If you are planning to host a Super Bowl party this weekend, keep in mind all these foods pose a risk to your loved pets.

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Beer

Just like people, some animals have a taste for beer. But think twice before pouring your pet a pint, beer, or any alcoholic drink can lead to nausea, vomiting, metabolic acidosis, hypothermia and even central nervous system depression, leading to ataxia, lethargy, sedation, and potentially death. This affects both dogs and cats, although more canines cases are reported because they tend to be indiscriminate eaters.

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Chicken Wings

Chicken wings have especially small bones, which can splinter easily and puncture the gastrointestinal tract. Spicy sauces and condiment can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea and diarrhea. Chicken wings with skin on them, may also trigger a more severe irritation to the pancreas which may require hospitalization. Chicken wings pose a risk to both dogs and cats.

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Onion Rings (Garlic and Chives)

Onions in any form are poisonous to pets. Fried foods can cause diarrhea, and like any other food high in fat content, pancreas irritation. Onion, garlic, or chive ingestion can lead to destruction of red blood cells. More common in dogs than cats, because dogs tend to be more of indiscriminate eaters, but cats are more sensitive to oxidative damage.

 

Grapes and Raisins

Can lead to severe acute kidney damage. 

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Chocolate

Chocolate ingestion in small amounts usually leads to gastrointestinal side effects, like nausea and diarrhea. But at higher doses, it can lead to nervous system overstimulation, which could result in seizures and death. Affects dogs and cats. 

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Nut

Many nut varieties have a devastating effect on dogs’ nervous systems. Macadamias are especially toxic and can cause vomiting, paralysis, and even death. Other nuts, like almonds, pecans, and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils and fats that can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in pets. Affects dogs only. Macadamia nut mechanism of action is unkown. The god news is that macadamia nut ingestion is rarely ever fatal with adequate treatment.

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Toothpicks

While toothpicks make a nice presentation for cubed meats, cheeses, and other appetizers, they can cause severe and potentially fatal damage to pets’ gastrointestinal tracts if swallowed. Affects dogs and cats. 

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For additional information, watch the video clips below, as Dr. Erdozain talks about these items on KC Live and Better KC.

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https://www.kshb.com/entertainment/kcl/food-kcl/the-super-bowl-snacks-bad-for-your-pets

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http://www.kctv5.com/clip/14093849/keeping-your-dog-safe