Hidden household dangers for your pet.
The warmer months bring not only spring flowers and summer barbeques but also hidden household dangers. Many people are unaware of the many toxic and potentially fatal household plants and foods that frequent our homes. Below are just a few dangers for your pets to avoid:
- Lillies: Cause acute kidney damage and failure in cats. All parts of the plant are toxic and the cat potentially only needs to eat a mouthful to become sick.
- Onions/Garlic: Either of these foods can cause life threatening anaemia and liver damage in your dog or cat. Onions are particularly bad and can cause anaemia if consumed in any form i.e. cooked, raw, dehydrated, etc.
- Chocolate: Causes many signs of illness including vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, inco-ordinated gate, increased drinking and urination, and eventually heart rhythm irregularities, laboured breathing, seizures, coma and death. Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most toxic varieties but your pet may just as easily become ill after eating milk chocolate.
- Grapes/Raisins/Sultanas: Cause vomiting and diarrhoea and ultimately kidney failure and death. The number of grapes that need to be consumed varies between individuals and may be as little as one grape or as many as a pound of grapes. Furthermore, dogs that have eaten grapes before without consequence can suddenly become affected after consumption.
- Macadamia Nuts: Cause vomiting, depression, and temporary muscle weakness/ paralysis. Again, the amount that needs to be consumed to cause illness varies between individuals. Macadamias also commonly cause gastro-intestinal blockages requiring surgery to remove the lodged nut.
- Avocado: Affects predominantly rodents, livestock (including horses), guinea-pigs, rabbits and caged birds. Causes damage to the heart which can lead to subsequent difficulty in breathing, cyanosis and death. At lower doses it has the potential to cause a sterile mastitis in lactating animals. Essentially any part of the plant can be toxic.
- Paracetamol (e.g. Panadeine): Many people are unaware that most human medications are unsuitable and potentially dangerous to their pets. Cats lack the enzyme necessary to metabolise paracetamol and if ingested this drug blocks the bloods ability to carry oxygen and ultimately leads to organ failure and death.
These common household items and their potential danger to your pets health highlight the importance of securing drugs and food items as well as refraining from ‘spoiling’ your pets with table scraps and human food. By avoiding these harmful items your pet will be able to enjoy the warmer months and longer days with you.
We are more than happy to discuss any of your concerns or questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Katelyn from Anstead Vets
What foods should I avoid feeding my dog?
Chocolate and Caffeine: Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have higher concentrations, making them particularly dangerous. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and even seizures or death in severe cases.
Grapes and Raisins: These fruits can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Even a small amount can be harmful, especially in smaller breeds. Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea, which can progress to more severe symptoms like decreased urine output and kidney failure.
Onions and Garlic: Both onions and garlic, including all forms (raw, cooked, powdered), contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Garlic is particularly potent, and symptoms may include weakness, vomiting, and red or dark-colored urine.
Alcohol and Raw Bread Dough: Alcohol is toxic to dogs and can lead to vomiting, disorientation, difficulty breathing, and even death. Similarly, raw bread dough can expand in a dog’s stomach, causing bloating and potentially life-threatening complications.
Xylitol: This artificial sweetener, found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some baked goods, can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and lead to liver failure in dogs. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures.
Macadamia Nuts: Even a small amount of macadamia nuts can cause symptoms such as weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. The exact cause of toxicity is unknown, but these nuts should be strictly avoided.
Avocados: Avocados contain a substance called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The avocado pit poses an additional risk due to its potential to cause an obstruction in the digestive tract.
Cooked Bones: While raw bones can be safe for dogs, cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or serious damage to the digestive tract, such as lacerations or obstructions.
Dairy Products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning dairy products can cause digestive upset, including diarrhea and vomiting. It’s best to avoid feeding dogs cheese, milk, or other dairy products.
What are some common foods should I avoid feeding my cat?
Onions and Garlic: These contain compounds that can damage a cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. All forms—raw, cooked, powdered—are harmful, and symptoms of toxicity can include weakness, vomiting, and reduced appetite. Even small amounts can be dangerous, so keep these foods out of reach.
Raw Eggs, Raw Meat, and Bones: Feeding your cat raw eggs or meat can lead to salmonella or E. coli poisoning, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Raw bones can also pose a choking hazard or cause internal damage(
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Chocolate and Caffeine: Just like for dogs, chocolate is highly toxic to cats. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause severe symptoms such as restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, and seizures. All types of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, should be avoided(
HillsPet.
Alcohol and Raw Dough: Alcohol can cause severe toxicity in cats, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even death. Raw dough, which expands in the stomach, can cause bloating and alcohol poisoning in cats.
Grapes and Raisins: These fruits can cause acute kidney failure in cats. Even small amounts can be harmful, leading to symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and reduced appetite. It is best to avoid these altogether to prevent any risk.
Dairy Products: Despite the common belief that cats love milk, many cats are lactose intolerant and can suffer from digestive upset, including diarrhea and stomach pain, after consuming dairy products like milk, cheese, or yogurt.
Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges contain essential oils and citric acid, which can cause digestive upset and even central nervous system depression in large amounts. It’s best to avoid letting your cat consume any citrus products.
Dog Food: While not toxic, dog food does not contain the necessary nutrients that cats need, such as taurine, vitamin A, and certain fatty acids. Long-term feeding of dog food to a cat can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.
