Many of the foods we enjoy every day can be surprisingly dangerous for our pets. Even small amounts of certain ingredients can cause serious illness — and in some cases, life‑threatening reactions. In this short video, our Snowy Vets team explains the most common household toxins for dogs and cats, what signs to look for, and why acting quickly matters.

Below is a deeper look at each of the foods mentioned in the video and what you should do if your pet eats something they shouldn’t.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which pets can’t process effectively. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous, but all types can cause illness.

Possible signs include:

• Restlessness or hyperactivity
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Tremors or seizures

If your dog or cat eats chocolate, call your vet immediately — symptoms can escalate quickly.

Grapes, Sultanas & Raisins

These fruits are highly toxic to dogs, even in tiny amounts. Some pets develop acute kidney failure after eating them.

Watch for:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Increased thirst or urination

Because the toxic dose varies between pets, any exposure is an emergency.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamias can cause sudden neurological signs in dogs.

Common symptoms include:

• Weakness, especially in the back legs
• Tremors
• Vomiting
• Difficulty walking

Signs often appear within 12 hours, so don’t wait to see what happens — contact your vet straight away.

Fatty Foods & Table Scraps

Foods high in fat — like sausages, bacon, roast drippings, or leftover BBQ scraps — can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious condition.

Symptoms may include:

• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy

Even a single fatty meal can cause problems, so it’s best to avoid sharing human food altogether.

What to Do if Your Pet Eats Something Unsafe

If your pet has eaten any of the foods listed above, or you’re simply unsure, the safest step is to call your vet immediately. Quick action can make a huge difference in treatment options and outcomes.

When you call, try to have this information ready:

• What your pet ate
• How much
• When it happened
• Your pet’s weight

But don’t delay calling if you’re unsure — we can help you work it out.

We’re Here to Help

At Snowy Vets, we’re always happy to give advice over the phone and guide you on the next steps. If your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, or you just want to double‑check if a food is safe, please reach out. It’s always better to ask.

📍 Snowy Vets – Cooma & Jindabyne – 6455 7800
🐾 Compassionate care for every dog, every day.