Spring Seasonal Pet Care Tip: Toxic Foods for Pets
At The Veterinary Surgery, we don’t want to treat pets when they’re ill; we want to prevent illness before it ever happens. Throughout the year, we provide seasonal pet care tips for pet owners to help keep their companions safe and happy. This month, we’re highlighting food and beverage toxicity.
We know you’ve probably been tempted to share your food with your four-legged friend from time to time, but did you know there are certain foods that can be dangerous and even toxic to pets? Depending on the amount of food ingested and your pet’s size, food poisoning can even be fatal in extreme cases.
Top 10 Most Common Pet Toxins
Below is a list of 10 of the most common foods and beverages that are toxic to or otherwise not recommended for dogs, cats, and other species:
- Alcohol—toxic to dogs and cats and can lead to vomiting, decreased coordination and central nervous system depression
- Avocados—toxic to birds and can result in cardiovascular damage
- Chocolate and coffee/caffeine—toxic to dogs and cats and can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures
- Grapes and raisins—toxic to dogs and can result in kidney failure
- Macadamia nuts—toxic to dogs and can cause tremors, weakness, and hyperthermia
- Milk and other dairy—although not toxic, ingestion can result in gastrointestinal upset and/or diarrhea
- Onions and garlic—toxic to dogs and cats and can cause gastrointestinal problems and red blood cell damage
- Salt (sodium ion poisoning)—toxic to dogs and cats (in large amounts) and can result in excessive thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, and elevated body temperature
- Xylitol (sugar substitute)—toxic to dogs and can result in hypoglycemia
- Yeast dough—although not toxic, yeast dough can cause painful bloating and other digestive problems to dogs and cats
To protect your pet, keep these foods and beverages out of his/her reach, and be sure to contact us at [clinic-phone galabel=”seasonal tips”] if ever you suspect your pet is experiencing a poisoning or other emergency. The Veterinary Surgery in Doha offers emergency care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Be sure to check back on our page soon for the next seasonal tip!