🍽️ Dangerous Foods for Pets

Many human foods we enjoy can be dangerous—even deadly—for our pets. Always keep the following out of paws’ reach:

• 🍫 Chocolate – Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and rabbits. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.

• ☕ Caffeine – Found in tea, coffee, energy drinks, and some medications. It can cause heart issues, high blood pressure, and seizures in pets.

• 🍇 Grapes, Raisins, Sultanas, Currants – Highly toxic to dogs, potentially leading to kidney failure.

• 🧄 Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Chives – Contain compounds that can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia in cats and dogs.

• 🥑 Avocados – Contain persin, which is toxic to birds and rabbits. For cats and dogs, the high fat content can cause upset stomachs, and pits can be a choking hazard.

• 🍑 Stone Fruits & Corn Cobs – Pits and cores can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.

• 🌰 Macadamia Nuts – Toxic to dogs even in small amounts, causing tremors, vomiting, and weakness.

• 🥜 Other Nuts – High fat content can cause stomach upsets and pancreatitis.

• 🧂 Salt – In large quantities and without access to water, it can cause poisoning and be fatal.

• 🍷 Alcohol – Highly toxic to pets. Also found in household products like mouthwash, perfume, and glue.

• 🍬 Xylitol (Birch Sugar) – A sugar substitute extremely toxic to dogs. Found in sugar-free gum, candy, peanut butter, and some medications.

• 🍞 Mouldy Foods – May contain deadly mycotoxins. Prevent pets from accessing trash and compost bins.

• 🧀 Blue Cheese – Contains a fungus that may cause vomiting and seizures in dogs.

• 🍖 Bones (Raw or Cooked) – Can splinter, causing mouth injuries, choking, or internal blockages. Best avoided completely.

🏠 Household Hazards for Pets

Even common items around the house can pose serious risks to pets. Here’s what to keep safely out of reach:

• 🌞 Vitamin D – Found in rodenticides and human supplements. Overdose can cause kidney failure and breathing issues.

• 🍸 Alcohol – Toxic even in small amounts. Also found in products like mouthwash, perfume, aftershave, and glue.

• 💊 Human Medications & Supplements – Can contain toxic ingredients or incorrect dosages for pets. Only give vet-prescribed meds.

• 🔋 Batteries – Contain acids that can burn a pet’s mouth, throat, or stomach if chewed or swallowed.

• 🗑️ Bins & Garbage – Tempting smells, but full of dangers like mouldy food, sharp skewers, foil, or bones. Always use secure, pet-proof bins.

• 🚬 Vapes & E-Cigarettes – Often contain lethal doses of nicotine, plus choking and cutting hazards from vials or batteries.

• 🌿 Essential Oils – Especially dangerous for cats when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed. May cause vomiting, seizures, and breathing issues.

• 🪟 Open Windows – High windows can lead to falls and injuries. Use pet-safe screens or block access.

• 🧴 Cleaning Products – Many contain harmful chemicals. Ingestion or contact can cause vomiting, burns, or worse.

• 🐾 Pet Medications & Treatments – Only use species-appropriate treatments. Permethrin (in dog flea treatments) is extremely toxic to cats.

⚡ Electrical Safety for Pets

Household appliances and cables can quickly become dangerous, especially if pets are unsupervised:

• • 🔌 Appliances – Always follow safety guidelines. Check for frayed cords and turn off appliances when not in use.

  • 🔥 Portable Heaters – Can be knocked over or cause burns and fires. Keep pets at a safe distance or never leave them alone with one.

  • 🧵 Wires & Cables – Especially tempting for kittens, puppies, and rabbits. Use cable protectors or furniture to block access.

  • 🧺 Tumble Dryers & Washing Machines – Cats may crawl inside for warmth. Always check before turning them on!