We all know there are things in our home that could be harmful to our precious pets. You may have extra candy, flowers, or even guests.
Here is a reminder of a few that could be harmful to your dogs and/or cats. This list is not complete, but hits a few items that will likely be around your house this weekend.
These items can be toxic to your cats:
Parsley – toxicity concern with parsley is photosensitization. Photosensitisation is when the skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight and will more readily become sun-damaged. It can be very painful and, in extreme cases, can lead to loss of extremities such as ear tips. Reactions of curly leaf and spring parsley tend to be more severe.
Lilies (true lilies) – Can cause kidney failure. If you aren’t sure, keep it away from your cat. Calla Lilies and Peace Lilies are less harmful, but should still be avoided and can cause irritation of the mouth, airways, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Citrus Fruits – due to the essential oil extracts of d-limonene and Linalool. Stems, leaves, peel, and seeds are also toxic. Large enough quantities can cause depression of the central nervous system leading to tremors, seizures, or death.
Tulips, Hyacinths, & Irises – all parts of these plants can be irritants for dogs or cats, but the bulbs can be deadly. Watch for digging dogs or cats around these plants!
These items can be toxic to your dogs:
Xylitol (Artificial sweetener) – this is made from birch trees. It can be beneficial for dental like prevention of cavities, plaque, dry mouth, bad breath and mineralizing tooth enamel. Can be found in toothpaste, mouth freshening sprays, and mouthwash. Also used in candy, nasal sprays, gum, and other foods. Check your labels. It can cause a rapid decrease in blood sugar in dogs and lead to seizures or death.
Chocolate (especially dark chocolate) – this is pretty common knowledge. The culprits are theobromine and caffeine which are naturally occurring. When these are absorbed too fast by the gastrointestinal tract it puts extreme stress on the liver.
These items are toxic to both cats and dogs:
Grapes (Raisins) – are toxic to both cats and dogs, can cause kidney failure. Keep in mind that wine would fall here and should never be consumed by dogs or cats. Alcohol of any kind is not good for your pets.
Onions & Garlic – are toxic to both cats and dogs, can cause hemolytic anemia which bursts the red blood cells and will break down red blood cells in cats. While no amount of onion is safe for dogs, some small quantities of garlic can be used in dogs as recommended by your vet, but best to be avoided.
Macadamia nuts – this was new to me. There have been no deaths, but can make a pet pretty miserable.
- Be mindful of the ingredients that are on your counter (if you have surfers) and things that fall to the floor.
- Some small children snack on raisins, but sure to supervise they are not sharing their treats with the family pet.
- Avoid an expensive vet visit or loss of a pet by knowing what is and is not safe for your pet.
The ASPCA as well as other internet sources can let you know what food items or plants are safe for your fur babies. Best to look it up and always be safe.