Notes From the Vet, Dr. Jim Lowe-Common Holiday Foods Dangerous to Dogs & Cats

Posted by Tomlyn on Nov 11th 2015

One of the wonders of the holidays is the unbelievable variety (and amount) of special foods prepared to celebrate the season.  Failure to pay attention to preventing your pet’s access to these foods can cause your time of celebration to turn into a medical emergency.  The following list contains some common foods dangerous to dogs and cats.  Take note that these foods may also be found as ingredients in main dishes or be encountered by inquisitive pets investigating the trash can.

  1.  Alcohol
    1. System Affected:  Central Nervous System
    2. Toxic Agent:   Ethanol
    3. Clinical Signs:  Vomiting, diarrhea, coma, death
  2. Chocolate/Coffee
    1. System Affected:  Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular System
    2. Toxic Agent:  Methylxanthines
    3. Clinical Signs:  Abnormal heart rhythms, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures
  3. Grapes/Raisins
    1. System Affected:  Urinary
    2. Toxic Agent:  Unknown
    3. Clnicial Signs:  Vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure
  4. Nuts
    1. System Affected:  Gastrointestinal
    2. Toxic Agent:  Oils, fats
    3. Clinical Signs:  Vomiting, diarrhea
  5. Onions
    1. System Affected:  Gastrointestinal, respiratory
    2. Toxic Agent:  Thiosulphate
    3. Clinical Signs:  Breathing difficulty, yellow gums, anemia
  6. Xylitol
    1. System Affected:  Liver
    2. Toxic Agent:  Xylitol
    3. Clinical Signs:  Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hypoglycemia
  7. Yeast
    1. System Affected:  Gastrointestinal
    2. Toxic Agent:  Ethanol
    3. Clinical Signs:  Bloating, alcohol intoxications (raw dough)

 

If you believe your pet has been exposed to any of these agents, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

 

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets