Dangers for dogs and cats
Toxic food, poisonous plants, overheating and more. What to watch for—especially with puppies.
Chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are toxic. So are many plants. Watch for foreign objects, sharp edges and hot summers—overheating can be fatal. Know your vet's emergency number.
🐶 Extra care with puppies
An accident can happen in seconds—especially with puppies. They explore everything with their mouths, chew on anything and have no sense of danger yet. A piece of chocolate that falls off the table, a raisin under the sofa, a plant leaf: within seconds a puppy can ingest something toxic. Stay nearby, keep dangerous items out of reach and be alert. Prevention is the best medicine.
🍫 Toxic food
These foods are toxic to dogs and cats:
- • Chocolate – Contains theobromine—can cause heart rhythm problems, tremors and death. Dark chocolate is most dangerous.
- • Xylitol – Sweetener in gum, candy, peanut butter—can cause life-threatening blood sugar drop and liver failure. Even tiny amounts can be fatal.
- • Grapes, raisins, currants – Can cause acute kidney failure. Even a few grapes can be dangerous.
- • Onions and garlic – Damage red blood cells—anaemia. Also dangerous in powdered or cooked form.
Don't give table scraps and keep food out of reach. If poisoning is suspected: call your vet or poison centre immediately. Don't induce vomiting without advice.
🌿 Poisonous plants
Many house and garden plants are toxic:
- • Lily—highly toxic to cats, can cause acute kidney failure. Pollen is also dangerous.
- • Oleander—highly toxic, affects the heart. All parts are poisonous.
- • Dieffenbachia—irritates mouth and throat, can cause swelling and breathing problems.
Check if your plants are safe before bringing them indoors or into the garden. Cats love to nibble on leaves.
Resumen completo de plantas tóxicas →🔧 Other dangers
Foreign objects and sharp edges
Puppies and cats can swallow small objects: toys, elastic bands, batteries, pieces of plastic. Sharp edges can cause wounds. Keep floors and low areas tidy. Watch for cables and cords—rodents may chew on them.
☀️ Overheating
Dogs and cats can't sweat well. In hot weather—especially in a car, even with a window cracked—overheating can be fatal within minutes. Never leave a pet alone in a car. Shade, cool water and rest in heat. Short-nosed breeds (bulldog, pug, Persian) are especially sensitive.
👀 What to watch for
Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Stay alert:
- • Keep toxic food and plants out of reach—also on counters or low tables
- • Puppies and kittens explore everything—supervision is essential, especially in the first months
- • Know your vet's emergency number and the poison centre. When in doubt: call immediately.
🚨 In case of poisoning
Don't induce vomiting without advice from your vet or poison centre. With some substances, vomiting makes it worse. Call immediately and follow instructions.
🩺 This information is general. Contact your veterinarian for a consultation and tailored advice.
More about health
View our health guide for more information.
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