As pet owners, we must be very careful about offering fruits to our companions. After reading about those pet-friendly fruits, it is a good time to learn about fruits that could be highly toxic or dangerous to our little friends. Let’s check out some of the fruits that they should not be tasting!
1. Avocado: Avocado contains a special compound known as persin in its leaves, seeds and bark. Persin is a very potent toxin. Even just a minimal quantity is consumed, it is enough to cause vomiting and diarrhea. It is strongly advised by veterinarians that all parts of avocado, including the fruit and the plant, should NOT be given to our pets. Moreover, the avocado seed may cause choking or even obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract if ingested by our little friends.
2. Tomato: Ripe red tomato is perfectly fine to be offered as food or as a treat, but green tomato and its plant part are toxic to pets – a very small amount can severely upset the digestive system. The plant contains a biochemical compound known as solanine that may affect the neural system and the heart. If you grow tomatoes, make sure your pet has no access to the garden, which should be properly fenced to avoid any accidental intake.
3. Grapes and raisins: Most pet owners are well aware of the adverse effects of grapes and raisins, that even the slightest small amount could make our pets sick. Clinical signs may appear within 24 hours after consumption, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and maybe abdominal pain. It could ultimately lead to acute kidney and liver failures, which are often irreversible. Unfortunately, the active ingredient(s) for grapes/ raisins toxicity is still an unknown. Intoxication is quite common because many food items such as cakes and biscuits do contain grapes and raisins or their extracts. Currants or Zante currants are actually dried grapes and raisins. Therefore, they can also cause serious clinical signs such as vomiting and diarrhea, toxication and even kidney failure. Some animals may not react to the toxin immediately, but we should always consult an experienced veterinarian if your pet has already eaten or is suspected of consuming any amount of the above fruits.
4. Cherry: The pulp of cherry, sweet and very delicious, is safe to be offered as a snack to your companion. On the other hand, the seed and plant part of cherry do contain cyanide, which is highly toxic to your little friend. Cyanide would affect the ability for cells to produce energy. Therefore, cells that require a high amount of energy to maintain their function, e.g. the neural system and the heart would be most affected.
Animals may become duller, less active, having difficulties in swallowing or even struggle to breathe, which may lead to death if untreated.
Other plants and vegetables that should be kept away from our pet:
• Corn cob
• Peach
• Plum
• Apricot
• Mushroom
• Onion
• Garlic
• Raw and green potato
• Macadamia nut
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