Human food--What is safe and unsafe for your pets?

Did you know that many of the foods you eat every day can be toxic to your pet? Here is a list of common foods that you should avoid and why:

• Grapes/raisins: acute kidney failure

• Onions/garlic: hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells)

• Chocolate: vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, excessive urination, and a racing heart rate. In severe cases, muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure can be seen.

• Xylitol (artificial sweetener): Severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which can result in seizure, collapse, coma and even death if not corrected. Can also cause liver failure.

• Macadamia Nuts: weakness in rear limbs, vomiting, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, hypothermia, seizure/muscle tremors

• Avocado: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort

• Alcohol: nausea, vomiting, thirst, urination, dehydration, lethargy, incoordination, disorientation, becoming cold (hypothermia), and low blood pressure. In severe cases, blindness, tremors, tetraplegia (paralysis), respiratory depression, coma, seizures or death.

• Coffee/Caffeine: racing heart rate, cardiac arrhythmia, muscle tremors, seizures

Safe and tasty ways to spoil your pet from your kitchen include: carrots, apples, watermelon, blueberries, cooked sweet potato or green beans. Always, of course, only in moderation!