03/19/2026
Another topic for Pet Poison Prevention Month! Many foods that are delicious and healthy for us, can actually be very toxic to your fur babies. This poster presents just a few of the most commonly found edibles in our homes that should be packed away safely to avoid accidental ingestion!
Alcohol ingestion will cause central nervous system depression, ataxia (wobbly gait), vomiting, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), potential respiratory failure, coma or death.
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. While these components are mostly safe for humans, in dogs and cats they can cause vomiting/diarrhea, hyperactivity, excessive thirst, cardiotoxicity, seizures, coma, and eventually death. Dark chocolate and baker's chocolate contain the highest levels of these ingredients and are the most likely to cause symptoms.
Grapes and raisins will cause acute kidney failure in cats and dogs. Some of the early symptoms of toxicity include vomiting/diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and lethargy. After 24 hours, symptoms will progress to acute kidney injury, tremors, seizures, and severe weakness.
Onions and garlic, which are a part of the allium family, can cause hemolytic anemia in your pet. Some signs include vomiting/diarrhea, loss of appetite, pale gums, rapid heart rate, weakness, and a reddish-brown colour to their urine. Garlic is considered 5 times more toxic than onions, and the powdered form of each is more dangerous to ingest than the whole.
Xylitol, a commonly found sweetener in sugar-free products such as gum, will cause your pet to become dangerously hypoglycemic. Even though xytlitol is not a sugar, it will still stimulate the pancreas to excrete large amounts of insulin, causing severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Signs of hypoglycemia include vomiting, lethargy, weakness, collapse, tremors, and seizures. Symptoms can appear within 30-60 minutes after ingestion, and it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
Macadamia nuts are considered toxic to dogs. They have a high fat content, which in humans is not dangerous, but in your dog, it can cause acute pancreatitis. Symptoms include vomiting/diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration, fever, and cranial abdominal pain. Some breeds are considered predisposed to pancreatitis, including Miniature Schnauzers, Terriers, Dachshunds, Miniature Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Green tomatoes and tomato plant parts contain compounds called solanine and tomatine, which cause mainly gastrointestinal signs, lethargy and weakness, ataxia, dilated pupils, and in severe cases, tremors and seizures.
Rhubarb stalks and leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals, with the leaves containing the highest concentration. Ingestion can cause severe kidney damage, hypocalcemia (the crystals bind with calcium in the blood and cause a dangerous drop in levels). Ingestion will cause immediate irritation of the mouth and GI tract, lethargy, weakness and kidney failure. This is very similar to antifreeze toxicity!
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic food item, contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. Make sure to bring the information provided to your veterinarian so treatment and supportive care can be started immediately!
Please reach out if there are any questions at 613-831-4580 🐾🍫🍇🧄🧅🍾
