Azaleas and Rhododendrons: Cats and Dogs
Azaleas and rhododendrons give gardens a pretty in pink-vibe, but your pets won’t be sitting pretty if they eat them. While these flowers are known for their beauty, they’re highly toxic since they contain grayantoxins.
Ingestion of just a few leaves of azaleas and rhododendrons can cause serious issues and it interferes with normal skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and nerve function. This includes everything from digestive upset, loss of appetite, and diarrhea to weak heart rate, comas, and death.
Grapes and Raisins: Cats and Dogs
When it comes to foods that are toxic to dogs, most people know that grapes and raisins are one of them. While many fruits are fine to feed to dogs, grapes and raisins aren’t one of them as they’re extremely toxic to them. They’re also not good for cats.
Grapes and raisins can lead to renal failure in dogs. Time is of the essence if your pet has consumed these foods and no amount is safe. Be aware that raisins can be found in trail mixes, snack bars, cookies, and breads.
Chocolate: Cats and Dogs
We bet you’ve heard that dogs should stay far far away from chocolate, but what about cats? Actually, while you don’t hear about it often, chocolate is also toxic for cats. It has caffeine and theobromine, which can interfere with your pets’ heart rate and nervous system.
When it comes to chocolate, the most toxic is cocoa powder, and milk and white chocolate are less dangerous. When ingested chocolate can cause, vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, abnormal heart rhythm, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and death.
Spinach: Dogs
Spinach is one of the healthiest foods for humans and in general it’s okay for dogs and cats. But while dogs can eat spinach, it’s not one of the best vegetables to give them as it’s high in oxalic acid, which blocks the body’s ability to absorb calcium and can lead to kidney damage. Your dog would have to have a lot of spinach for this to be an issue.
Still, spinach’s safety for dogs is controversial as it contains lots of healthy nutrients, but the same nutrients can be found in dog food. If you’re thinking of giving your dog the leafy green, consult with your veterinarian first.
Cashews: Cats and Dogs
When it comes to nuts, besides for Macadamia nuts, there’s mixed views on if you can feed them to your pet. We tend to err on the side of caution that it’s better not to feed them nuts because they’re high in fats and oils and can lead to your pet getting pancreatitis or becoming overweight and having related health problems like diabetes or joint issues.
If you’re going to feed your pets cashews, do it in moderation as a treat, but make sure you get unsalted ones. They’re not necessarily bad for pets, but they’re not good for them either.
Avocados: Cats and Dogs
Avocados are one of the most loved foods around the world, especially by millennials, but they’re toxic to pets. No matter how trendy avocado toast is, don’t feed it to your furry friends.
Not only can pets choke on the pit if they swallow it, the leaves, fruit, seeds, and bark of avocados have persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are also especially sensitive to avocado poisoning and it can lead to congestion, difficulty breathing, and fluid accumulation around the heart.
Salty Snacks: Cats and Dogs
Have you ever sat down for a Netflix night and had a huge bowl of popcorn in your lap and your furry friend sitting next to you? It’s the life. Even if your cat or dog is begging for some of your salty snacks, it’s best not to give it to them.
Large amounts of salt can lead to excessive thirst, urination, and sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet has had too much salty foods include vomiting, tremors, diarrhea, increased body temperature, seizers, and death. Just like you get thirsty when you have popcorn, chips, and pretzels, your furry friend will as well.
Cheese: Cats and Dogs
So, if cats and dogs shouldn’t have milk, cheese also shouldn’t be fed to them—right? In this case yes. Even though cheese is full of healthy fats and protein, as mentioned before, pets don’t handle dairy products well.
They don’t have enough lactase to break down the lactose in cheese which can lead to diarrhea and digestive problems for cats and dogs. While dogs love cheese, it’s better to give them a dog treat when they’re begging.
Coffee: Dogs and Cats
While we may enjoy an occasional cup of coffee, think twice before sharing your cup of joe with your pet. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a harmful stimulant for dogs and cats. While small amounts are unlikely to create harm, small amounts of caffeine can elevate heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature and can cause panting, vomiting, and even seizures.
It’s best to keep dogs and cats away from coffee. If they do accidentally ingest coffee or a caffeinated beverage, watch out for symptoms in the following hours and contact a pet poison helpline if any occur.
Cherries, Peach Pits, Apple Seeds: Cats and Dogs
By now we’re sure you’ve heard that cherry pits contain cyanide. While people know to spit out cherry pits, cats and dogs don’t, so cherries should be kept far away from them. The stems, pits, and leaves have cyanide, which prevents cells from taking in oxygen and enough of it can be lethal.
One cherry pit may not result in your pet getting cyanide poisoning, but it can get stuck in its digestive track and lead to a blockage. Cherry pits aren’t the only fruit that has cyanide—it’s also found in peach pits and apple seeds.
Wild Mushrooms: Cats and Dogs
There are tons and tons of different kinds of mushrooms and most of them are totally okay to eat, but there are a small number of poisonous species for both people and pets. The range of toxicity varies and some can be deadly. Being able to tell which ones are okay and which ones are toxic is difficult and they grow in wet, warm weather.
When walking your dog, don’t let them near any wild mushrooms because like us, they won’t be able to tell which are toxic. They can affect an animal’s central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and liver.
Raw Eggs: Cats and Dogs
Eggs are a great source of protein and fat for cats and dogs. Eggs should be given as a treat for pets and in moderation, not as a meal replacement. Just like humans shouldn’t eat raw eggs, they shouldn’t be given to your pets either.
Not only do raw eggs contain Salmonella, they also have avidin which decreases the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin, and can lead to skin and coat problems. If you’re thinking of feeding your pets eggs, prepare boiled, scrambled, or sunny side-up ones.
Lilies: Cats
We’ve mentioned that there are tons of plants toxic to cats and lilies are one of the most dangerous. While the gorgeous purple flower can give your home a spring and summer vibe, even just minimal exposure to the plant requires treatment. Exposure to any part of the plant can cause kidney failure in cats within 36-72 hours.
In addition to be founding in the house, lilies can grow in gardens or be found in bouquets, so make sure to check them next time you get flowers.
Onions: Cats and Dogs
Like garlic, onions are also dangerous for cats and dogs. They’re part of the same plant family which also includes chives and leeks. While garlic is the most toxic of them, you shouldn’t feed any of these foods to your pet.
Next time you chop an onion, make sure your pet doesn’t get a bite while your eyes are full of tears. Also keep an eye out for onion powder which is found in many foods like chips and breads.
Cleaning Supplies and Detergent: Cats and Dogs
You wouldn’t ingest cleaning supplies and neither should your pets. Sure, that’s pretty obvious, but you also shouldn’t keep cleaning supplies in places where your cat or dog can get to them.
Among the ones to keep from their reach are bleach, essential oils, fabric softener sheets, and vinegar. Carpet fresheners and carpet shampoos are fine for pets, but make sure the area is dry before your pet comes back to the area. In general, when using cleaning products, keep your pets away and let the product dry and air it out before they return.
Oranges: Dogs
If you’re snacking on a delicious juicy orange, feel free to give your dog a slice so they can enjoy the deliciousness as well—just make sure you’re not giving them more than a bite.
After all, the acidity and sugar can cause major tummy aches for your pups. If you notice tummy trouble after your dog consumes an orange, you might want to chat with your vet.
Coconut: Cats and Dogs
While some dog owners are encouraged to add coconut oil to their pet’s diet, coconut and coconut-based products can cause an upset stomach, bloating, loose stools, or diarrhea in your furry friends.
Coconut has a high fat content and the MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) found in them isn’t safe for pets in large quantities. Additionally, don’t give you pets coconut water because it’s high in potassium. Giving your dog small amounts as a treat from time to time in generally okay and coconut oil has even been shown to benefit their coat and skin.
Ibuprofen: Cats and Dogs
While people debate which over-the-counter painkiller is better—Tylenol or Advil, both are toxic to cats and dogs. Ibuprofen and Advil like Tylenol and acetaminophen shouldn’t be given to your pets. If your cats or dogs are in pain, contact a veterinarian who will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs specifically made for pets.
Ibuprofen ingestion can cause stomach ulcers, diarrhea, abdominal pain coma, seizures, kidney failure, and death. Cats are even more sensitive to the painkillers than dogs, so be careful. The child lock on pills isn’t just great for kids, it prevents pets from opening it.
Secondhand Smoke: Cats and Dogs
Not only is secondhand smoke bad for humans, it’s also harmful to pets. While you probably won’t find your dog or cat smoking a cigarette, they could get their paws on cigarette butts or nicotine gum.
If your pet injects any form of nicotine or tobacco products, contact your vet immediately even if they’ve vomited it up. Nicotine can increase your pet’s heartrate and cause seizers, respiratory issues, tremors, coma, and death. Also, if you have pets, don’t smoke in your house as it puts your pets at risk for eye infections, allergies, and respiratory issues.
Broccoli: Dogs
We love broccoli, but did you know it’s not very good for our furry friends? While it’s okay to give our pups a small amount of broccoli—without any seasonings or oils of course—it’s not a good idea to give them too much.
That’s because broccoli contains a compound called isothiocyanates which causes gastric irritation in dogs. Feel free to let your pups have a small bite, as long as you’re not making broccoli part of their main diet.
Xylitol (Sweetener): Cats and Dogs
You may’ve not heard of xylitol, but we’re sure you’ve had it before. It’s a sweetener found in gum, candy, toothpaste, peanut butter, and baked goods. While you may choose to go sugar-free, it’s not good for pets as it causes an increase in insulin and leads to hypoglycemia.
Signs to look out for include vomiting, loss of coordination, and lethargy. Things can quickly progress to seizures and liver failure within just a few days. So, think twice when deciding if you want to go sugar-free.
Alcohol: Cats and Dogs
There’s nothing like unwinding at the end of a long work day with a glass of wine, but make sure you’re the only one sipping it. Alcohol is not only in drinks, it can also be found in baked goods, especially during holiday season.
Like people, animals can get alcohol poisoning which leads to vomiting, decreased coordination, diarrhea, difficult breathing, coma, and death. But it happens much quicker for animals. The good news is most of the time pets vomit up the alcohol, but it’s still absorbed quickly.
Energy Drinks: Cats and Dogs
We’re not sure why you would want to give your pet a sip of your energy drink, but if you’re thinking about it—don’t do it! Caffeine is dangerous for pets and these drinks are loaded with them.
Like soda, coffee, and tea, energy drinks can cause vomiting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, and diarrhea. In severe cases it can lead to seizures, tremors, and death. If you want to give your pet energy, try catnip for cats or taking your dog for a walk.
Corn on the Cob: Cats and Dogs
Once summer rolls around, corn on the cob is a staple. Eaten at barbeques and picnics, chances are your pet has tried to eat it too. While some of the barbeque food is a big no-no for pets, corn in small quantities won’t harm your pet. In fact, you’ll find it in many cat and dog foods and it can be part of a well-balanced diet.
Even though corn is safe for pets, corn on the cob isn’t. There’s a high risk your precious animal will choke on it and it will cause intestinal blockage. Signs that you pet has ingested the cob include lethargy, dehydration, reduced activity, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
Vitamin Supplements: Cats and Dogs
Many of us take dietary supplements on a daily basis to be healthier, but ones that are helpful to us can be dangerous or fatal to your pets. It’s important to keep your supplements far from your cats and dog’s reach.
Common supplements that are harmful to furry friends include alpha lipoic acid, coffee extracts, iron, and vitamin D. Xylitol, which was mentioned earlier, can be found in many supplements, especially chewable or fast-melting ones. If you’re thinking you pet is low on vitamins and nutrients, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
Monstera Plant: Cats and Dogs
By the point, if you’re planning on getting plants for your house, do your research. Monstera Plant, which goes by Swiss Cheese Plant, Cutleaf Hilodendron, Hurricane Plant, Ceriman, and Mexican Breadfruit, has become one of the most popular house plants, but like Golden Pothos and lilies, it’s toxic to cats. This one also happens to be dangerous for dogs.
When ingested it can cause burnings and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. So, if you love plants and have a pet, you may be better getting plant wall art or fake ones.
Tuna: Cats and Dogs
Have you ever opened a can of tuna in front of your cat? They go crazy! Even though cats love tuna, you should be careful with how much tuna you give your cat due to its high mercury levels. Tuna has higher levels of mercury than other fish and can result in mercury poising which can be fatal. Dogs shouldn’t eat tuna so don’t let them eat from the cat’s bowl as lots of wet cat food contains tuna.
Perhaps it’s best to feed you cat food made with another type of fish. Tuna from time to time is okay for cats, but tuna on its own won’t meet your cat’s nutritional needs.
Garlic: Cats and Dogs
Garlic enhances the flavors of even the most basic dishes. From pizza and pasta to salads and stews, garlic is a kitchen essential. When cooking with it, make sure you don’t leave any out on the counter or drop it on the floor because it can cause red blood cell damage and gastrointestinal irritation in cats and dogs.
While cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a lot of it is consumed. Nausea, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common symptoms that you pet has gotten their paws on garlic. Be mindful that garlic and garlic powder is found in many foods, so always ready labels before feeding your pets.
Zinc (Pennies): Cats and Dogs
Have you ever had the scare of your children eating pennies? It’s really frightening as they contain zinc but did you know that the mineral is also poisonous to cats and dogs? And coins aren’t the only thing that contain zinc, it’s also found in nuts, bolts, and topical ointments.
When zinc is consumed, it breaks down and is absorbed in the stomach and it can destroy red blood cells, damage the liver, and lead to kidney or heart failure. Signs of zinc poisoning include pale gums, weakness, vomiting, and discolored urine.
Hot Peppers: Cats and Dogs
Between all of the fruits and vegetables that cats and dogs can’t eat, it’s hard to know which ones are okay. Bell peppers are actually food for your pets because they’re full of nutritional value. Red bell peppers are the best because they pack the most vitamins and minerals.
While bell peppers are good for your pets, never add seasoning or salt to the peppers and don’t feed it to them if they’ve been mixed with onions or garlic. Never give your pets the spicy varieties like jalapeños or Chili peppers.
Tomato Plants: Cats and Dogs
Have you ever tried to grow tomatoes? It takes a lesson in patience. Tomatoes add a ton to salads, pastas, and sandwiches, and fresh ones in moderation are okay for dogs. But the rest of the plant isn’t as it contains solanine, which is toxic to pets. If you’re growing tomatoes in your garden, make sure your pets don’t get to them.
Eating the plant can cause weakness, depression, gastrointestinal problems, dilated pupils, and slow heart rate. If you have a tomato plant, consider fencing it off or watching your furry friend while they’re exploring the garden.
Soy Sauce: Cats and Dogs
Asian food isn’t complete without a generous helping of soy sauce. But soy sauce is really high in sodium and not only is it not great for people, it’s really not good for pets. A single tablespoon of soy sauce has around 850 to 900 mg of salt. To be honest, we had no idea there was that much salt in soy sauce!
While salt was once used to induce vomiting in pets, it can cause more harm than good, and it’s not used anymore. Which is enough reason not to share your takeaways with your pets.
Sago Palms: Cats and Dogs
Another popular houseplant that turns your home into a tropical oasis are Sago Palms. While they’ll make you feel like you’re on an island adventure, all parts of this plant are toxic, and the seeds are the most dangerous to cats and dogs. The plant contains cycasin which can cause liver failure and death.
Some signs of poisoning to look out for include vomiting, bloody stools, jaundice, increased thirst, and bruising. Sadly, according to the ASPCA, 50-75% on ingestion leads to death.
Raw Meat and Bones: Cats and Dogs
Many people think that cats and dogs should be able to eat raw meat and bones because they are a domestic species of carnivorous animals. Wildcats and wolves eat meat in the wild, so shouldn’t cats and dogs be able to do the same?
Well, no. Raw meat contains bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli that is harmful to pets and humans. Bones may seem like a healthy option, but they are a choking hazard and they can get stuck or puncture the pet’s digestive track.
Bacon: Cats and Dogs
How can it be that bacon isn’t healthy for your pets? Isn’t it found in lots of pet treats? Bacon has tons of flavor, but it also has tons of salt, grease, and a high fat content. It can lead to liver and pancreatic problems.
Not only that, it can cause your pet to get dehydrated and bloated due to the high salt content. If you want to feed your pet bacon, only give them a really small amount or use it as a treat for training.
Ice Cream: Cats and Dogs
During the summer there’s nothing like ice cream to cool you down, but can you give your pets a bit of your vanilla ice cream? No. Pets shouldn’t be having ice cream because they have difficulty digesting lactose. Dogs and cats are even more lactose intolerant than humans.
The good news is you can enjoy ice cream with your pet. Did you know they make ice cream specifically for cats and dogs? You don’t have to feel guilty about enjoying your summery treat while you’re with your furry friend.
Cinnamon: Cats and Dogs
Does your pet beg you for a bite of your cinnamon scone? Have they ever knocked cinnamon off the spice rack? If so, you’ve probably questioned if cinnamon is okay for your furry friends. The good news is it isn’t toxic to cats and dogs, but in large quantities it can cause indigestion.
Chewing on cinnamon sticks or consuming ground cinnamon or essential oils can cause irritation in your pet’s mouth and inhaling it can cause them to choke, cough, or have difficulty breathing.
Caffeine: Cats and Dogs
While many of us start our morning with a cup of coffee or tea, make sure your pets don’t get a sip of it. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda, and caffeine supplements can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactive, and spiked heart rate. Sometimes it can even lead to seizures, tremors, and death.
Let’s face it—do your cats and dogs really need more energy? If you want to get your cat excited, stick to catnip. Dogs will pretty much get hyper from the mention of a “walk”.
Milk: Cats and Dogs
So, can cats have milk? You’ve probably heard that cats love milk and while this may be true, it’s not good for them. It’s also not good for dogs. Pets are actually lactose intolerant.
While it’s not toxic for them, pets don’t have enough lactase which breaks downs the lactose in milk, and because of this, dairy-based products can give them an upset tummy and diarrhea. Which is pretty much what happens to people who are lactose intolerant and have milk products. It’s not pretty.
Macadamia Nuts: Dogs
Next time you have a delicious cookie and your dog is begging for a bite, don’t share it with them as it may contain macadamia nuts. The same goes with storing Macadamia cookies in a cookie jar—make sure it is far out of reach from your canine.
Macadamia nuts are poisonous and can cause weakness, trembling, lethargy, vomiting, and tremors. While macadamia nut poisoning is milder than some of the other items on this list, it still requires veterinary care.
