Human Foods – Summertime Hazards

Many of us are spending more time at home with our pets. Often this leads to sharing “just a little bit” of our foods and treats with our best friends. With summer winding down, people are outside sharing food at family gatherings,. Many of us will bring our pets along. But did you know that some human foods can cause your pet to become seriously ill and even die? Some of these hazards you may have already heard about. Others may surprise you.

Many Human Foods Contain Artificial Sweeteners Which Can Be Deadly to Pets

Many “sugar-free” and “lo-carb” foods contain the artificial sweetener, xylitol. It is difficult to keep track of where it will appear next. Originally a sweetener in hard candies and gum, it is now found in peanut butters, baked goods, drink powders, puddings, protein bars, ketchup, barbecue sauces, pancake syrups, and even toothpastes. Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar in pets. Low blood sugar can result in vomiting, weakness and wobbliness, seizures, and death. Even if you pet makes it through the early signs of xylitol intoxication, a few days after ingestion liver failure commonly occurs. Read ALL labels on any processed food very carefully before even thinking about sharing with your pet. Don’t just assume a little bit of barbecue sauce covered chicken is a safe treat.

Salty Snacks and Alcohol

Who doesn’t like a cold beer and some potato chips at a summer picnic. But think twice before sharing these with your host’s adorable begging pooch. Salty snacks can lead to sodium overloading. This results in vomiting, tremors, seizures, and even death. If the pet has a heart condition, salty snacks could push it into congestive heart failure. Alcohol can be a very strong central nervous system depressant in pets. Signs of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, decreased coordination, difficulty breathing, coma and death.

Snacks Like Raisins, Grapes, Macadamia Nuts

Don’t share your trail mix with your pet while out on a hike. Raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure. Certain dogs seem to be highly susceptible. Macadamia nuts can cause tremors, elevated body temperature, vomiting and weakness. Signs generally appear 12-48 hours after ingestion. Better to bring along fresh water and a few dog biscuits for your trail buddy.

Corn on the Cob and Fried Chicken

Don’t you just love freshly roasted corn on the cob drizzled in butter? So will your dog. However, that corn cob, if swallowed in whole or in chunks, is one of the most common causes of foreign body surgery in dogs during the summer months. Make certain all plates are cleared away and trash secured from sniffing noses. That fried chicken poses a multiple hazards. Not only are the bones a potential choking hazard or gut piercing hazard, the rich fat in the skin and crispy fried surface can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially life threatening pancreatitis. Any dunking sauce served along side may contain xylitol. Best to steer clear for your pet.

Next time you bring your pet along to the picnic, bring along pet safe snacks. Put some in small containers so others can share them with your pet. Keep everyone safe and healthy and have a fun time.

The ASPCA has a list of common foods that can be hazardous to your pet’s health. You can also read about other common household hazards on the AVMA website.