26 East Baltimore Street
P.O. Box 669
Funkstown, Maryland 21734
301.733.7579


 

TOXIC FOODS

Chocolate and Coffee:  Theobromine and caffeine are the toxic compounds in chocolate.  Even though they are relatively harmless to humans they are toxic to our pets. Different types of chocolate have different levels of Theobromine and caffeine.  Milk chocolate has the least amount of these compound, followed by dark chocolate, baking chocolate, and surprisingly cocoa powder has the highest levels at over 700mg/oz.  The cocoa bean itself is high in theobromine, and coffee beans and grounds are high in caffeine.  It does not take much to reach toxic levels and signs can start with vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or restlessness, and quickly progress to hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, pancreatitis, cardiac arrhythmia or respiratory failure leading to death.  Early detection and intervention can save your pet's life.

Xylitol:  Xylitol is a sugar substitute used in a wide variety of sugar free products.  It can be found in anything from Chewing gums and candy to jams, dental care products, and even all natural bath scrubs and shampoos.  Xylitol is safe for humans, but can cause severe even fatal symptoms if ingested by dogs. Absorption of Xylitol is fast.  Sypmtoms can occur within 30 minutes after ingestion and it doesn't take much to cause fatal results.  Xylitol can cause Hyperglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), acute liver damage and death.  Therefore, if you suspect your pet has ingested even a small amount of Xylitol it is important to get your pet to your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY!

Onions, garlic, chives etc. All from the Allum species Onions cause anemia Signs such as vomiting, anorexia, hypersalivation, weakness leading to renal failure. Onions are more toxic for cats, and certain more susceptible breeds of dogs (Akitas and Shiba Inus for example)
Macadamia Nuts Exact cause of clinical signs in dogs is unknown Clinical signs are- weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia; can be seen within 12 hours of ingestion Double trouble if coated with chocolate One of more milder toxins
Grapes As of right now only seen in dogs Cause is unknown Quantity is unknown, type of grape or raisin is irrelevant No deaths reported
Yeast dough and Alcohol Effects liver same as in people Any amount of alcohol ingested by an animal should be considered a problem. Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, inebriation, coma, hypoglycemia, and death DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING Signs can occur within 25 minutes Contact Veterinarian Immediate!!!!!

Questions regarding web page e-mail Erin@funkstownvet.com