In the kitchen:
1) Chocolate - It is the theobromine (caffeine-like stimulant) inside chocolate and cocoa powder that is toxic to dogs. The higher the concentration of caffeine (ie the darker the chocolate) and the smaller the dog the higher risk of toxicity. If your dog eats chocolate, please call us with the approximate amount of chocolate and type of chocolate and we can determine what the risk of toxicity is.
2) Xylitol - a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, candy, peanut butter, etc. The body treats this like sugar, in that it causes insulin levels to rise, which leads to depleted sugar levels in the body. Pets may seizure, shake, collapse, or become comatose from ingestion of xylitol!
3) Grapes, raisins and currants - These fruits can cause kidney failure so it is best to avoid giving them to your pet as a treat! If they like fruit, stick to apples, bananas, or melon instead!
4) Caffeine - Whether it is caffeine pills, tea, coffee, or soft drinks, this stimulant can cause neurological signs like seizures.
5) Fatty scraps - Although it is tempting to share table scraps with your dog, the fatty parts of meat or high fat cheeses can be known to cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), leading to vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and lethargy.
6) Onions, garlic, and chives - These vegetables can actually destroy the red blood cells in our pets so it is best to avoid giving them to pets.
7) Macadamia nuts - Signs of toxicity include weakness, joint pain, depression, and fever.
8) Unbaked bread dough - As raw bread dough rises, the yeast produces ethanol (alcohol). This can actually cause alcohol toxicosis in dogs! Avoid giving yeast-containing bread dough to your pet and make sure it is left in a part of the kitchen they cannot get to.
9) Alcohol - Alcohol ingestion can lead to vomiting, dehydration, disorientation, excessive drinking and urination, changes in blood pressure, etc. When enjoying a nice cold beer on the patio this summer please don't share it with your pet. Give them a nice cold water bowl instead!
10) Table salt - Excessive amounts of salt can cause dehydration and neurological signs like seizures.
In the bathroom:
1) Pain relievers - e.g. Advil, Tylenol
2) Vitamins - e.g. Vitamin D
3) Cold and allergy medication - e.g Sudafed
4) Antidepressants
5) ADD or ADHD medication
6) Anticonvulsant (seizure) medication
7) Anti-anxiety medication
8) Heart medication
9) Muscle relaxants
10) Sleep aids