The following table contains a list of substances that can be harmful, even lethal, for our cats and dogs. Some are obvious, others may surprise you.
| Substance | Found In * | Can Cause | Dogs/Cats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Beer, wines, Spirits | Coma or death | Dogs/Cats |
| Alkaloid Muscarine | Mushrooms | Liver and kidney damage | Dogs/Cats |
| Arsenic, Warfarin | Rat Poison | Vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, convulsions, collapse, death | Dogs/Cats |
| Caffeine | Coffee, Tea, Soft drinks | Coma or death | Dogs/Cats |
| Calcium Chloride | De-icing salts on roads & pavements | Paw irritant. Can also be poisonous if licked off | Dogs/Cats |
| Citrus Acid | Citrus Fruits, Fruit Drinks | Vomiting, diarrhoea | Dogs/Cats |
| Cyanogenic Glycosides | Fruit Seeds and Stones | Cyanide poisoning | Dogs/Cats |
| Ethylene Glycol | Antifreeze | Vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, seizures, severe kidney damage and even death | Dogs/Cats |
| Heptane | Fabric Furniture Protectors/Cleaners | Irritation of the respiratory tract, coughing, depression of the central nervous system and cardiac arrhythmia and possible death. Skin contact causes redness and blistering | Dogs/Cats |
| Human Vitamins | Health Supplements | Liver and kidney damage | Dogs |
| Macadamia Toxin | Macadamia nuts, | Weakness, tremor paralysis | Dogs |
| Melamine | Adhesives and Laminates | Kidney and bladder damage | Dogs/Cats |
| Metaldehyde | Slug Bait | Vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, convulsions, collapse, death | Dogs/Cats |
| Methylxanthine | Chocolate, Coffee | Vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, seizures, death | Dogs |
| Microcystin | Blue green algae - cyanobacteria in ponds and lakes late summer | Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, shock, death | Dogs |
| Nutmeg | Food Flavouring | Seizures, nervous system damage | Dogs |
| Oxalates/ Glycoalkaloid Solanine | Rhubarb Leaves Green Tomatoes Green Potatoes | Damage to digestive, nervous and urinary system | Dogs/Cats |
| Penitrem A mycotoxin | Walnuts | Seizures | Dogs |
| Persin | Advocados | Vomiting, diarrhoea, respiratory distress, fluid retention, possible death | Dogs/Cats |
| Phenol | Household Cleaning Products | Mild to severe stomach upsets, digestive tract burns | Dogs/Cats |
| Phenoxy Herbicides | Weed Killers | Various cancers | Dogs/Cats |
| Theobromine | Chocolate | heart failure | Dogs/Cats |
| Thiosulphate | Onions, Garlic | Kidney damage/anaemia | Dogs/Cats |
| Toxic Vapours | Numerous household products, such as carpet cleaners. Also fire retardants in carpets and furniture | Liver and kidney damage, cancer, birth defects | Dogs/Cats |
| Unknown mycotoxin | Grapes, raisins | Acute renal failure | Dogs |
| Various Pesticides** | Pet shampoos, deodorisers, flea collars, flea sprays etc | Allergies, Auto immune illnesses | Dogs/Cats |
| Various plant toxins | Numerous household plants such as Poinsettias, Lily, Hyacinth & Philodendrons. Also, various outdoor plants such as Ivy, Yew and Laurel. *** | Vomiting, kidney damage, death | Dogs/Cats. Lilies are particularly toxic for cats |
| Xylitol | Sugar-free Foods | Liver failure | Dogs |
| Yeast Dough | Bread making | Digestive system rupture | Dogs/Cats |
* Don’t forget some of the foodstuffs listed here can also be hidden ingredients in other foods. For example, gravy often has onion powder in it.
** Dangerous pesticides can be included in products such as flea collars that are in continual contact with your pet’s skin and therefore may be a potential source of ill health.
*** There are over 500 plants that are known to cause problems, so play safe and keep all household plants away from your pets. Outside, discourage pets chewing on anything you do not know to be OK.
If you have anything to add to this list, please let us know.
