&geometry(309x90) "VSOS")
Toxic Human Foods for Dogs and Cats: Avoiding an Emergency Visit
As we approach the Anzac Day long weekend, we are all looking forward to honouring the day and enjoying some well-earned rest with friends and family. However, following the recent Easter break, our team at VSOS noticed a significant spike in emergency visits, many of which were entirely preventable.
Let's keep the "Lest We Forget" spirit safe, and
prevent long weekend pet emergencies
While we love seeing your furry companions, we’d much rather they stay tucked up safely at home than spend their long weekend in our emergency ward.
Parties and gatherings mean more "human food" is within reach. Remember: if your pet smells it, they will find it.
Major Gastrointestinal Emergencies
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): The stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and twists (torsion), trapping the contents. This is a top-tier emergency often caused by eating too quickly or intense exercise after a large meal.
Foreign Body Obstructions (Cooked Bones & Corn Cobs): Cooked bones are brittle and splinter, causing punctures. Corn cobs are notorious for causing "high-level" intestinal obstructions that almost always require emergency surgery.
Pancreatitis: Triggered by a sudden "cheat meal" of high-fat table scraps (bacon, sausage, or skin). It causes severe, painful inflammation of the pancreas and requires hospitalisation.
Toxic Foods to Keep Off the Menu for Your Pet
Those pleading eyes at the dinner table are hard to resist, but "sharing is caring" doesn't apply to these toxic items:
Toxic Item | Why it’s Dangerous | Symptoms to Watch For |
Xylitol (Sugar substitute) | Causes rapid insulin release and liver failure. | Seizures, collapse, vomiting. |
Grapes & Raisins | Highly toxic; causes sudden kidney failure. | Lethargy, increased thirst, and vomiting. |
Chocolate & Caffeine | Contains theobromine; affects the heart and CNS. | Tremors, racing heart, hyperactivity. |
Onions & Garlic | Damages red blood cells (hemolytic anemia). | Pale gums, weakness, dark urine. |
Macadamia Nuts | Toxic primarily to dogs. | Weakness in the back legs, vomiting. |
Cooked Bones | High risk of splintering and perforation. | Choking, abdominal pain, constipation. |
A Note on Xylitol: This is often hidden in "sugar-free" products like peanut butter, gum, and even some toothpastes. Always check the label before giving your dog a lick of the PB jar!
Tips for a "Pet-Safe" Social Gathering:
The "No Scraps" Rule: Explicitly ask your guests not to feed the pets from their plates.
High Counters: Keep all prep work and cooling baked goods (like Anzac biscuits) far back from the edge of the counter.
Clean Up Fast: Don't leave plates with leftover bones or grape-filled salads sitting on coffee tables once the party moves elsewhere.
Contact VSOS Emergency
We are here for you 24/7, including throughout the Anzac long weekend.
Phone: 02 8376 8767
Address: 106 Parraweena Rd, Miranda NSW 2228
Let’s keep the "emergencies" to a minimum this weekend. Keep the treats pet-friendly, the BBQ scraps out of reach, and make sure your bin lids are tightly closed!
