Which common foods are toxic to your pet?
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Which common foods are toxic to your pet?
Whilst many meals could be shared with our pets, there are a quite a few foods that we commonly include in our daily diet that are quite dangerous for our four legged friends. Over the next few months we will be having regular quizzes so take the test and learn more today!
Click on the question to reveal the answer.
Onions, leak and shallots are part of the Allium species of plants which are toxic to dogs and cats.
These vegetables are part of most healthy soups and casseroles that we enjoy during the cold winter months.
Just half a small onion is enough to cause toxicity in a 5kg cat or dog – that could be contained in an average serve of bolognese sauce!
It takes 1-5 days for the pet to become sick as this toxin affects the red blood cells which gradually leads to anaemia. By this stage it is difficult to treat without time in hospital and a blood transfusion if it is severe, so if your pet may have eaten onions contact us immediately.
Whilst we often hear of the benefits of red wine and sultanas are a popular snack for children these are highly toxic to some dogs and cats!
Exactly why this occurs is unknown and not all dogs and cats seem to be affected the same way, however in some individuals just a few grapes, sultanas, currants or raisins will cause kidney damage over the next few hours or days.
Please take care when eating these foods and don’t leave these foods within reach of your pets because they are sweet and your dog will love them!
Eating garlic is not proven to kill fleas on your pets but over time it just might kill your pet!
Garlic, (like onions, leaks and shallots) is part of the Allium species. Whilst a single clove of garlic shouldn’t harm your pet, giving a garlic capsule which is usually quite concentrated will harm a small dog of cat, particularly if it is being given for several days. Use garlic with caution around your cats and dogs.
Xylitol is becoming popular as a substitute for sugar to make reduced calorie treats. Whilst this is great for human waistlines this is not safe for dogs!
Less than a teaspoon of this sugar substitute can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels resulting in seizures, coma and liver damage in dogs. Its effect remains unknown in cats but it would be wise to avoid it.
Yes! Kumara, that lovely orange sweet potato is not part of the “potato” family and does not contain the toxin found in raw potatoes. Kumara is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, low GI and high in fibre so can be beneficial for your cats and dogs.
