Take Animal Medical Centre’s Quiz on Pantry Pet Toxins
We often think the biggest dangers to our pets are outside the home but some of the most serious risks are hiding in kitchen cupboards and snack bowls around Greater London. Foods that are perfectly safe for us can cause anything from mild tummy upsets to life-threatening illness in cats and dogs, sometimes in surprisingly small amounts.
Whether it's a dropped treat, a curious nose in the bin, or a well-meaning family member sharing a snack, accidental exposure to pet toxins and harmful items happens more often than people realise. Knowing which foods are dangerous (and why) can make all the difference in an emergency.
Take Animal Medical Centre's quick quiz below to test your knowledge and see how pet-safe your pantry really is. And if you're ever concerned that your pet may have consumed something toxic or harmful, call our vets in Childs Hill on 020 8450 2228, so that we can advise on next steps.
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The Pet Pantry Challenge: are these foods safe?
Many common household foods that are perfectly healthy for humans can be dangerous, or even fatal, for our pets. Take Animal Medical Centre's 60-second quiz to see if you are a Pet Safety Pro!
The Questions
1. Which of these fruits can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts?
- A) Blueberries
- B) Strawberries
- C) Grapes and Raisins
- D) Bananas
2. Xylitol is a sweetener found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters. Why is it so dangerous?
- A) It can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver damage
- B) It makes their teeth fall out
- C) It causes immediate blindness
- D) It is only toxic if they breathe it in
3. Onions, garlic, and leeks are kitchen staples across Greater London. What happens if a cat or dog eats them?
- A) They cause a permanent loss of smell
- B) They can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia
- C) They make the pet's fur turn green
- D) They are only dangerous if eaten raw
4. When it comes to chocolate, which type is generally the most toxic to dogs?
- A) White chocolate
- B) Milk chocolate
- C) Chocolate-flavoured biscuits
- D) Dark chocolate or cocoa powder
5. Why should you keep pets away from raw bread dough while it is rising?
- A) The flour causes an immediate skin rash
- B) The yeast produces alcohol and gas, causing the stomach to bloat
- C) It sticks their jaws together
- D) Dogs cannot digest gluten
6. Macadamia nuts are a popular snack, but they cause a unique reaction in dogs. What is it?
- A) Immediate tooth decay
- B) Temporary weakness in the back legs and tremors
- C) Their ears turn bright red
- D) It makes them sleep for 24 hours
7. Cooked bones (like those from a Sunday roast) are discouraged by our veterinary team at Animal Medical Centre because they...
- A) Are too high in Vitamin C
- B) Can splinter and pierce the digestive tract
- C) Make the pet's breath smell like mint
- D) Are only dangerous for very small dogs
If you think your pet has consumed a toxic or harmful food then call our vets at Animal Medical Centre straight away on 020 8450 2228. The sooner we can assess the situation, the better the outcome is likely to be, even if you're unsure how much was eaten or whether it's a problem.
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The Answers
The correct answers are: 1—C (Grapes and Raisins), 2—A (Xylitol tricks the body's sugar regulating system and causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar and can damage the liver), 3—B (Onions and related foods can cause anaemia), 4—D (Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain the highest concentrations of cocoa solids, making them the most toxic), 5—B (Raw dough can expand and produce alcohol and gas), 6—B (Macadamia nuts cause temporary hind-leg weakness), and 7—B (Cooked bones can splinter and pierce the digestive tract).