15 human foods toxic to your dog or cat

Some foods we eat without concern are toxic, sometimes fatal, for dogs or cats. Here are 15 to know and never leave within reach.

The classic ones

1. Chocolate

Contains theobromine, which dogs eliminate very poorly. Dark chocolate is the worst: 50 g can kill a small dog. Symptoms: vomiting, trembling, convulsions, cardiac arrest.

2. Grape and raisins

Mechanism still poorly understood, but acute kidney failure possible from a few grapes in a sensitive dog. No "safe" dose known — we ban it.

3. Onion, garlic, leek, chive

Destroy red blood cells (hemolytic anaemia). The cat is even more sensitive than the dog. Watch for pot-au-feu leftovers, pizza, onions in a burger.

4. Xylitol (fake sugar)

In chewing gum, sugar-free candies, some peanut butters and toothpaste. Causes sudden drop in blood sugar and liver failure. 0.1 g/kg is enough to poison.

5. Avocado

Contains persin, toxic to many species (especially birds and rabbits). In dogs/cats, mainly digestive risk but the pit is a dangerous foreign body.

Less well-known but just as serious

6. Raw bread dough

Continues to ferment in the stomach: distension + alcohol produced = torsion and intoxication.

7. Macadamia nuts

Specifically in dogs: hind leg weakness, tremors, hyperthermia.

8. Alcohol

Dog liver cannot handle it. One sip of beer = hypoglycemia, possible coma in small size.

9. Caffeine

Tea, coffee, energy drinks. Same effect as theobromine, worse.

10. Cooked bones

Break into shards and perforate the intestine. Raw bones are debatable, cooked bones are always dangerous.

From daily life we forget

11. Milk and dairy products

Most adult dogs/cats are lactose intolerant. Diarrhoea guaranteed.

12. Regular canned tuna

For cats, at high dose: mercury + vitamin E deficiencies. Never as sole food.

13. Stone fruits (cherry, peach, apricot, plum)

Pits = cyanide + risk of intestinal obstruction.

14. Green tomato and stems

Solanine in green parts is toxic. Ripe tomato in small quantity, OK.

15. Excess salt

Crisps, cured meats, seawater: causes salt poisoning (trembling, convulsions).

What to do if ingestion is suspected?

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1. Note what was ingested, amount, and time.

2. Call a vet or animal poison center immediately.

3. DO NOT induce vomiting without advice (some products worsen injuries).

4. Transport the animal with the packaging if possible.

Antidotes exist for some poisonings (xylitol, chocolate) but time works against you: every hour counts.

Prevent

• Sealed trash bags, especially after celebrations.
• Holiday chocolates out of reach (often the worst time).
• No table scraps "to make it happy".
• Educate children and visitors: "don't give anything without asking".