Human Food That Poisons Pets

In 2009, the Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reported over 17,400 cases of pet poisonings by human food. Food products ingested by humans often contain chemicals and organic compounds that can be toxic to animals. Learning what groceries in your kitchen can be harmful to your furry family members can protect your pets from illness and possible death.

  1. Onions, Garlic, Chives

    • Onions, garlic and chives cause gastrointestinal distress in cats and dogs resulting in diarrhea and vomiting. Ingested in large amounts, these herbs and vegetables produce Heinz bodies on the red blood cells of pets, a type of inclusive cell damage that results in acute anemia. Left untreated, acute anemia can lead to organ failure and eventual death of the pet. The ASPCA says that the small amounts found in pet treats will probably not harm your pet, but they recommend that you not give your pet large quantities.

    Black Walnuts

    • Horse owners need to be aware of the dangers of allowing horses to eat the fruit and bark of black walnut trees. Black walnuts contain naphthoquinone, an organic compound that produces toxic effects within 24 hours of exposure. Horses become depressed and reluctant to move. They experience increased pulse, respiration, and temperature and abdominal sounds that can result in severe diarrhea. With continued exposure to the toxin, hoof temperature increases, the animals show edema--water retention--in their lower limbs, and become lame. These symptoms often progress to laminitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the lamina, or lining, of the hoof wall. Immediate treatment typically resolves symptoms within 24 to 48 hours, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.

    Chocolate

    • Chocolate contains two compounds, caffeine and theobromine, that can be toxic to your dog. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate possess higher concentrations of these chemicals that can be particularly toxic to pets. When eaten in large amounts, dogs become hyperactive and restless, and may experience twitching muscles, excessive panting and increased urination. They can vomit and suffer from severe diarrhea. Blood pressure levels increase and animals suffer from tachycardia, a rise in heart rate. If left untreated, your dog could have a seizure and become comatose. PetPlace vets state that seeking emergency treatment for your dog is necessary to resolve the toxic effects of chocolate and possibly save your dog's life.

    Grapes and Raisins

    • Some dogs that ingest large amounts of grapes and raisins, ranging between 9 ounces and 2 pounds, can develop kidney failure, say the veterinarians at the PetPlace website. They recommend that you contact your vet immediately for aggressive treatment if your dog eats these foods.

    Avocados

    • The leaves, fruit, seeds, stems and skin of avocados cause cardiovascular problems in birds and pocket pets including gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs. These animals can suffer from blood disorders and heart failure if they ingest this particular fruit, says the Healthy Pet website of the American Animal Hospital Association. Avocados function as a gastrointestinal toxin for dogs. These pets can develop diarrhea, begin vomiting and may progress into pancreatitis, a severe inflammation of the pancreas that requires veterinary treatment to be resolved.