Chocolate and Dogs, Avocado and Cats

Most of us who have pets know that chocolate and dogs can be a deadly combination. But did you know it can poison your cat too? According to Bo Regards, a pet safety site, just half an eight-ounce bar of cooking chocolate can endanger the life of a 22-pounds dog. Given their smaller size (with the exception of my own 17-pounder, Homer), cats are even more at risk.

Here, some other foods you should keep your pets clear of:

Grapes. And when we say grapes, we mean raisins too. Just a few handfuls can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Larger quantities can lead to renal failure.

Avocados. All parts of this fruit – flesh, seed, skin, even the leaves of the plant – can endanger a dog or cat from fluid buildup in the lungs.

Tomatoes and Potatoes. Oxalates in both can cause problems in the GI tract, kidneys and nervous system of your dog or cat, particularly if the potatoes are green.

Mushrooms. Many species of mushroom can make pets sick, and some can cause death.

Onions and Garlic. Onions are the big offender here. They contain thiosulphate, which can give your pet diarrhea, vomiting and difficulty breathing. Doesn't matter whether the onion is raw, cooked, or even dehydrated. Garlic also has thiosulphate, but pets are unlikely to eat as much garlic as onion, so the risk isn't as great.

Xylitol. Xylitol, you may say. That's not a food. No, it's an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. Bo Regards says as few as five pieces of chewing gum flavored with Xylitol can kill a 65-pound dog. By boosting insulin levels, Xylitol can cause low blood sugar, and ultimately brain damage and liver failure. So check the list of ingredients in candies, gums and chewable vitamins, and keep them out of the reach of pets. If you think your dog has eaten some, get her to the vet right away.