Toxins
COMMON TOXINS AND DANGEROUS FOODS
- Raisins, sultanas, currants and grapes
- Chocolate
- Xylitol (a common artificial sugar, especially in chewing gum)
- Antifreeze (especially in cats)
- Garlic and onions
- Macadamia nuts
- Blue-green algae
- Alcohol, caffeine and tobacco
- Bread dough
- Cooked bones
- Human medication
- Cleaning products (these should be locked away)
- Rat poison
- Permethrin in cats (Insecticide commonly used in dog flea products)
- Mouldy foods can cause mycotoxin poisoning (keep bins secure)
- Poisonous plants: lilies (cats), daffodils, azaleas, tulips
- Objects that may cause a blockage if swallowed e.g. socks, toys, lollipop sticks and kebab sticks
Call your vet if your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have
- Try to find packaging from the substance swallowed (and have it with you when you phone the vet)
- If chewing plants is suspected, try to identity the plant.
- If the toxin is on your pet’s hair, stop them from licking it whilst on the way to the vets.
- Your vet may even ask you to wash their coat immediately with washing up liquid.
Useful links / contacts
- Chocolate Toxicity Calculator for dogs if your dog has eaten chocolate this will help you work out if it was a toxic dose. Remember to always call your vet if concerned.
- The UK poison helpline is a good source of advice: 01202 509000.
