Poisons & Toxicities

Our expert veterinarians have compiled a list of toxic foods for pets, along with a list of foods our pets often enjoy. Have questions? We encourage you to speak with your family veterinarian.   Foods to Avoid While not an exhaustive list, below are some of the most common foods that can be toxic to your pets. Alcohol can be poisonous to pets & in some cases, can lead to a coma or death. Even…

Each year around Valentine’s Day, we provide Emergency care to cats and dogs who have eaten flowers or candy that were gifts for their owners. Below are some of the more common Valentine’s Day pet hazards and tips on how to keep your pet safe. A Valentine’s Day favorite, chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine that is highly toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the greater the concentration of theobromine. Ingesting even small amounts…

Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener used in chewing gum, baked goods, and many other products created for human consumption. It is commonly used by people with Diabetes Mellitus due to its low glycemic index and low-calorie content. Xylitol can be highly toxic to dogs, causing low blood sugar and liver failure.  The hypoglycemia is caused by insulin release stimulated by xylitol.  This effect generally lasts 12-24 hours but can be delayed.  The liver failure…