The end of the school year is a season of celebration! Backyard barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings fill our calendars. And, as Memorial Day approaches, marking the official start of summer in Dallas and around the US, summer festivities are simultaneously kicking off. Warm weather events are perfect for making memories, but they also bring a hidden danger for our pets: exposure to foods that can be toxic or even deadly. As you enjoy the festivities, it’s crucial to know which foods to keep away from your furry friends. Today, we’re discussing foods that are toxic to pets and what to do if they are ingested.
Common Summer Party Foods That Are Toxic to Pets
Chocolate and Sweets
Chocolate is a staple at many parties and celebrations – chocolate cake, anyone?! – but it contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. Many candies, sugar-free gums, and baked goods also contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure in pets.
Grapes, Raisins, and Currants
Even small amounts of grapes, raisins, or currants can cause kidney failure in dogs. These are often found in salads, desserts, or as snacks at summer gatherings.
Onions, Garlic, Chives, and Leeks
These ingredients are common in dips, salads, and marinades. They contain compounds that can damage your pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Alcohol
Spilled drinks or unattended cups can be tempting to pets, but alcohol can cause severe intoxication, respiratory distress, and even death.
Avocado
Guacamole is a party favorite, but avocado skins and pits contains persin, a fungicidal toxin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart issues in pets. The avocado pit can also pose a choking hazard. Additionally, avocados are highly toxic to birds, ruminants, and horses. Plus, guacamole usually has onions, which, as I stated above, are a no-go for pets.
Fatty Meats and Cooked Bones
Fatty meats like bacon or ribs can trigger pancreatitis in pets. Cooked bones, especially from chicken or ribs, can splinter and cause choking or serious internal injuries. Always keep an eye on your pets around cooked bones and BBQ meats because they are a huge temptation, especially for counter-surfers!
Corn on the Cob
While corn itself isn’t toxic, the cob can cause dangerous intestinal blockages if swallowed
Salty Snacks
Chips, pretzels, and popcorn are loaded with salt, which can lead to sodium ion poisoning, causing vomiting, tremors, and seizures. In addition, the flexible plastic bags that many of these snacks come in can cause suffocation. Make sure you discard all bags and keep new bags store properly.
Coffee, Tea, and Caffeinated Drinks
Caffeine is highly toxic to pets, leading to rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors. The smaller the pet, the more dangerous it is for them, since it only takes a small amount to affect them.
Fruits with Pits (Peaches, Plums, Cherries, Mangoes, Apricots)
The pits of these fruits can be choking hazards and contain amygdalin, which breaks down into hydrogen cyanide, which is toxic to humans and pets.
Sugar-Free Gum and Candy
While you may not find sugar-free gum and candy at a party, you might find it in guests’ purses and backpack. These products usually contain xylitol. When ingested by dogs, xylitol can be fatal. It may affect cats too but research isn’t as extensive in cats as it is in dogs. For small dogs, it only takes a small amount to lead to complications and, potentially, death. In this video, a Dallas-based veterinarian explains how gum found in a person’s purse causes toxicity.
What To Do If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic
If you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous food, act quickly:
- Remove your pet from the area to prevent further ingestion
- Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless instructed by a professional
- Call a pet poison control hotline
Emergency Numbers to Call:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
(888) 426-4435 (available 24/7; a consultation $95 fee applies)
Pet Poison Helpline
(855) 764-7661 (available 24/7; a $89 incident fee applies)
Prompt action can save your pet’s life. Keep these numbers handy at all times!
Final Tips for a Safe Summer
- Keep food and drinks out of reach of pets at all times
- Inform guests about the dangers of sharing food with your pets
- Provide pet-safe treats so your furry friends can join the celebration safely
By staying vigilant and prepared, you can ensure your summer parties are fun and safe for every family member-including the four-legged ones.
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