09/03/2025
If you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, please note the amount ingested and contact us or the Animal Poisons Centre as soon as possible. Whilst some foods may just cause gastro-intestinal upset, others can be life threatening. Avocado All parts of the Avocado plant contain persin. Ingestion can result in gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea. Serious poisoning in dogs is rare however some other animals such as birds are much more susceptible to toxicity. Chocolate Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine which are both toxic to dogs and cats. Chocolate toxicity is dependent on the type of chocolate, the amount ingested and the size of your pet. Chocolate poisoning in dogs can be life threatening so always call us or the Animal Poisons Centre if you suspect your dog has ingested any. Grapes, Sultanas, Currants and Raisins These can be dangerous in any quantity and can result in kidney injury and failure in dogs. The cause is unclear, however symptoms include repeated vomiting and lethargy. If your dog has a habit of stealing food off the table, be sure to put dried fruit out of reach. Macadamia Nuts Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia (high body temperature) in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 12 to 48 hours. Onions Onions contain compounds called disulfides and thiosulphates which can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. The severity can range from minor gastrointestinal effects to a potentially serious, life-threatening haemolytic anaemia. Garlic, chives, leeks and other Allium species contain the same compounds. Initial signs of ingestion may include vomiting and diarrhea, however more concerning signs may take days to appear as red blood cell changes occur. Salt or salty foods Avoid feeding salt-heavy snacks like potato chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn to your pets. Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, seizures and even death. Xylitol Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. Xylitol is particularly toxic to dogs, causing insulin release resulting in dangerous low blood sugar levels.
Small animal veterinary hospital that provides Surgical, medical and preventative care for your animals.
