1. Grapes and Raisins
Even a small amount of grapes or raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs and cats. It’s not clear why they’re so toxic, but it’s best to keep them far away from curious paws. Symptoms can include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
2. Xylitol (Sugar Substitute)
Found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some baked goods, xylitol can cause a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels. It can also lead to liver failure. Keep anything sugar-free out of reach!
3. Onions and Garlic
Both onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, can damage your pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can be harmful, causing weakness, lethargy, and a decrease in appetite.
4. Macadamia Nuts
Just a few macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs, causing symptoms like weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. They’re especially dangerous in baked goods, so keep those cookies off the counter!
5. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and seizures.
6. Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol can cause dangerous symptoms in pets, including vomiting, disorientation, difficulty breathing, and potentially fatal central nervous system depression. Make sure any alcoholic beverages are well out of reach!
7. Caffeine
Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and even some medications, can be toxic to pets. It affects their heart and nervous system, causing restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and tremors.
8. Avocado
Avocado contains persin, which is toxic to birds and some animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. In dogs and cats, it’s less severe but can still cause upset stomachs. Always keep that guacamole away from your pet’s curious nose!
9. Cooked Bones
While raw bones are often fine in moderation, cooked bones can splinter easily, causing blockages or tears in your pet’s digestive tract. They’re a choking hazard as well, so never give your pet leftovers with bones.
10. Dough with Yeast
Uncooked dough can expand in a pet’s stomach, causing painful bloating and gas. The yeast can also ferment, leading to alcohol poisoning. It’s best to keep rising dough well away from your furry friend.
11. Milk and Dairy Products
Many pets are lactose intolerant, meaning milk, cheese, and other dairy can cause digestive issues like diarrhea and stomach cramps. It’s safer to avoid dairy treats unless specifically made for pets.
12. Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains myristicin, which is highly toxic to pets and can cause symptoms like hallucinations, increased heart rate, disorientation, and seizures. It’s found in many holiday treats, so be extra careful during baking season.
13. Fat Trimmings and Grease
Feeding your pet fatty scraps can lead to pancreatitis—a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Grease, bacon fat, or fatty cuts of meat can cause severe digestive upset, so stick to pet-friendly treats.
14. Green Tomatoes and Potato Peels
Green tomatoes and raw potato peels contain solanine, which is toxic to pets. Ingesting these can cause drooling, stomach upset, and lethargy. Always keep raw veggies out of reach until they’re fully ripe and peeled.
15. Raw Eggs
Raw eggs can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can affect both pets and humans. Additionally, raw egg whites contain avidin, an enzyme that can interfere with your pet’s absorption of B vitamins.
16. Salt and Salty Snacks
Excessive salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning in pets. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even seizures. Salty snacks like pretzels, chips, and cured meats should be kept far away from pets who can’t resist a nibble.
