Today's Tips on Pets
 |
| http://www.thecartoonpictures.com/r-cartoon-dog-229-cartoon-dog-bone-in-mouth-1534.htm |
Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs and Cats
vetstreet.com
- Some human foods can cause serious illness (and even death) in dogs and cats.
- 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.
What Do I Need to Know About Foods that Are Dangerous for My Pet?
A number of human foods are dangerous to pets. Many of these foods may
seem tasty to our pets but can prove deadly if eaten. It can be very
tempting to offer pets 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.
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.
Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine
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.
Grapes and 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.
Avocados
The avocado tree leaves, pits, fruit, and plant bark are likely all toxic. Clinical signs in dogs and cats include vomiting and diarrhea.
Garlic and 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.
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.
Prevention
Many cases of human food toxicity in pets are accidental. A pet may
find and chew on a package of gum or candy, or steal food from a
countertop or table. The best way to prevent this is to keep all food
items in closed cabinets or in areas that are inaccessible to pets.
This may be particularly difficult during the holiday season, when more
candy, chocolate, fruit baskets, and other food items are around.
During these times, increased vigilance can help prevent pets from
finding and eating dangerous foods.
Unfortunately, some cases of food toxicity in pets occur when pets
are given a human food that contains a dangerous component. In general,
human food items should not be given to pets unless recommended by your
veterinarian. Children should also be taught to never give candy, gum,
or other human food items to pets.
For more information on human foods
that are dangerous for pets, visit the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Animal Poison Control Center. If you suspect that your pet has eaten a potentially hazardous item, contact your veterinarian immediately.
This article has been reviewed by a Veterinarian.
