July 2009 - Vol 4 Issue 7

Protecting Pets
Foods to avoid giving your pet
by Michelle Gibeault Traub, R.D.

We love them like family, so it’s easy to forget just how different pets are from humans. While chocolate is a special treat for us, it can be deadly to our furry friends. And, although we know better than to nosh on an entire pack of calcium supplements, animals aren’t aware of the risks. That’s why we must keep our pets safe by following helpful advice provided by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Dangerous foods for dogs & cats

Dogs and cats can be sneaky little devils. In the blink of an eye they can grab table scraps or counter surf to get to foods that smell appealing. The following foods can be particularly toxic to pets; it is important to store them in closed containers and in pantries where animals can’t access them:

- Alcoholic beverages
- Avocado
- Chocolate (all forms)
- Coffee (all forms)
- Fatty foods
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Raisins and grapes
- Salt
- Yeast dough
- Garlic
- Products sweetened with xylitol

You wouldn’t leave your medications, supplements, or chemicals out for your children to get into them. So, it is best to think of your animals as your furry little kids. They don’t know better and will sometimes eat anything they can get their little paws on. Keep the following items out of their reach:

Medications 
- Pain killers
- Cold medicines
- Anti-cancer drugs
- Antidepressants
- Vitamins (like Adora Calcium)
- Diet Pills

Common Household Hazards
- Fabric softener sheets
- Mothballs
- Antifreeze
- Liquid potpourri
- Ice melting products
- Rat and mouse bait

Why is chocolate bad for pets?

It is hard to comprehend how something like chocolate, which is healthy to humans in moderate amounts, can be so dangerous for dogs and cats. But, don’t be tempted to even give them a taste. Chocolate can contain high amounts of fat and stimulants known as methylxanthines. When a dog eats chocolate in significant amounts they can experience a variety of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases. Dark chocolate contains the greatest amount of methylxanthine and only 2 ounces of baking chocolate can cause problems in a 10-pound dog. Although cats are not as likely to seek out chocolate the way dogs do, given its toxic potential, it is still important that they not be given chocolate either. If a large dog consumes a small amount of chocolate, he may have nothing more than a belly ache. But, smaller animals can be at greater risk.

If your pet has consumed chocolate, or any other items that could cause harm, contact your veterinarian or consult the ASPCA’s poison control site for more assistance.

References  / Resources:

• A Poison Safe Home retrieved 6/26/09 LINK


• People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets retrieved 6/26/09 LINK


• Ask the Expert – Poison Control – Chocolate retrieved 6/26/09 LINK

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