01/22/2025
๐ซ๐ซ Foods Your Pet Should NEVER Eat! As pet owners, we want to share everything with our furry friends, especially during the holidays or mealtimes, but itโs important to remember that some human foods can be toxic to pets. Hereโs a quick list of foods you should avoid sharing with your pets to keep them safe and healthy:
Chocolate
Chocolate, incredibly dark chocolate, contains theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and, in severe cases, seizures.
Grapes and Raisins
These can cause kidney failure in both dogs and cats. Even a tiny amount can lead to serious health issues, including vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, and other allium family members can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia. Symptoms can include weakness, lethargy, and poor appetite.
Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol can cause dangerous symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, coma or death. Keep alcoholic drinks out of reach!
Xylitol
This sugar substitute, commonly found in gum, candy, and baked goods, can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, leading to seizures, liver failure, and even death. If your pet eats something containing xylitol, contact a vet immediately.
Cooked Bones
Cooked bones, like those from turkey or chicken, can splinter and cause choking or serious injury to your petโs digestive tract. Stick to safe, pet-approved chews instead!
Avocados
Avocados contain persin, which can be toxic to pets, especially birds and large animals. Avoid feeding avocado to your pet.
Fatty Foods
Fatty foods can cause pancreatitis in pets, which can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, and even more severe conditions. Avoid sharing greasy or fatty foods with your pet.
Dairy Products
Many pets are lactose intolerant, so giving them milk, cheese, or ice cream can cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Caffeine
Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and specific energy drinks, is highly toxic to pets. It can lead to restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and even death.
What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Dangerous:
If you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful, contact us immediately at 256-434-5290. The sooner you act, the better the chances for a quick recovery.
At Madison Veterinary Emergency, we help when you need us most! Keep these foods out of reach to ensure your pets stay happy and healthy.
Stay safe, and keep those treats pet-friendly! ๐พโค๏ธ