HGTV – We all know that our pets love to eat human food whenever they get the chance, and while certain foods are actually good for their health, like blueberries and cantaloupe, some can make them very sick or even put their lives in danger.
To discover some of the foods you likely have at home right now that aren’t safe for your pets, read through this helpful list.
Grapes and Raisins
Dr. Liz Moses, emergency veterinarian at Veterinary Emergency Group in Tampa, Florida, further explains that cats and dogs simply lack the necessary enzymes to properly digest some of the foods that we eat regularly.
One notable food that’s toxic to cats and dogs is grapes. Although experts are unsure as to what part of the grape is toxic (There is speculation that the skin is to blame.), grapes and raisins can both cause kidney damage and possible failure, according to Dr. Moses.
Macadamia Nuts
“Similar to grapes and raisins, we are unclear why Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs,” Dr. Moses says. “However, they can cause vomiting, ataxia [poor muscle control], weakness, hyperthermia [increased body temperature] and depression.”
Almonds
Macadamia nuts aren’t the only nuts that are poisonous to pets. Dr. Miller adds that almonds are also toxic.
Pistachios
“Due to their size, many nuts, such as pistachios, present a choking hazard to pets, whose teeth are not designed for eating nuts like humans’ are,” Dr. Miller says.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a big one when it comes to toxic foods for pets. Dr. Moses says that the caffeine and theobromine in chocolate stimulate a pet’s central nervous system and heart. Symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhea along with more serious symptoms like abnormal heartbeat, muscle tremors and seizures …
