Human Food, which are toxic to our pets?

Human Food – Which are toxic to our pets?

Written by: Dr. Sarah Dunmont, DVM
 
Summer is my favourite time of year with the longer days and inevitably more family BBQs and get togethers outdoors. As we enjoy these special times don’t forget that there are lots of common human foods that are actually toxic to our pets.
 
Common foods that are toxic to pets include:

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol (often found in sugar-free gum and some foods)
• Alcohol and caffeine
• Raw yeast dough

Why are these food toxic to my pet and not me?

Dogs and cats metabolize some foods differently from people, which can cause toxicity. The consequences of eating a toxic food vary depending on the pet’s size, the quantity consumed and the particular food toxicity.

What do I do If I think my pet has ingested something toxic?

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee will apply.

Even as veterinarians, we often use them to help manage cases to determine if treatment is absolutely needed or worse if we have a critically ill patient.

Prevention Is Key

Prevention is always the best approach to safeguarding your pet's health:

• Educate all family members, especially children and teenagers, about the dangers of feeding pets human foods.
• Securely store toxic foods out of reach of pets.
• Avoid feeding pets table scraps, particularly those containing potentially harmful ingredients.
• When in doubt - contact us or the APCC for more information.

Happy and safe summer to all!