Our kitchens are filled with delicious foods, but some of them can be extremely dangerous for pets. While it may be tempting to share a snack with your furry friend, certain human foods can cause severe health issues.
March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to learn about hidden food dangers in your home. At Dickin Memorial Animal Hospital, we want to help pet owners make informed decisions to keep their pets safe.
Human Foods That Can Harm Your Pet
Many common ingredients and snacks can be toxic to pets. Here are some of the most dangerous ones to avoid:
- Chocolate and Caffeine: Toxic to both dogs and cats, leading to seizures, heart problems, and even death.
- Grapes and Raisins: Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs and may also be toxic to cats.
- Onions, Garlic, and Chives: Damage red blood cells, leading to anemia and weakness in both dogs and cats.
- Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener): Found in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods, xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels and liver failure.
- Raw Yeast Dough: May cause a deadly bloating in your pet’s stomach as well as the possibility of alcohol toxicity.
- Macadamia Nuts: Cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and overheating.
There are many other foods that can be toxic to pets or cause unpleasant symptoms. Talk to your veterinarian about pet-appropriate foods or visit trusted online resources like the ASPCA’s guide to foods to avoid feeding your pet.
Why Certain Ingredients Are Toxic to Pets
Not all foods affect pets the same way they do humans. While people can digest a variety of foods, animals metabolize substances differently. Certain substances stay in a pet’s system much longer than in humans, making them extremely toxic. Ingredients like xylitol trick a pet’s body into releasing insulin, causing dangerously low blood sugar levels. Onions, garlic, and chives contain compounds that damage pet red blood cells, leading to anemia. For some foods, even experts have not yet been able to explain why these items cause toxicity symptoms.
How to Keep Your Kitchen Pet-Safe
Preventing food-related poisoning starts with proper storage and awareness. Follow these simple steps:
- Keep food out of reach. Store toxic foods in cabinets or containers pets can’t access.
- Be mindful while cooking. Pets can be quick to snatch dropped food, so clean up spills immediately or keep your pet out of the kitchen altogether when cooking.
- Use pet-proof trash cans. Discarded foods can still be dangerous if pets dig them out of the garbage.
- Educate family members and guests. Make sure everyone in the home knows which foods are off-limits for pets.
- Read ingredient labels carefully. Some processed foods contain hidden toxic ingredients like xylitol or onion powder.
If your pet swallows something toxic, contact a veterinarian for emergency pet services right away. Do not induce vomiting unless told to do so. If your vet is unavailable, you can also contact a helpline such as the Pet Poison Helpline for a fee.
Keep Your Pet Safe from Toxic Foods with Dickin Memorial Animal Hospital
Many human foods are harmful to pets, and it’s essential to stay informed to protect your companion from accidental poisoning. March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, making now the perfect time to reevaluate what’s in your kitchen and how it’s stored. Dickin Memorial Animal Hospital in Endicott, NY is proud to share these tips with pet owners.
If you suspect your pet has ingested toxic food or have questions about food safety, contact us today!