[Dailydrool] Toxic Foods for our pets

[Barb Roblyer]

Toxic and Dangerous Foods for Pets
Do you know which foods and beverages might be harmful to your pets - 
and what to do if your pet ingests something toxic?
By Elizabeth Mason Woods for WebVet
Reviewed by Amy I. Attas, V.M.D.

Poison is a growing concern among pet owners. Household poisons are 
not the only thing that can harm your pets. Many common household 
foods and drugs can also be toxic to your pets. The following are 
foods that can be toxic or poisonous to your pets.

Avocados. Avocados contain a toxin known as persin. Persin is found in 
various parts of the avocado and avocado trees (eg, leaves, rind, 
etc). This toxin is known mostly to cause vomiting and diarrhea. Birds 
and small pets seem most affected by the negative side effects of 
consuming avocado.

Beer. Not just beer ... all alcohol. Depending on how much alcohol 
your animal ingests, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, depression, 
difficulty breathing, coma, and possible death.

Chocolate. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine that is 
toxic to pets. If enough is ingested, your animal can suffer from 
vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and 
possible death. Cocoa mulch contains theobromine; the ASPCA advises 
dog owners to avoid using this fertilizer around unsupervised dogs, 
and dogs with indiscriminate eating habits since it can be toxic if 
ingested.

Candy. Chocolate is the most common candy that is toxic to pets, 
especially to dogs, cats, and ferrets. Any candy containing the 
sweetener xylitol can also be toxic to pets.

Caffeine. Caffeine is generally highly toxic to pets, having negative 
effects on both the cardiac and nervous systems. Side effects can 
include vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, 
and possible death.

Grapes and raisins. An unknown toxin in grapes and raisins can cause 
kidney failure and ultimately lead to death. Symptoms of this 
poisoning can include hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, and irregular 
heartbeat.

Nuts. An unknown toxin in nuts can have negative effects on the 
nervous, digestive, and muscular systems of your pet. Symptoms can 
include muscle tremors, weakness, an upset stomach, vomiting, 
depression, inactivity, and stiffness. Particularly avoid Macadamia 
nuts.

Onions. Onions, along with garlic and chives, are all part of the same 
species of plant - the Allium species. Allium species plants contain 
sulfur compounds that can cause stomach irritation and possibly result 
in damage to red blood cells causing anemia. This is referred to as 
Allium poisoning.

Some human medicines. While some human medications are prescribed for 
pets by veterinarians, others can be highly toxic and fatal. 
Acetaminophen, which is contained in Tylenol and other similar 
products, for example, can be fatal to cats. Always consult with your 
veterinarian before giving human medication to a pet.

Xylitol (artificial sugar). Xylitol is a sweetener used in many 
products including mouthwash, chewing gum, toothpaste, and various 
foods. Because it is toxic to pets, products containing xylitol should 
not be given to your dog or cat.

Lily Plants. All portions of the lily plant are poisonous to cats when 
ingested. Just a nibble of the leaf, petal, or stem can cause 
irreversible kidney failure despite extensive medical treatment.

Other foods that can be toxic to your pet:
Apple Seeds
Chives (see "onions," above)
Fruit pits, especially those of apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines, 
and cherries
Garlic (see "onions" above)
Moldy foods
Mustard seeds
Potato leaves and stems
Rhubarb leaves
Salt
Tea
Tomato leaves and stems

Toxic Household Items
Antifreeze
Liquid potpourri
Polyurethane glue
Pennies
Pine-oil cleaners

A study by the pet health insurance company VPI found that these
were the top 10 foods and plants involved in pet poisoning claims:
Raisins/Grapes
Mushrooms
Marijuana
Lily flowers
Walnuts
Onion
Sago Palm
Macadamia nuts
Azalea flowers
Hydrangea flowers



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