DANGEROUS FOODS FOR YOUR PETS:

Alcoholic beverages –can cause intoxication, coma and/or death.

Apple seeds – eating the seeds can result in cyanide poisoning.

Apricot, Cherry, Peach, Plum or any other pits –Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract, which may lead to extensive surgery.

Avocados –Can cause gastrointestinal upset and has been linked to heart problems in other species including birds, mice and rabbits.

Bones from fish, poultry or other meat sources – Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive tract. They can severely wear or fracture teeth leading to dental surgery

Candy (particularly chocolate and any candy containing the sweetener Xylitol) –High amounts of sugar can lead to obesity, dental problems and possible diabetes.

 Chocolate-can be toxic and may affect the digestive, heart and nervous systems.

Xylitol- may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting depression, loss of coordination, and seizures.  It has also been linked to liver failure.

Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans) –Can be toxic and may affect the heart and nervous systems.

Corn Cobs –May cause obstruction of the intestinal tract resulting in extensive emergency surgery.

Garlic and Onions - May cause damage to red blood cells and cause anemia.  Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.

Grapes and Raisins -Contains an unknown toxin that, in very rare cases, may causes kidney failure.

Hops (used in home beer brewing)-Can cause panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures and death.

Liver –Large amounts may cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.

Macadamia nuts –Can cause damage to digestive and nervous system. They can also cause a temporary paralysis.

Milk and Dairy Products –Some pets, just like some people, may be lactose intolerant.  Dairy products will cause them to have diarrhea.

Moldy foods –Gastrointestinal upset can result causing severe vomiting and diarrhea and possibly resulting in hospitalization.

Mushrooms –Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock and possible result in death.

Persimmons –Seeds can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.

Potato leaves and stems (green parts) –Contain oxalates that can affect digestive, nervous and urinary systems.

Raw eggs, meats and fish –May contain Salmonella that can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and require hospitalization. Raw fish is high in Thiamine (Vitamin B), which may lead to loss of appetite, seizures and possible death.

Rhubarb leaves –Contain oxalates that can affect digestive, nervous and urinary systems.

Salt –Diets high in salt can lead to heart problems.  Low salt or No Salt added options should be used.

Tea (caffeine) –Can be toxic and will affect the heart and nervous systems.

Tobacco Plants and Products - Signs of nicotine poisoning can appear within an hour and include hyperactivity, salivation, panting, vomiting and diarrhea. Advanced signs include muscle weakness, twitching, collapse, coma, increased heart rate and cardiac arrest.

Tomato leaves and stems (green parts) –Contain oxalates that can affect digestive, nervous and urinary systems.

Walnuts –The hulls of the English and Black walnuts contain an unknown toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if nut is ingested whole.  May also cause obstruction of the digestive tract.

Yeast dough –Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.