Don't feed this to your Pet!

You may share your garden and even your bed, but it's probably best to avoid sharing a meal with man's best friend or any other pet for that matter. Listed below, from most(1) to least(8) dangerous, are common foods and drinks that make pets ill. If you think your dog, cat, or bird has consumed one of these items and you are concerned, contact your vet.

1. Chocolate

Why: Stimulates the nervous system and the heart.
Poisonous to: All species, but dogs are most likely to eat dangerous quantities.
Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, increased thirst, restlessness, agitation, increased body temperature, tremors, seizures.

2. Grapes, raisins

Why: Damage the kidneys.
Poisonous to: Dogs, cats.
Possible effects of poisoning: Increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, vomiting.

3. Garlic,onions.

Why: Damage red blood cells, causing anemia.
Poisonous to: Cats, dogs.
Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, red-coloured urine, weakness, anemia.


4. Xylitol
(found in sugarless gum)

Why: Causes increased insulin secretion, resulting in lower blood sugar levels.
Poisonous to: Dogs
Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, lack of coordination, seizures, jaundice, diarrhea.

5. Alcoholic drinks

Why: Depress the nervous system.
Poisonous to: All species.
Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizures.

6. Raw yeast bread dough.

Why: Forms gas in the digestive track; fermentation of yeast causes alcohol poisoning.
Poisonous to: All species, but only dogs typically ingest it.
Possible effects of poisoning: Distention of abdomen, vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizures.

7. Macadamia nuts.

Why: Cause muscle and nervous-system problems.
Poisonous to: Dogs
Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, weakness, increased body temperature, tremors.


8. Avocados

Why: Contain persin, which damages the heart muscle.
Poisonous to: Most species - birds especially sensitive.
Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea (in dogs), lethargy, difficulty breathing (in birds and rodents).