Our pets go crazy for treats and most of us enjoy giving them treats as a reward or simply because it makes them happy. Although there are commercially available pet treats, it is sometimes hard to resist those sad begging eyes when we are eating. It is important to remember that their digestive systems are not made the same as ours and some of the foods we enjoy can be dangerous and even deadly to pets. The following is a list of things you should never offer your pets and what problems they can cause. (Information from an article by Ahna Brutlag for DVM magazine - full article can be seen on http://veterinaryteam.dvm360.com/firstline/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/670931)

Grapes, Raisins and Currants: Dogs, cats and ferrets can develop acute kidney failure from eating these fruits. Not all animals can get sick but to those who are sensitive even a small amount can be deadly. Signs of acute kidney failure include lethargy, vomiting, increased drinking and urination.

Caffeine: Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, diet pills, and chocolate. Within two hours of exposure, pets may experience mild to severe hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, tachycardia (elevated heart rate), hypertension (elevated blood pressure), abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), seizures, and could collapse.

If you believe that your pet has ingested a poisonous food or chemical, call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately.

For information on potential toxins, you can call the Animal Poison Hotline at (800)213-6680 or visit their website at www.petpoisonhelpline.com. There is a fee on a per-case basis.

Chocolate: Chocolate contains Theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine. The darker the chocolate, the larger the Theobromine content. Signs from toxicity can be as mild as indigestion and as severe as pancreatitis. Large amounts of Theobromine will cause the same signs seen with caffeine ingestion as described above. Severity of disease is directly related to the amount consumed. If your pet eats chocolate, make sure you have information available on what kind, how much chocolate was ingested, and how much your pet weighs prior to contacting your veterinarian or poison hotline.

Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods. When ingested by dogs, it can cause a fast and severe drop in blood sugar, and result in loss of coordination, vomiting, seizures, and liver damage. A single piece of gum can be toxic to a 10 pound dog. Cats and humans do not have this reaction.

Onions, Garlic, Chives and Leeks: These vegetables cause red blood cell destruction and result in anemia. Signs include lethargy, pale gums, increased breathing and heart rate.

There are people that believe garlic is a good method of flea control. The fact is that it is not effective and it can be dangerous to pets, especially when given raw.

Yeast-bread Dough: Uncooked bread dough will rise when ingested, resulting in gastric obstruction and potentially torsion. This is a life threatening situation which requires surgical treatment. The fermentation of the yeast releases alcohol and can cause alcohol poisoning. Signs of toxicity include retching, lethargy, weakness, elevated heart rate, collapse, and shock. See below for alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol: Alcohol is not only found in alcoholic beverages but can also be found in rum-soaked cakes and dressings. It is also a by-product of yeast fermentation. Signs of alcohol toxicity include neurological depression, decrease in body temperature, low blood pressure, seizures, and respiratory failure.

Fatty Foods: Butter, grease, meat drippings, oils and chocolates can cause pancreatitis when ingested. This can be a serious disease and can be deadly if untreated. Signs , which may take up to four days to occur, include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and decreased appetite.

Not all ‘people food’ is toxic to pets. The following is a list of items that are not only safe but also low in calories:

• Apples
• Peas
• Green beans
• Unsalted, unbuttered popcorn
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Zucchini
• Squash
• Ice chips (Freeze cubes of diluted beef or chicken broth for a real frozen treat for non-allergic dogs.)
• Lettuce
• Blueberries