• Onions, garlic, chives, grapes and raisins
• Chocolate
• Corn cobs because pets may inadvertently swallow them whole, causing bowel obstruction.
• Whole fruit (with pits) and nuts (in the shell), both because they can break a tooth as cause bowel obstruction if swallowed. Pieces of fruit are fine in moderation -- but not grapes, raisins, or any plant/fruit seeds
• Bones for the same reasons as above and because their splinters can damage the bowel wall leading to serious health problems
• Milk because most animals do not have the necessary enzyme to digest milk resulting in bowel upsets
• Any food (both human and pet) that is beyond its "best before" date
• Alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning that, as in people, is very serious
Also, ensure that garbage is well stored to avoid the multitude of problems that can be associated with "garbage gut" ingestion. Be especially cautious of toothpicks, as these often have the remnant smells of something good, piquing your pet's culinary interest. When ingested, toothpicks can penetrate through an animal's intestinal wall causing serious illness.
Page 2 of 2 -- Learn what rules to follow when allowing your pet human food on page 1.
About Dr. Walt Ingwersen
Dr. Walt Ingwersen is Chief Veterinary Officer at PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd. He is a 1982 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College. Board certified in Internal Medicine, he has the distinction of being the first Canadian editor of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, a position he currently holds.
Involved in many aspects of the national and international veterinary community, "Dr. Walt" is the recipient of the President's Award for outstanding contribution to the veterinary profession awarded by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). He is also Chief Veterinary Officer and Chairman of the Veterinary Advisory Board at PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd. -- Canada's leading provider of insurance for dogs and cats.
