Most pet owners know that chocolate is a no-go for dogs and cats. But chocolate isn’t the only food hiding in our kitchens that can cause trouble for our four-legged family members. Some potentially dangerous foods are surprisingly common, and others can be especially harmful to certain species.
From garlic in your favorite dinner to grapes in your child’s lunchbox, knowing which foods to keep away from your pets can help prevent an accidental trip to the veterinarian. Here’s a look at some common foods and ingredients every pet owner should know about.
Garlic, Onions, and Chives
Garlic, onions, chives, leeks, and other members of the Allium family can be harmful to dogs and cats because they can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are especially sensitive to these foods.
Keep in mind that these ingredients don’t have to come straight from your pantry. Garlic and onion powders are common in seasonings, sauces, and prepared foods, so be careful about sharing bites from your plate with your pet.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins may seem like a healthy snack, but they can cause serious health problems in dogs, including kidney damage or kidney failure. There isn’t a reliable way to know how an individual dog will react, so it’s best to keep grapes and raisins completely off the menu. Remember that raisins can also hide in foods like trail mix, granola, cereal, and baked goods.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute that can be found in sugar-free gum and candy, but it can also appear in some baked goods, toothpaste, vitamins, and other products.
Xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar in dogs and may also cause liver injury. Always check ingredient labels before sharing human foods with your pet, especially anything labeled “sugar-free.”
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts can cause illness in dogs, including weakness, vomiting, tremors, and a lack of coordination. They can be especially easy for pets to encounter in cookies, baked goods, and snack mixes. When in doubt, keep nuts and foods containing them out of your pet’s reach.
Avocados
Avocado is a little more complicated than some of the other foods on this list. The flesh of an avocado isn’t considered toxic to dogs and cats, but the pit can cause choking or an intestinal blockage, and the fruit’s high fat content can cause stomach upset in some pets.
The leaves, skin, and bark of the avocado plant contain persin, which can be dangerous to some animals, particularly birds and certain livestock. If you have multiple types of pets, it’s safest to keep the whole avocado plant and fruit out of their reach.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine are both dangerous for pets, and they can be found in more places than you might expect. Alcoholic beverages should always be kept away from pets, as even small amounts can cause serious health problems.
Caffeine can also be harmful. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda, and products containing caffeine should never be shared with pets. Keep an eye out for coffee grounds, tea bags, and other caffeinated products that a curious pet might get into.
What if Your Pet Eats Something They Shouldn’t?
Accidents happen. If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Try to determine what they ate, how much they consumed, and when they may have eaten it. Keep the packaging or ingredient list if possible, and contact your veterinarian or a veterinary poison control resource for guidance.
Some toxins can cause serious problems before obvious symptoms appear, so getting professional advice quickly can make a difference. A little awareness can go a long way toward keeping your pets safe. By knowing what foods to keep out of paws’ reach and taking a moment to check ingredient labels, you can help make your home a safer place for every member of the family.