Pet Poison Helpline releases Top 10 Pantry of Pet Poisons

Top 10 Pantry of Pet Poisons infographic (Photo courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline).

In light of National Poison Prevention Week—March 20, 2022, to March 26, 2022—Pet Poison Helpline toxicology experts analyzed their case data and created a list of the top 10 potential pet poisons commonly found in a pantry. They also developed an infographic to illustrate these pet dangers.

"Most people don't realize that common household foods for human consumption can be toxic to pets, especially if they consume them in large quantities," said Renee Schmid, DVM, DABVT, DABT, a senior veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, in an organizational release.¹

"Many pets join the family in the kitchen, and often have access to the pantry. Hidden inside that pantry are a number of items that are either dangerous on their own or contain ingredients that can be toxic to pets,” she added.

Below are Pet Poison Helplines Top 10 Pantry of Pet Poisons¹:

#1. Alcohol

Even when ingesting small amounts, animals are at a high risk of developing alcohol poisoning. They can experience low blood sugar, lethargy, and seizures.

#2. Chocolate

If it is darker chocolate, it contains more methylxanthines, increasing the risk of poisoning. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and agitation. Large ingestions can cause heart rhythm changes and seizures.

#3. Coffee beans/grounds

Caffeine is universally a stimulant that can result in tremors and a racing heart in animals.

#4. Garlic and onion

Garlic and onion may cause vomiting and diarrhea. Either could also cause anemia and other red blood cell changes depending on how much the pet ingested due to sulfur-containing oxidants.

#5. Macadamia nuts

This food can cause difficulty walking in canines which is especially a danger around stairs. Other risks include joint pain and pancreatitis.

#6. Raisins

Ingesting only several raisins may cause kidney injury for animals. Early symptoms consist of vomiting and lethargy.

#7. Salt

Avoid giving pets salt as excess salt can cause vomiting, tremors, and seizures.

#8. Tea

Small dogs and cats can ingest an excessive amount of caffeine from a bag of tea and all pets may have trouble passing the bag with a string.

#9. Xylitol/Birch sugar (eg, gum, mints, sugar-free products, protein bars, specialty peanut butters)

Xylitol/birch sugar can cause seizures from low blood sugar and possible liver failure in dogs.

#10. Yeast

Yeast organisms make alcohol and lots of gas through fermentation when mixed into a dough. The dough can expand in the stomach, blocking the dough and gas from passing through. The alcohol produced can cause alcohol poisoning.

Reference

Pantry of pet poisons. News release. Pet Poison Helpline. March 16, 2022. Accessed March 16, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pantry-of-pet-poisons-301503486.html