What not to give to your pet


Here is a quick reference guide to foods, plants and household items your pet should avoid.  Of course, the dose makes the poison, so eating small amounts may cause just an upset stomach, but in some cases it may be fatal. If you suspect that your animal has ingested poisonous substance, call our office or the Animal Poison Control Center for 24 ? hour animal poison information at (888) 426-4435. We strongly suggest you avoid feeding your pet whatever you can find on the list below.

 

Click here for list of potentially poisonous plants.

 

Medication:
Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:
- Pain killers
- Cold medicines
- Anti-cancer drugs
- Antidepressants
- Vitamins
- Diet Pills

 

Foods to avoid for your dog: 

May result in:                    

Alcoholic Beverages
 Can cause intoxication, coma and death.
Avocado
 The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin. Large amounts might cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Baby Food Can contain onion powder, which may be toxic to dogs. Can result in nutritional deficiencies if fed in large amounts.
Bones from poultry,fish or other meat sources Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.

Canned tuna (for human consumption.) 

 Can lead to malnutrition as it lacks the proper levels of vitamins and minerals
Cat Food
 Generally too high in protein and fats.
Chocolate, coffee, tea and other caffeine
 Contain caffeine, theobromine which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system.
Citrus Oil Extracts Can cause vomiting
Fat Trimmings
 Can lead to pancreatitis.
Grapes and Raisins
 Contain an unknown toxin which may lead to kidney damage.
Hops Unknown compound causes panting,increased heart rate,elevated temp,seizures and death.

Human vitamin supplements containing iron

 Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to other organs including the liver and kidneys.
Liver Large amounts can cause Vitamin A toxicity which affects  muscles and bones.
Macadamia Nuts, Walnuts
 Contain an unknown toxin which can affect digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs.
Milk and other dairy products
 Some adult dogs are lactose intolerant.Diarrhea may result if ingested.Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
Moldy or spoiled food Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting, diarrhea and can affect other organs.
Mushrooms Certain species of mushrooms can contain toxins which may affect multiple systems in the body causing shock and resulting in death.
Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked or powder)
Can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.  Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.
Potato, rhubarb & tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems.
Can affect the digestive, nervous and urinary systems.  More of a problem in livestock.
Raw eggs Decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin) which can lead to skin and hair coat problems.  Also may contain Salmonella.
Raw fish
 Can result in a thiamine deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures and in severe cases, death. More common if fed regularly.
Salt In large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
Sugary Foods Can lead to obesity, dental problems and  possibly diabetes mellitus.
Table Scraps in large quantities
 Not nutritionally balanced and may contain onion, garlic, mushrooms (see above).
Yeast dough Can expand and produce gas in the digestive  system causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

 

 

Foods to avoid for your cat: 

May result in:                    

Alcoholic Beverages
 Can cause intoxication, coma and death.
Baby Food Can contain onion powder, which may be toxic to dogs. Can result in nutritional deficiencies if fed in large amounts.
Bones from poultry,fish or other meat sources Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.

Canned tuna (for human consumption.) 

 Can lead to malnutrition as it lacks the proper levels of vitamins and minerals
Dog Food
 If fed repeatedly may result in malnutrition and heart disease.
Chocolate, coffee, tea and other caffeine
 Contain caffeine, theobromine which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system.
Citrus Oil Extracts Can cause vomiting
Fat Trimmings
 Can lead to pancreatitis.
Grapes and Raisins
 Contain an unknown toxin which may lead to kidney damage.

Human vitamin supplements containing iron

 Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to other organs including the liver and kidneys.
Liver Large amounts can cause Vitamin A toxicity which affects  muscles and bones.
Macadamia Nuts
 Contain an unknown toxin which can affect digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs.
Milk and other dairy products
 Some adult cats are lactose intolerant. Diarrhea may result if ingested. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.
Moldy or spoiled food Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting, diarrhea and can affect other organs.
Mushrooms Certain species of mushrooms can contain toxins which may affect multiple systems in the body causing shock and resulting in death.
Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked or powder)
Can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.  Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.
Potato, rhubarb & tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems.
Can affect the digestive, nervous and urinary systems.  More of a problem in livestock.
Raw eggs Decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin) which can lead to skin and hair coat problems.  Also may contain Salmonella.
Raw fish
 Can result in a thiamine deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures and in severe cases, death. More common if fed regularly.
Salt In large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
Sugary Foods Can lead to obesity, dental problems and  possibly diabetes mellitus.
Table Scraps in large quantities
 Not nutritionally balanced and may contain onion, garlic, mushrooms (see above).
Yeast dough Can expand and produce gas in the digestive  system causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.