Dangerous Human Foods for Dogs and Cats
10 Human Treats to Watch for
Holidays are a time of abundance, delicious foods, and decadent treats. However, while you are enjoying these goodies, ensure your furry friends are not. Many human foods can cause severe side effects in dogs and cats if ingested, even in small amounts.
1. Chocolate and Coffee
Caffeinated foods and beverages can cause increased heart rate in pets, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, and even coma, among other things. Also watch for certain carbonated pops or sodas (which aren’t good for your pets anyway), and tea. Additionally, chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs in concentrated amounts. Dark chocolate is the worst offender, milk next, and white the least harmful.
2. Grapes, Raisins, and Currants
These tasty fruits unfortunately contain an unknown toxin that can cause kidney failure in both cats and dogs.
3. Leftover Bones or Fat
While a small amount of unseasoned (see #7) meat is ok to give your dog or cat, leftover bones and fat can cause adverse effects in your pet. Bones from pet stores are generally safe for pets, but leftover cooked bones can be brittle and splinter, which can cause perforations or blockages in your dog or cat. Too much fat, from meat or otherwise, can cause pancreatitis in pets.
4. Macadamia Nuts
You should avoid feeding most nuts to your dogs and cats because of their high fat content, but macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can cause digestive and nervous system problems.
5. Milk & Dairy Products
While milk and dairy products are not often harmful to dogs in small amounts, significant amounts can cause digestive upset and diarrhea. Adult cats lack the proper enzymes to digest milk properly, especially lower fat varieties, so it should be avoided.
6. Artificial Sweeteners
The artificial sweetener xylitol can cause hypoglycaemia, which can cause vomiting and even collapse. Avoid all artificially sweetened foods for your pets, as sugar, they are unnecessary.
7. Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, and other root vegetables from the same family contain a toxin which destroys red blood cells in dogs and cats when fed over a period of time. Garlic is dangerous to a lesser extent, but should be avoided for safety.
8. Avocado
Avocado contains Persin, which can cause digestive upset and diarrhea in dogs and cats. This toxin can also be fatal to birds and small animals.
9. Yeast Dough
Unbaked yeast dough for breads and other baking can expand in your pet’s stomach and cause ruptured stomach or intestines. Baked bread is an ok treat in small amounts.
10. Alcohol
Alcohol should be avoided for all pets. Never leave an open glass or bottle where your pet can reach it. Also watch for alcohol-containing treats, which are especially prevalent over the holidays. Alcohol poisoning can kill your pet.
Lastly, keep table scraps to a minimum around the holidays. Inform your guests not to feed your pets, or to always ask before giving any treats. Even safe foods can cause digestive discomfort, so feed with caution and always in small amounts.
Safe treating!
