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Common Foods and Plants that are Poisonous to Pets

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As pet parents, we want to protect our animals and keep them healthy. But did you know that many common foods and plants are toxic to cats and dogs? March 18 – 24 is NATIONAL ANIMAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK and our friends at Petcurean have important tips for protecting your pet and avoiding hazardous materials.

poisonous plants for pets

March may be a month for luck and good fortune, but did you know that the iconic shamrock is actually toxic to cats and dogs? You may be surprised by how many common household plants and human foods are poisonous to pets.

While most instances of poison result in mild to moderate symptoms like discomfort, diarrhea or vomiting, some foods and plants can cause major health issues and even death.

WHAT TO AVOID FOR DOGS:

Chocolate
Most pet lovers know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs. Chocolate is harmful because of a toxic agent called theobromine, which can make your pup extremely ill and even lead to death.

Grapes
A lesser-known fact, grapes can lead to kidney failure in dogs. If you want to give your pup a sweet and healthy treat, opt for blueberries instead.

Mushrooms
If you have a dog that spends a lot of time outside, it’s crucial to check your yard for mushrooms. There are many species of mushroom that are toxic to pets, such as the Amanita phalloides or ‘Death Cap’ mushroom, a potent poison at only 3 grams. Since there’s a multitude of other species that can harm your pet, it’s best to keep your lawn clean of any mushrooms just to be safe.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous mushroom, take them to the vet and bring the mushroom so the clinic can identify what type of toxin or poison they are dealing with.

WHAT TO AVOID FOR CATS:

Tuna
Although tuna is the classic delicacy for a cartoon cat, you should only feed your cat tuna when it’s produced in a cat food format. Tuna made for humans can cause digestive problems in your cat if fed as an occasional treat. Feeding them tuna on a more consistent basis can cause a painful condition called steatitis, or inflammation of the body’s fat.

Dairy products
Perhaps as iconic as cats and tuna, cats and milk are also a popular pairing. However, as cats age, they can become lactose intolerant causing them to vomit or have diarrhea after ingesting dairy.

Lilies
The most common type of lily is toxic to cats only. If your cat eats a lily, it can lead to kidney failure which, if not treated quickly, may result in death.

HARMFUL PLANTS:

Many common plants can have negative effects on your beloved pet.

poisonous plants for pets

Aloe
There are more than 500 species of aloe vera, all of which are poisonous to your pet. Its toxin, saponin, acts as a defense mechanism and will harm your pet if ingested.

English Ivy
English Ivy is one of the most common forms of ivy to grow along the sides of walls and fences, making them easily accessible by outdoor pets and therefore, especially dangerous.

Sago Palm
This plant is also a common landscape feature, but a little more difficult for your pet to eat. However, Sago Palm is highly poisonous to pets and can even be fatal.

Shamrocks
While relatively harmless in small quantities, a large consumption of shamrocks can lead to kidney failure in your pet.

Some foods, such as grapes, chocolate, and onions, are dangerous to both cats and dogs. The ASPCA has a detailed list of foods that are poisonous for pets.

If your pet is exhibiting any of the below behavior, they may be reacting to something poisonous and should be taken to a vet for immediate attention. You can also call the Animal Poison Control Center 24/7 at 855-764-7661 for less urgent concerns or questions.

  • Vomiting or Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Weakness or Lethargy
  • Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
  • Uncoordinated movements
  • Excessive drooling (ptyalism)
  • Seizures
  • Coma

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Written by Janice Croze, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
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6 Comments

  2. We have a grape vine growing in our garden, but we have a fence around our garden, mostly as decoration. Now I’m especially glad that it’s there because it keeps our dog safe from eating the grapes! This is very good information to know! Thank you!

    Reply

  3. I know from personal experience about how toxic mushrooms are to dogs because my dog almost died from eating the wild ones in our backyard a few years ago.
    Another thing to never feed your dogs is MACADAMIA NUTS or walnuts because my dog went into toxic shock and almost died from eating macadamia nuts. Each time it cost $2500 at the emergency over night vet.
    As you can tell my poor dog has gotten into trouble and it’s cost me a lot of money but now he’s almost 12 and I’d pay anything to keep him safe.
    Thanks for this great post !!!!

    Reply

  4. This is really useful information. We have dogs and cats. We have often fed our cats tuna from a can of regular “people food” when our catfood supply was low. I did not know it was bad for them – thank you!!

    Reply