DANGEROUS FOODS

Moldy Food (cats & dogs)
Moldy food may contain certain mycotoxins which can cause severe to mild reactions in your cat or dog. Signs of ingestion are tremors and/or seizures. With early aggressive treatment the prognosis is good.

Chocolate (dogs)
Chocolate can cause increased heart rate, tremors and excitation depending on the type and the quantity ingested. In general mild signs can be seen at doses of 20mg/kg and severe effects at doses over 60mg/kg. The general rule is the more bitter the chocolate, the more toxic. Unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven times more methylxanthines (which dogs are so sensitive to) than mild chocolate, while white chocolate contains negligible amounts. Symptoms include hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors and potentially death when ingested at toxic dose. Other effects seen with chocolate overdose are vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, increased urination and lethargy.

Onions or Garlic (cats & dogs)
Onions can be harmful to dogs and cats. Pieces of onion, onion power, or even cooked onion can cause damage to red blood cells and result in anemia. In addition feeding commercial baby food containing onion powder has caused toxicity in cats.

Macadamia Nuts (dogs)
Macadamia nuts may cause problems if ingested by dogs. Clinical signs include weakness, depression, vomiting, muscle coordination, tremors and hyperthermia. In most cases signs develop in the first 12 hours post ingestion. The prognosis is usually very good. Most dogs return to normal within 24-48 hours.

Ingestion of Rising Bread Dough (dogs)
A dog’s body heat will cause the dough to rise in their stomach. Signs seen include severe abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, lack of coordination and depression

Grapes & Raisins (dogs)
Poison control says that as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic to your dog, causing kidney failure. Vomiting is an indicator of toxicity.

Tobacco (dogs)
Nicotine toxicity can be severe enough to kill your dog. The butts contain 25 percent of the total nicotine content. Signs develop quickly (within 15-45 minutes) and include, excitation, vomiting, rapid breathing, depression, rapid heart beat, shallow respiration, collapse, coma and cardiac arrest can follow the period of excitation. Death occurs secondary to respiratory paralysis.

Xylitol (dogs)
Xylitol is a sugar alternative that is used in many commercial sugar-free candies, gum and other food items. Xylitol has been show to cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver damage in dogs 

Chippawa Animal Hospital is a veterinary hospital in Niagara Falls which has served cats and dogs since 1991. 

Our vet clinic offers the following veterinary services:   free puppy classes to our clients, acupuncture, cat & dog general surgery, dentistry, wellness treatment and prevention, perscription diets and housecalls.  Our animal medical centre employs 1 vet, 2 Receptionists/Assistants, 2 Registered Veterinary Technicians and 1 Veterinary Hospital Manager.  As a Veterinarian in Niagara we welcome your business.