What not to feed: unsafe foods for pets

Avocado is not poisonous to dogs and cats, but it can cause some digestive issues. It is very high in fat, which can cause pancreatitis or diarrhea. This fruit also has a very large pit, which can cause choking or a foreign body obstruction in a dog’s digestive system if they swallow it.

Bread dough, or any type of dough made with yeast, is not safe to feed pets. Yeast rises and ferments in the stomach, creating a lot of gas. This can cause discomfort or pain, and can even cause rupture of the stomach and intestines if your pet eats enough of it.

Fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes contain citric acid, especially in the peels. The very acidic nature of these fruits can cause digestive upset and vomiting.

Coconuts contain high amounts of oils that are not easily digested by pets. This high oil content can cause digestive upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Dogs and cats are “lactose intolerant.” They do not have very much of the enzyme lactase, which helps break down lactose, the sugar found in milk. Therefore, consuming too much dairy can cause digestive upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Nuts contain high amounts of fat. Pets who consume too many nuts can have vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.

Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a chemical which affects the nervous system and kidneys. Drinking ethylene glycol can cause vomiting, depression, increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, and seizures. It is very important to keep all car products out of reach of pets and wildlife. Never dispose of any car products outside, and ensure that if you spill something in your yard or driveway, it is cleaned up properly according to the directions on the label. 

Feeding vitamin and mineral supplements to pets can cause nutrient imbalances that could be potentially fatal. Other types of supplements can poison pets as well, depending on their ingredients. Some human supplements contain xylitol, which is toxic to pets. Always keep supplements out of reach of pets.

Visit Supplements for much more information.

Not much is known about essential oil safety. Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, so manufacturers do not have to back up any claims they make. Many essential oil manufacturers and distributors claim that oils can cure, prevent or treat disease. These claims have not been evaluated by the FDA, and therefore essential oils should never be used as medication. Additionally, as safety studies have not been performed for the majority of essential oils, they should never be ingested by anyone, human or animal. Various different essential oils can be toxic to pets, whether they are applied to the skin, inhaled, or ingested. Essential oil poisoning can cause skin and digestive irritation as well as nervous system depression. It is safest to not use essential oils on or around your pet.

Various chemicals found in home cleaning products can be dangerous if your pet accidentally ingests them. Make sure all household cleaners are stored safely where your pets can’t access them. 

Holly berries contain many toxins that can act on the heart and digestive system. Ingestion of even a few holly berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Lilies are toxic to cats when they are eaten or even chewed on. Lilies contain an unidentified toxin which causes kidney failure. Cats who eat or chew on lily leaves or flowers can have vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, depression, excessive salivation, stumbling, tremors, excessive meowing, abnormal urination, and seizures. Lilies should always be kept out of reach of cats.

Mistletoe contains several toxins, both known and unknown. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, pupillary dilation, rapid breathing and heart rate, shock, and death within hours of ingestion.

Poinsettia contains toxic principles in its sap. It can cause salivation and vomiting, but is not known to cause death.

Sago palm contains a compound that converts to a toxin in the intestines, producing free radicals and causing severe vomiting, liver damage, and liver failure. Ultimately, this can lead to death. 

All drugs, whether over-the-counter, prescription, or recreational, contain different chemicals which cause varying symptoms and illnesses in our animal companions. Always keep drugs (even animal drugs) out of reach of pets, and never give pets any medications unless their veterinarian instructs you to do so.

NSAIDs 

• Aspirin – Aspirin is especially toxic to cats, but can cause issues for dogs as well. This medication can cause clotting disorders, which can be fatal. Pets who consume aspirin can have internal bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, weakness, fever, fast breathing, and dehydration. Illness can lead to seizures, coma, and death. Never give aspirin to pets (unless prescribed by a veterinarian), and keep all medications out or your pets’ reach.

• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) – Like aspirin, cats are especially susceptible to ibuprofen toxicity. Pets who consume ibuprofen can have digestive upset (vomiting, ulcers, and bleeding), kidney failure (low body temperature and diarrhea), and neurological signs (weakness, tremors, and seizure). This condition can be life-threatening. Make sure you never give ibuprofen to dogs or cats, and keep all medications out or your pets’ reach.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Cats are especially sensitive to acetaminophen toxicity, but dogs are also affected by this medication. Pets who consume acetaminophen can have vomiting, depression, weakness, difficulty breathing, blue or yellow gums, and swollen face or paws. Pets can rapidly decline and potentially die. Do not give pets acetaminophen, or allow them to have access to this medication.

Marijuana 

Cats and dogs are very sensitive to THC. THC is a chemical found in marijuana, and it can even be found in over-the-counter “CBD oil” products. CBD oil and other marijuana products are not approved by the FDA to prevent, treat, or cure any disease (with only three human drug exceptions). Therefore, CBD-containing products are not regulated, and there is no guarantee of their purity or safety. (See Supplements for additional information.) 

Pets who consume marijuana or other marijuana-containing products can have many symptoms such as increased salivation, depression, stumbling, swaying, aggression, difficulty swallowing, and dribbling urine. Signs can lead to coma, which can be life-threatening. It is safest to never allow your pets access to marijuana or products containing THC or CBD.

Tobacco products

Tobacco can cause panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching, depression, and fast heart rate when consumed by dogs or cats. Pets can also collapse, fall into a coma, have a heart attack, or stop breathing, leading to death. Always keep tobacco products out of pets’ reach.

US pennies minted after 1982, or Canadian pennies minted between 1997 and 2001, contain a metal called zinc. Zinc can damage the liver and kidneys of dogs when ingested. Dogs who eat pennies or zinc-containing products can develop brown urine, yellow gums, vomiting, and lethargy. Always keep small objects like coins out of reach of dogs.

Herbicides (like organophosphates & carbamates) can be toxic when they touch the skin or if they are ingested. Exposure can cause muscle tremors, increased urination and defecation, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and excessive drooling. Always store lawn products safely out of the reach of animals.

Many rodenticides contain anticoagulant, which causes internal bleeding. Animals that eat mouse or rat baits can have weakness, lethargy, depression, fast heart rate, fast breathing, and sudden death. If you use rodenticides, ensure they are well out of reach of your pets.