Hazards for pets in the home

Here are some common injuries or poisonings to be aware about for your pet.  This list is not exhaustive: please call the surgery if you have any concerns.

Chocolate

Only a few grams of chocolate can be lethal to a small dog; larger quantities of chocolate can poison or even kill a medium or large dog.  Dark chocolate, particularly cooking chocolate, is especially dangerous.

Poisonous plants

Animals can become extremely ill or even die from eating poisonous plants.   Holly and mistletoe are extremely poisonous when eaten.  The poinsettia’s milky sap and leaves may cause severe stomach upsets.

Food wrappings

Aluminium foil and plastic food wrap can cause choking or intestinal obstruction: some dogs will eat the plastic wrapping with food remnants.  Aluminium foil can cut intestine causing internal bleeding and in some cases even death.

Bones

Booked bones can splinter and the bone fragments may pierce the intestines.  Don’t be tempted to give bones to dogs or cats

Human foods

Grapes, Raisins, Currants, and Sultanas – even a few of these fruits can cause kidney failure in some animals.

Onions, garlic, shallots: Can cause breakdown of blood cells 4-5 days later.

Peanuts, macademia nuts and mouldy food can cause convulsions

Xylitol, a sweetener, can result in a massive drop in blood glucose and liver failure in dogs.

Salt – can be very toxic even in small amounts, causing brain swelling.

Chemicals

Some types of slug bait and ant powder can cause convulsions and toad and snake venom are potentially dangerous in animals.