Toxic Table Scraps
Posted by VIP Pet Insurance
Sharing "just a bite" of food off your plate with your pet is harmless, right? Wrong. Many human foods can be toxic - even deadly - to dogs and cats.
VPI Pet Insurance wants to help all pet owners avoid tragedy by spreading the word on common household items that can harm pets.
Post this information on your refrigerator and warn others about the dangers of giving human food to animals.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic in any form - even powdered - can endanger your pet's health. Effects can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe anemia.
Chocolate
Cocoa and chocolate contain theobromine, a chemical that can affect heart rhythm and cause vomiting, diarrhea and seizures if ingested by pets.
Grapes and Raisins
Just a handful of grapes or raisins can damage your dog’s kidneys or even prove deadly. Even small amounts in trail mix or snack boxes can be dangerous.
Caffeine
Coffee, tea, energy drinks, dietary pills or anything else containing caffeine should never be given to your pet, as they can affect the heart,
stomach, intestines and nervous system.
Yeast Dough
Unbaked dough that contains yeast can expand and release gases in your pet’s stomach or intestines, resulting in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even
life-threatening bloat and twisted stomach. Some yeast dough also ferments into alcohol, which can cause alcohol toxicity.
Sweeteners
Many sugarless gums and candies contain xylitol, a sweetener that is acutely toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting, weakness, a
life-threatening drop in blood sugar, loss of muscle control, seizures and liver failure.
Accidents can happen at any time, to any pet.
Be prepared for the unexpected with VPI Pet Insurance.
VPI covers accidental poisonings, injuries, illnesses and more.
If you ever suspect that your pet has ingested something harmful, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice.
Pet Poison HelplineTM (800-213-6680) is available 24/7, 365 days a year.*