FOODS
Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine
- All contain methylxanthines, which are toxic to dogs and cats
- Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhoea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, excitation, tremors, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures
Grapes, Raisins, and Sultanas
- Toxic to dogs and cats
- Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, reduced urination, seizures, kidney failure
Onions, Leeks, Garlic, and Chives
- Toxic to dogs and cats
- Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhoea, red blood cell damage, anaemia
Macadamia Nuts
- Toxic to dogs
- Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperthermia (high body temperature), weakness, depression, tremors
Xylitol
- Ingredient in many brands of chewing gum, sweets, breath mints, toothpaste, peanut butter, baked goods, and human medications
- Toxic to dogs and cats
- Symptoms: low blood sugar, vomiting, weakness, collapse, seizures, liver failure
Fruit Seeds – Apple, Plum, Apricot, Peach, Cherry
- Contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs and cats
- Stems and leaves of these trees are also toxic
- Symptoms: brick red gums, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock
PLANTS
Lillies
- Toxic to cats
- All parts of the plant are dangerous if ingested – leaves, petals, pollen
- Symptoms: vomiting, anorexia, kidney failure
Azaleas/Rhododendrons
- Toxic to dogs and cats
- Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, heart failure
Tulips
- Toxic to dogs and cats
- Bulb is the most toxic part of the plant
- Symptoms: vomting, diarrhoea, drooling, depression
OTHER
Anti-freeze (ethylene glycol)
- Toxic to dogs and especially cats
- Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, ‘drunken’ appearance, stumbling, incoordination, inappetance, excessive or absent urination, kidney failure
Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen
- Human over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Toxic to dogs and cats (Note: paracetamol can sometimes be given to dogs on advice from a veterinary surgeon, but NEVER to cats!)
- Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach ulcers, inappetance, abdominal pain, kidney failure
Cigarettes, Nicotine Patches or Gums, E-cigarettes
- Anything containing nicotine is highly toxic to dogs and cats
- Symptoms: vomiting, depression, high heart rate, low blood pressure, weakness, collapse, respiratory failure, tremors, seizures
- Nicotine gums can also contain xylitol, making them even more dangerous (see above!)
- E-cigarette liquid contains very high concentrations of nicotine and is often flavoured which appeals to pets, making it extremely toxic – ingestion can be fatal!
For more information about various foods, medicines, and other substances which can be toxic to pets, the ASCPA (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) and the Pet Poison Helpline (www.petpoisonhelpline.com) provide great online resources.
IF YOU THINK YOUR PET MAY HAVE INGESTED SOMETHING TOXIC,
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY.
EARLY TREATMENT COULD SAVE THEIR LIFE.