Harmful Substances for Dogs and Cats

Overview

At Animal Republic Veterinary Hospital and ER, we believe in proactive care and education to keep your pets safe from potential hazards. Many common household items, foods, plants, and medications can be toxic to pets, leading to severe health issues or even death. Here is a comprehensive list of harmful substances that should be kept out of reach of your furry friends.

Harmful Foods to Avoid

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and seizures.
• Grapes and Raisins: May lead to kidney failure, presenting symptoms like decreased urine production and lethargy.
• Onions and Garlic: Can damage red blood cells, resulting in anemia and weakness.
• Alcohol: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, coma, and death.
• Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks; can lead to restlessness, rapid heart rate, and muscle tremors.
• Xylitol: A sugar substitute that can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure.
• Avocado: Contains persin, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
• Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.
• Bones and Fat Trimmings: Risk of pancreatitis, intestinal blockages, or choking.
• Raw Dough: Can expand in the stomach, causing blockages and producing alcohol.
• Dairy Products: Many pets are lactose intolerant, leading to digestive upset.
• Salty Snacks: Can cause excessive thirst, urination, and sodium ion poisoning.
• Raw Meat and Eggs: Risk of salmonella or E. coli infection, as well as biotin deficiency from raw eggs.
• Mushrooms: Certain types can be toxic, causing gastrointestinal upset, liver damage, or neurological symptoms.

Harmful Plants to Avoid

• Azalea: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, and severe cardiac issues.
• Oleander: Extremely toxic, leading to severe heart issues, vomiting, diarrhea, and death.
• Sago Palm: Contains cycasin, which can cause liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, and death.
• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane): Causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
• Lilies: Particularly toxic to cats, causing kidney failure.
• Philodendron: Causes oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and drooling.
• Castor Bean: Contains ricin, which can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and death.
• Rhubarb: Can cause kidney failure and gastrointestinal issues.
• Poinsettia: May cause mild irritation to the mouth and stomach.
• Tulips: Contain toxins leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
• Aloe Vera: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and changes in urine color.
• Yew: Contains taxines that are highly toxic, causing sudden death due to cardiac failure.

Harmful Medications to Avoid

• Ibuprofen and Naproxen (NSAIDs): Can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and death.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Toxic to cats, leading to liver failure and damage to red blood cells.
• Antidepressants: Can cause vomiting, lethargy, tremors, and seizures.
• Cold and Flu Medications: Contain ingredients like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, which are toxic to pets.
• Diet Pills: Can cause hyperactivity, elevated heart rate, tremors, and seizures.
• Human Vitamins and Supplements: Especially those with iron, Vitamin D, or calcium.
• Prescription Medications: Includes ADHD medications, sleep aids, and blood pressure medications.

Other Harmful Substances to Avoid

• Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol): Sweet-tasting but deadly, causing kidney failure.
• Rodenticides: Can lead to bleeding disorders, seizures, or death.
• Insecticides: Flea and tick treatments meant for dogs can be toxic to cats.
• Cleaning Products: Bleach, ammonia, and other cleaners can cause burns and poisoning.
• Heavy Metals: Lead, zinc, and mercury can cause severe toxicity.
• Recreational Drugs: Marijuana can cause lethargy, vomiting, tremors, or death.
• Nicotine: Found in tobacco and nicotine products, causing rapid heart rate, tremors, and death.