Poisons in the Pantry

By: Lorelei Prichard DVM
About the author

Pet owners are often tempted to give their pets treats while in the kitchen, but there are some human foods that are potentially toxic to pets. Pets are not little people! Four of the most common poisonings that you may (or may not) have heard of include chocolate, raisins or grapes, Xylitol (artificial sweetener) and macadamia nuts. Armed with knowledge, one can avoid these “poisons in the pantry”!

Chocolate: Keep this confection off the counters and behind closed doors. The fat and sugar in the chocolate can create an unpleasant but temporary upset stomach, but chocolate is toxic because it contains theobromine and caffeine. Dogs are extremely sensitive to both, and symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures and abnormal heart rhythms. Death can occur in severe cases.

Four to ten ounces of milk chocolate can be deadly to a 10 lb dog, whereas one ounce of dark chocolate and ½ oz of baking chocolate in the same dog can be fatal. Seek immediate attention if your dog has ingested large amounts of chocolate.

Raisins and grapes: Few people realize these are toxic to pets; however raisins and grapes can lead to vomiting and kidney damage in both cats and dogs. The exact cause of kidney toxicity is unknown.

As little as 3 oz of grapes and ½ oz of raisins may cause kidney failure in a 10 pound dog. However, not every pet is susceptible and some can tolerate large quantities of without any clinical signs. It is unknown whether grape juice poses the same risks.

Clinical signs usually begin several hours after ingestion. Vomiting and lethargy are can be accompanied by kidney failure within 24 hours. On occasion, a gastrointestinal upset can continue for several weeks. Early and aggressive treatment is indicated, but the prognosis must remain guarded once kidney failure develops.

Artificial sweeteners: Many of us have artificial sweeteners in our pantry, and Xylitol has become a common sugar substitute for people because of its rich sweetness and low calories. Because it doesn’t cause the insulin response normally seen with regular sugar intake, it is becoming popular with diabetics and those on low-carbohydrate diets. Tiny amounts of Xylitol, however, have been shown to be toxic in dogs. That’s not so sweet.

Vomiting is often the first indication of poisoning, and within 30-60 minutes and as late as 72 hours later, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may occur. Clinical signs may progress rapidly to incoordination, seizures and collapse. Acute liver failure has also been associated with ingestion.

“It is estimated that a ten pound dog is at risk if it ingests .45 grams of Xylitol. A single piece of sugar-free chewing gum can contain .3 grams per piece. That’s not a very wide safety margin,” states Dr. Susan Brosman of Park Place Animal Hospital.

The prognosis for uncomplicated hypoglycemia is good with prompt treatment. However, because of the potential for rapid onset of signs, suspected Xylitol ingestion should be considered dangerous and addressed immediately.

Macadamia nuts: The exact cause of toxicity resulting from macadamia nut ingestion by dogs is unknown, but in most cases, dogs develop an inability to stand or use their hind limbs within the first twelve hours post ingestion. Depression, vomiting, incoordination, tremors, and fever can occur.

A ten pound dog can present with clinical signs after ingesting as little as 11 grams of nuts. The prognosis in most cases is extremely good as most dogs return to normal within 24 to 48 hours. Home observation for uncomplicated, clearly evident macadamia nut toxicosis in dogs is acceptable; however dogs with preexisting conditions or atypical presentations should be admitted to a veterinary hospital for further care.

Copyright © 2009 Lorelei Prichard DVM