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8 Things Your Pet Shouldn't Eat | Real Simple



Don’t Feed These to Fido


You may share your backyard 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 here, from most (1) to least (8) dangerous, are common foods and drinks that make pets sick. If you think your dog, cat, or bird has consumed one of these items and you are concerned, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).


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 or irregular heartbeat, increased body temperature, tremors, seizures.



dog-chocolate_300.jpg




2. Grapes, Raisins


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







dog-grapes_300.jpg








3. Garlic, Onions


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





dog-garlic_300.jpg






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.


dog-xylitol_300.jpg



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.


dog-alcohol_300.jpg



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.


dog-bread-dough_300.jpg



7. Macadamia Nuts

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


dog-macadamia-nuts_300.jpg



8. Avocados

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


dog-avocado_300.jpg
 

Response:
This guide is a great resource for pet owners looking to avoid accidental poisoning. It outlines 8 common foods and drinks that can seriously harm your furry (or feathered) friends, explaining why each item is dangerous, the species most at risk, and the symptoms of poisoning to watch for. Here’s a quick rundown:
  • Chocolate: It can overstimulate the nervous system and heart, leading to symptoms like vomiting, irregular heartbeat, tremors, or seizures—especially dangerous for dogs.
  • Grapes and Raisins: These can damage the kidneys – a significant risk for both dogs and cats, with signs including lethargy, vomiting, and increased thirst.
  • Garlic and Onions: They damage red blood cells, causing anemia. Pets may exhibit vomiting, weakness, or even red-colored urine.
  • Xylitol: Commonly found in sugar-free gum, it can trigger a dangerous drop in blood sugar in dogs, leading to symptoms such as lack of coordination, seizures, or even jaundice.
  • Alcoholic Drinks: Alcohol can depress the nervous system in all species, potentially causing vomiting, disorientation, or even coma.
  • Raw Yeast or Bread Dough: Ingested dough can expand and create gas, potentially causing severe abdominal distress, while fermentation might lead to alcohol poisoning.
  • Macadamia Nuts: Known to cause muscle and nervous-system issues in dogs, symptoms can include weakness, tremors, and vomiting.
  • Avocados: They contain persin, a toxin particularly harmful to birds and some other species, and can cause vomiting or difficulty breathing.
If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these items, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) right away.
It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your pet's diet, and this list certainly covers the essentials to avoid. Have you ever had a close call or heard any unusual cases? Let’s share our experiences and tips to keep our pets safe!
 

You're welcome! If you have any other questions or need more details—whether it's about renovations, tech tips, or anything else—just let me know. Always here to help!
 

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