
dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last
approximately 12 to 48 hours. Although the actual toxin is not yet
known, dogs who ingest the macadamia nuts often experience severe
illness.
Grapes & Raisins
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown,
these fruits can cause kidney failure. Ingesting as few as 4-5 grapes
can be poisonous to a 20 pound dog, although the exact toxic dose is
unknown. In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be
more dramatic. These signs of toxicity include vomiting, loss of
appetite, diarrhea, and decreased urine production
Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s
digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or
intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is
cooked and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread
as treats. However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 to 10 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake.
Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E.
coli that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs contain an
enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (an essentail B
vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw
bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if
your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a
domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should
the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive
tract.
Xylitol
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum,
candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most
species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads
to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). As few as two pieces of gum can
lead to hypoglycemia in a 20 pound dog. Initial signs of toxicity
include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress
to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can
be seen within a few days.
Onions, Garlic, Chives
These 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. Toxicity is
normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic
confirmation of Heinz bodie anemia. Signs secondary to anemia include
pale gums, rapid heart rate, weakness, and lethargy. An occasional low
dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will
not cause a problem. However, we recommend that you do NOT give your pets
large quantities of these foods.
Milk
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the
enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based
products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upsets.
Salt
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst, urination, or
even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten
too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors,
elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. In other words, keep
those salty chips to yourself!
Additional
Foods to Avoid
Any
food high in fat, sugar, or sodium can pose unhealthy risks to your
pet. Dairy products may be difficult for your dog to digest, while corn
cobs and bones can cause gastrointestinal obstruction and should be
avoided. If you wish to cook your pet homemade food, seek your local
veterinarian for advice.