What people foods are harmful to my pet?

Jessica Vogelsang, DVM
By Jessica Vogelsang, DVM on Aug. 20, 2015

By Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

While sharing food off our own plates is a common bonding experience between owners and a dog with really compelling “beggar” eyes, some food that we eat with no problem whatsoever can be toxic to our pets. Here are some of the most common offenders:

Chocolate: Most people are aware that chocolate is bad for cats and dogs. In toxic doses, it can cause agitation, diarrhea, pacing, seizures, or even death. It is dose-dependent, meaning milk chocolate with lower cocoa percentages is less toxic than dark or baking chocolate.

Raisins, grapes, and currants: For reasons still undetermined, these little fruits can lead to kidney damage.

Onions and garlic: In toxic amounts, can lead to blood cell damage and subsequent anemia.

Macadamia nuts: Cause neurologic signs such as wobbliness, weakness, and tremors.

Bread dough: In addition to the mechanical damage of an expanding mass of dough in the stomach, fermentation produces alcohol, which can lead to intoxication.

Mushrooms: As in people, while some varieties are fine, others are extremely toxic. Never let your pet free graze on mushrooms he finds outside.

Xylitol: A very common artificial sweetener found in everything from peanut butter to gum, small amounts of xylitol can cause life threatening hypoglycemia in pets. It’s so toxic that I tell people don’t even try to keep it out of your pet’s reach: keep it out of the house, entirely.


Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

WRITTEN BY

Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

Veterinarian

Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, is a person who loves too many topics to be able to stick to one descriptor: writing, dogs, communication, cats,...


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