Summer Hazard Alert: Protecting Your Pet From Toxic Foods and Poisonous Plants

Pet Safety

Pets and people look forward to the fresh air and summer sun. However, spending more time outdoors can mean greater exposure to seasonal pet hazards, such as toxic foods and plants.

Poisonings from toxic foods and plants are common reasons pet owners call poison control hotlines or visit the RBVH Hillsborough emergency team during warm-weather months. Here’s what pet owners should know about summer toxicity risks.

Cookout catastrophes: Toxic foods

Although dogs enjoy the taste of nearly all food, some foods that are safe for people are toxic for pets. In addition to toxicity, many cookout favorites can cause stomach upset or other gastrointestinal conditions in pets..

Here’s how toxic and otherwise harmful summer foods can hurt your pets:

Grapes and raisins — Can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs
Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives — May damage red blood cells and cause anemia
Corn cobs — Can become lodged in the intestines and require surgical removal
Cooked bones — Can splinter and puncture internal organs
Chocolate — Can cause vomiting, seizures, or coma; darker varieties are especially dangerous
Xylitol — This sugar substitute can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels and liver failure in dogs
Fatty meats and poultry skin — May trigger pancreatitis

Pets can access these tasty but dangerous treats from abandoned plates, unattended trash cans, or guests easily persuaded by their “puppy dog eyes.”

Plant-based predicaments: Toxic plants and flowers

Many popular flowers and shrubs are dangerous if pets chew or eat them. Most cause only mild stomach upset or mouth irritation, but some can lead to serious illness or death.

Dangers associated with toxic plants common to the Northeast include:

Hydrangeas — Can cause vomiting, depression, and diarrhea
Azaleas and rhododendrons — Can affect the cardiovascular system
Lilies — Can cause acute kidney failure, and are especially dangerous to cats
Lily of the valley — Contains cardiac glycosides that interfere with heart function
Tomato plants — Leaves and unripe fruit can cause drooling, confusion, and weakness
Autumn crocus — Can cause vomiting, organ failure, and respiratory distress

This list is far from exhaustive, and toxic plants may lurk in your flowerbeds, nearby woods, or indoor floral arrangements or planters. Young pets and those prone to indiscriminate chewing are most likely to encounter plant toxicities, but all pets are at risk.

What to do if your pet eats a toxic food or plant

If you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful, contact us right away. Our 24/7 emergency care team can guide you through what to do next and see your pet for immediate treatment. Even if your pet appears OK, a visit is a good idea in case of delayed symptoms.

Signs of a possible food or plant toxicity include:

Vomiting or diarrhea
Drooling or pawing at the mouth
Weakness or lethargy
Stumbling or collapse
Pale gums
Fast or slow heart rate
Seizures or disorientation

If you think a toxicity occurred, take a photo of what your pet ate or bring the packaging when seeking veterinary care. Call our team for advice, which may include a recommendation that you speak with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Don’t induce vomiting unless told to do so by our team or a toxicology professional.

Preventing summer toxicities in pets

Pet-proofing your space and supervising your pets outdoors are the most effective strategies for preventing accidental poisonings.

Tips for reducing the risks of toxic food or plants include:
Clean up leftovers and dirty plates right away.
Remind guests not to feed your pet, and offer pet-safe treats instead.
Place trash in lidded containers with secure closures.
Research pet-safe landscaping before adding new plants.
Remove or fence off toxic plants in your yard.