Toxic Foods and Plants Every Pet Owner Should Know About

Image from Southern Animal Health

As pet owners, we love to spoil our furry friends with treats and toys, but some of the most common foods and plants around our homes can be dangerous—even deadly—to pets. Knowing what to avoid and how to keep your pets safe is key to preventing accidental poisoning. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most toxic foods and plants to be mindful of.

Toxic Foods for Pets

1. Chocolate

   • Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate are particularly dangerous. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, and seizures.

   • Tip: Keep all chocolate out of reach, especially during holidays like Halloween and Christmas when it’s more abundant.

2. Grapes and Raisins

   • Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs and possibly cats. Even a small amount can be toxic and lead to vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite, followed by severe kidney issues.

   • Tip: Be extra cautious during the festive season when dried fruits might be used in baking or left out as snacks.

3. Onions and Garlic

   • Both onions and garlic (whether raw, cooked, or powdered) can damage red blood cells in pets, leading to anaemia. Dogs and cats are particularly sensitive to these ingredients, with symptoms including weakness, vomiting, and breathlessness.

   • Tip: Always check food ingredients and avoid giving table scraps that may contain these harmful elements.

4. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)

   • Xylitol, commonly found in sugar-free gum, sweets, and some baked goods, can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar in dogs, leading to seizures, liver failure, or death. Even small amounts can be life-threatening.

   • Tip: Store sugar-free products in secure cabinets and check labels for xylitol before feeding any human food to pets.

5. Avocados

   • While avocados are healthy for humans, they contain persin, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and birds. The flesh, pit, and skin all pose a threat. Ingesting avocado can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and in some cases, pancreatitis in dogs.

   • Tip: If you enjoy avocado regularly, keep them stored securely and dispose of peels and pits carefully.

6. Alcohol

   • Pets should never consume alcohol. Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, and in severe cases, respiratory failure or coma.

   • Tip: Never leave alcoholic beverages unattended where your pet might access them.

7. Caffeinated Beverages

   • Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated products can be dangerous to pets, causing hyperactivity, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and tremors.

   • Tip: Keep all caffeinated drinks and coffee grounds out of reach, and clean up any spills immediately.

Toxic Plants for Pets

1. Lilies

   • Lilies are extremely toxic to cats. Even ingesting a small amount of any part of the plant—leaves, pollen, or petals—can cause kidney failure in cats. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and a lack of appetite.

   • Tip: If you have cats, avoid bringing lilies into your home entirely. Opt for pet-safe plants like orchids or roses instead.

2. Sago Palm

   • The sago palm is a popular ornamental plant, but it’s highly toxic to both dogs and cats. All parts of the plant, particularly the seeds, can cause liver damage, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, and even death.

   • Tip: If you have pets, consider avoiding sago palms or replacing them with a safer option.

3. Aloe Vera

   • Aloe vera is a common household plant used for its healing properties, but it can cause vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhoea in pets if ingested. The toxic compound in aloe is aloin, found in the latex of the plant.

   • Tip: If you keep aloe vera plants in your home, make sure they are placed out of your pet’s reach.

4. Tulips and Daffodils

   • Tulips and daffodils are beautiful flowers that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and more serious issues like convulsions and cardiac problems if ingested by pets. The bulbs are especially toxic.

   • Tip: If you have these flowers in your garden or home, ensure pets are kept away from both the plants and any bulbs you may be planting.

5. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

   • Dieffenbachia is a common indoor plant that can cause severe irritation to your pet’s mouth and throat if ingested. It can lead to drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.

   • Tip: If you have cats or dogs that are prone to chewing on plants, avoid having dieffenbachia in your home.

6. Tomato Plants

   • While ripe tomatoes are generally safe for pets, the green parts of the plant, including leaves and stems, contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and confusion.

   • Tip: If you grow tomatoes, fence off the area or keep the plants out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

7. Azaleas and Rhododendrons

   • These popular garden plants contain grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, and more severe symptoms like tremors, coma, or even death if ingested by pets.

   • Tip: If you enjoy gardening, consider planting pet-friendly flowers or shrubs that are known to be non-toxic.

What to Do If Your Pet Ingests a Toxic Food or Plant

If you suspect your pet has consumed a toxic food or plant, contact your vet immediately or reach out to a pet poison helpline. Symptoms of poisoning can vary depending on the substance, but it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent further complications.

Some common symptoms of poisoning include:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Lethargy or weakness

• Tremors or seizures

• Difficulty breathing

• Excessive drooling

Final Thoughts

Keeping our pets safe means being vigilant about what we bring into our homes and gardens. By staying aware of the most common toxic foods and plants, you can create a safer environment for your pets and avoid potentially life-threatening situations.