Although you might be tempted to give four-legged family members table scraps after a meal, some human foods aren’t suitable for animal consumption. That’s why the team at Montgomery Animal Hospital recommends pet owners familiarize themselves with the foods that could be toxic, or even deadly, to their furry friends. Based in Cincinnati, OH, the local veterinarian is committed to providing area animals with the best care to keep them happy and healthy. 

Below, they share a list of foods that should be kept away from your pets:

• Chocolate: Although eating chocolate can help relieve high blood pressure in people, you should keep it away from pets. It contains methylxanthines from cacao seeds, which have a negative impact on your pet’s digestive system. Snacking on chocolate could lead to diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, frequent urination, and seizures.
• Grapes & Raisins: Grapes can cause fatal kidney damage in some dogs, but the reaction can vary depending on how much was ingested, your dog’s biology, and how quickly you respond. To be safe, keep grapes and raisins away from your dog at all times.
• Onions: Both cooked and raw onions are toxic to dogs, so don’t share any table scraps that contain onion in any form, including onion powder. Onions can damage your dog’s red blood cells and liver.

If your pet has eaten something on this list, you should induce vomiting within 2 hours to remove the toxin before it causes a reaction. Montgomery Animal Hospital recommends using hydrogen peroxide—to determine the correct dose for your dog, you should call before administering the medication or ask the veterinarian during your next checkup so you can prepare in advance. If your pet exhibits symptoms after purging, take them to the animal hospital to be closely monitored by their staff. 

To learn more about keeping your pet healthy, visit Montgomery Animal Hospital online and connect with them on Facebook for announcements. To speak with a veterinarian, call (513) 791-7912 today.