Pet Education

Toxic Treats for Dogs + Cats

What’s good for you may not be so good for your pet. Many common human medications, including some over-the-counter products, can prove fatal to dogs and cats. It is crucial to always check with your veterinarian prior to giving your pet any medication. There are also certain foods which, although healthy for humans, can be dangerous to our four-legged companions.

The following table lists some of the more common drugs and foods which pets should not receive. BUT if you ever have questions about whether a medication or a food is safe for your pet, ask your vet first!!!  If you suspect your pet has consumed one of the items on this list, seek immediate veterinary care.

by Rhonda Schulman, DVM

Bad for DOGS…
MEDICATION SIGNS TOXIC DOSE
Acetaminophen Liver damage and necrosis- abdominal pain, vomiting, anorexia, jaundice Toxic at dose of 2 regular strength tablets per 10 lb of body weight
Xylitol (artificial sweetener, often found in sugar-free gum) Xylitol causes insulin to be released which dangerously lowers blood sugar levels. Dogs may vomit, become ataxic (appear incoordinated), appear weak or depressed, seizure or become comatose. One piece of gum can be toxic in a small dog.
Grapes and raisins Kidney damage manifested as increased drinking and urinating, potentially vomiting, anorexia or depression. Unknown!
Macadamia nuts Weakness, depression, vomiting, incoordination, joint and muscle pain and swelling Toxic at levels as low as ½ nut per pound of body weight
Bad for CATS…
MEDICATION SIGNS TOXIC DOSE
Acetaminophen Difficulties breathing, facial swelling, brown gums, vomiting, bloody urine One regular strength tablet can prove fatal to a cat!
Bad for BOTH...
MEDICATION SIGNS TOXIC DOSE
Aspirin (high doses) Vomiting (vomitus may contain digested blood which looks like coffee grounds), abdominal pain, rapid breathing, fever, depression. May also damage kidneys and/or liver. Check with your vet for an appropriate dose to use for anti-inflammatory properties
Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) Vomiting (vomitus may contain digested blood which looks like coffee grounds), abdominal pain, rapid breathing, depression, diarrhea. May also damage kidneys and/or liver. As little as 1 tablet per 10 lb of body weight can be toxic
Chocolate Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures. Depends on the type of chocolate consumed. Dark chocolate contains more of the toxic compounds.
Onions and garlic Vomiting, pale gums and lethargy due to anemia Both raw and cooked can be toxic. Onions are more toxic.
Marijuana Depression, incoordination, dilated pupils, vomiting, tremor, weakness, disorientation, slow heart rate Ingestion most common source of marijuana toxicity.