Foods and household medicines that are dangerous for cats and dogs

Foods from your kitchen

• Chocolate, coffee and caffeinated drinks: can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abnormal heart rhythm and seizures; the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous, especially cocoa powder and baking chocolate.
• Grapes and raisins: can cause kidney damage in dogs.
• Onions, garlic and chives: damage red blood cells and can cause anaemia; cats are more sensitive.
• Xylitol, a sweetener in sugar-free gum, sweets and some toothpastes: can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage.
• Nuts, especially macadamias: can cause weakness, tremors and vomiting in dogs.
• Very salty foods, and bones, which can injure or block the gut.
• Raw yeast dough: expands in the stomach and can become an emergency.
• Avocado: especially dangerous for birds and rabbits.

Plants and medicines at home

• Lilies and daylilies: extremely dangerous for cats. Every part is toxic, even the pollen and vase water, and they can cause kidney failure within 1–3 days. Treatment needs to start within hours, so come in immediately even if the cat seems well.
• Paracetamol (such as Panadol): even part of one tablet can kill a cat. Never give your pet any human medicine unless your vet prescribes it.
• Keep medicines in a closed cupboard and pick up any dropped tablet straight away.

Is milk safe?

Most cats and dogs don’t digest milk sugar (lactose) well, so milk and dairy can cause diarrhoea and stomach upset. Clean water is the best drink for them.