What not to give to your pet
Here is a quick reference guide to foods, plants and household items your pet should avoid. Of course, the dose makes the poison, so eating small amounts may cause just an upset stomach, but in some cases it may be fatal. If you suspect that your animal has ingested poisonous substance, call our office or the Animal Poison Control Center for 24 – hour animal poison information at (888) 426-4435. We strongly suggest you avoid feeding your pet whatever you can find on the list below.
Medication:
Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:
- Pain killers
- Cold medicines
- Anti-cancer drugs
- Antidepressants
- Vitamins
- Diet Pills
Foods to avoid for your dog: | May result in: |
| Alcoholic Beverages | Can cause intoxication, coma and death. |
| Avocado | The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin. Large amounts might cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. |
| Baby Food | Can contain onion powder, which may be toxic to dogs. Can result in nutritional deficiencies if fed in large amounts. |
| Bones from poultry,fish or other meat sources | Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system. |
Canned tuna (for human consumption.) | Can lead to malnutrition as it lacks the proper levels of vitamins and minerals |
| Cat Food | Generally too high in protein and fats. |
| Chocolate, coffee, tea and other caffeine | Contain caffeine, theobromine which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system. |
| Citrus Oil Extracts | Can cause vomiting |
| Fat Trimmings | Can lead to pancreatitis. |
| Grapes and Raisins | Contain an unknown toxin which may lead to kidney damage. |
| Hops | Unknown compound causes panting,increased heart rate,elevated temp,seizures and death. |
Human vitamin supplements containing iron | Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to other organs including the liver and kidneys. |
| Liver | Large amounts can cause Vitamin A toxicity which affects muscles and bones. |
| Macadamia Nuts, Walnuts | Contain an unknown toxin which can affect digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. |
| Milk and other dairy products | Some adult dogs are lactose intolerant.Diarrhea may result if ingested.Lactose-free milk products are available for pets. |
| Moldy or spoiled food | Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting, diarrhea and can affect other organs. |
| Mushrooms | Certain species of mushrooms can contain toxins which may affect multiple systems in the body causing shock and resulting in death. |
| Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked or powder) | Can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions. |
| Potato, rhubarb & tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems. | Can affect the digestive, nervous and urinary systems. More of a problem in livestock. |
| Raw eggs | Decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin) which can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Also may contain Salmonella. |
| Raw fish | Can result in a thiamine deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures and in severe cases, death. More common if fed regularly. |
| Salt | In large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. |
| Sugary Foods | Can lead to obesity, dental problems and possibly diabetes mellitus. |
| Table Scraps in large quantities | Not nutritionally balanced and may contain onion, garlic, mushrooms (see above). |
| Yeast dough | Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines. |
Foods to avoid for your cat: | May result in: |
| Alcoholic Beverages | Can cause intoxication, coma and death. |
| Baby Food | Can contain onion powder, which may be toxic to dogs. Can result in nutritional deficiencies if fed in large amounts. |
| Bones from poultry,fish or other meat sources | Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system. |
Canned tuna (for human consumption.) | Can lead to malnutrition as it lacks the proper levels of vitamins and minerals |
| Dog Food | If fed repeatedly may result in malnutrition and heart disease. |
| Chocolate, coffee, tea and other caffeine | Contain caffeine, theobromine which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system. |
| Citrus Oil Extracts | Can cause vomiting |
| Fat Trimmings | Can lead to pancreatitis. |
| Grapes and Raisins | Contain an unknown toxin which may lead to kidney damage. |
Human vitamin supplements containing iron | Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to other organs including the liver and kidneys. |
| Liver | Large amounts can cause Vitamin A toxicity which affects muscles and bones. |
| Macadamia Nuts | Contain an unknown toxin which can affect digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. |
| Milk and other dairy products | Some adult cats are lactose intolerant. Diarrhea may result if ingested. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets. |
| Moldy or spoiled food | Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting, diarrhea and can affect other organs. |
| Mushrooms | Certain species of mushrooms can contain toxins which may affect multiple systems in the body causing shock and resulting in death. |
| Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked or powder) | Can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions. |
| Potato, rhubarb & tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems. | Can affect the digestive, nervous and urinary systems. More of a problem in livestock. |
| Raw eggs | Decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin) which can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Also may contain Salmonella. |
| Raw fish | Can result in a thiamine deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures and in severe cases, death. More common if fed regularly. |
| Salt | In large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. |
| Sugary Foods | Can lead to obesity, dental problems and possibly diabetes mellitus. |
| Table Scraps in large quantities | Not nutritionally balanced and may contain onion, garlic, mushrooms (see above). |
| Yeast dough | Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines. |
Winter Holiday Hazards For Pets
Here are some tips for keeping your pets out of danger during the holiday season.
AVOID Holiday Food Items That Could Cause Problems For Your Pet
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate (baker’s, semi-sweet, milk chocolate)
- Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Fatty foods
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- PLANTS
Lilies that may be found in holiday flower arrangements could be deadly to your cat. Many types of lily, such as Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca, can cause kidney failure in cats.
Poinsettias are generally over-rated in toxicity. If ingested, poinsettias can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, and may cause mild vomiting or nausea.
Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems. However, mistletoe ingestion usually only causes gastrointestinal upset.
Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.
HAZARDS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE
- Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, which, if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can be breeding grounds for bacteria, which can also lead to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, if ingested.
- Electric cords- Avoid animal exposure to electric cords. If they were chewed, they could electrocute your pet. Cover up or hide electric cords, never let your pet chew on them.
- Ribbons or tinsel can get caught up in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction.
- Batteries contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause ulceration to the mouth, tongue, and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Glass ornaments can cut the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract if ingested.
- Potpourris are popular household fragrances commonly used during the holiday season. Pets are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct ingestion from simmer pots or spills, or by rubbing against leaky bottles or simmer pots containing the potpourri, or from spilling the containers upon themselves. Oral exposures result following grooming. Exposure of pets to some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe oral, dermal, and ocular damage. Dry potpourri generally doesn’t cause those issues, but there may be problems due to foreign body and (possibly) toxic plant ingestion.
MEDICATIONS
Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of the reach of your pets, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer, drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages. One
regular-strength ibuprofen tablet (200mg) can cause stomach ulcers in a 10-pound dog. Remind holiday guests to store their medications safely as well.
During the holidays, many veterinary clinics have limited office hours. In some cases, pet owners try to medicate their animals without their veterinarian’s advice. Never give your animal any medications unless under the directions of veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. Less than one regular strength acetaminophen tablet (325mg) can be dangerous to a cat weighing 7lbs.
OTHER WINTER HAZARDS
Antifreeze has a pleasant taste. Unfortunately, very small amounts can be lethal. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than four teaspoons can be dangerous to a 10-pound dog. Thoroughly clean up any spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers and store in secured cabinets. Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be stored in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. Propylene glycol is a safer form of antifreeze. Low Tox? brand antifreeze contains propylene glycol and is recommended to use in pet households.
If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4-ANI-HELP) right away!
Liquid potpourris are popular household fragrances commonly used during the holiday season. Pets are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct ingestion from simmer pots or spills, or by rubbing against leaky bottles or simmer pots containing the potpourri, or from spilling the containers upon themselves. Oral exposures result following grooming. Exposure of pets to some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe oral, dermal and ocular damage.
Ice melting products can be irritating to skin and mouth. Depending on the actual ingredient of the ice melt and the quantity, signs of ingestion would include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or even electrolyte imbalances.
Rat and mouse killers are used more commonly during colder weather. When using rat and mouse bait, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your companion animals.
ALWAYS Be Prepared !!!!
Your animal may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to prevent it. You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4 ANI-HELP) in a convenient location. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
1-888-4ANI-HELP
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control