8 People foods that are Pet Poisons

Almost anyone who has a pet, knows that people food is not pet food.  You cannot
provide proper nutrition for your dog or cat by simply feeding them the same dinner the
rest of your family is eating.  But did you know there are many people foods that we
might be tempted to give our pet as a "treat" that could be harmful to them?

1) Alcohol – depending on the amount ingested, alcohol can cause our companion
animals to suffer vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, difficulty
breathing, tremors, acidosis, coma and even death.

2)    Chocolate - Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and
urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death
in severe cases. It can also cause the development of  life threatening pancreatitus.
In general, the darker the chocolate, the higher the toxicity in animals.  As little as
10 ounces of milk chocolate, or a mere 2 ounces of baking chocolate can cause
serious problems in a ten pound dog. 

3)    Coffee – In all forms, coffee, beans, and even the used grounds contain a
potentially toxic amount of caffeine for your pet.

4)    Macadamia nuts – Raw or roasted, as few as six macadamia nuts can cause
locomotory difficulties in dogs; including weakness, tremor, and paralysis, as well
as excessive panting and swollen limbs.  This muscle weakness seems to be quite
painful, but if treated by a vet the dog can recover.  Some dogs have also had this
problem after being given macadamia butter.

5)    Onions, Onion Powder, Garlic and Chives – These plants and others of the allium
family contain disulfides.  If ingested in large quantities they can cause
gastrointestinal irritation and damage to red blood cells.  Cats are more
susceptible than dogs.

6)    Raisins and Grapes – As few as five raisins or grapes can cause renal failure in
dogs.

7)    Avocado – Dogs can experience significant GI (gastrointestinal irritation)
including vomiting and diarrhea.  Birds and rodents appear to be particularily
sensitive and can experience respiratory distress, generalized congestion, fluid
accumulation around the tissues of the heart, and possibly death.

8)    Spoiled or Moldy foods – if you wouldn't eat it or feed it to your family, don't
feed it to your pet!

There are a number other people foods that are potentially dangerous to pets if eaten in
significant quantities.  Pear pips, apple cores, potato peelings and green looking potatos,
brocolli, and others. 

The best policy is to keep your food to yourself, and buy appropriate treats for your pet at
the pet store.

If you have seen your pet ingest something you know is potentially harmful, or you
suspect she has, contact your vet immediately.  Harmful effects are not always
immediately apparent, so even if the pet seems fine, it is safer to consult with your vet. 
Gather a sample of the substance, and/or the container it came in, to take to the vet with
you.  If your pet has been vomiting, take a sample of the vomitus in an airtight container
or sealable plastic bag to the vet with you. 

The ASPCA poison control center is on call to assist you and your vet.  The number is
(888) 426-4435, however there is a $60 fee for the service.  For more information visit
the ASPCA's website at http://www.aspca.org/.

This article was originally written for my website, Animal Nerd (http://animal-nerd.demented-pixie.com)