Chocolate is the number one poison animals ingest. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous, but milk chocolate can be dangerous if eaten in large amounts. Xylitol, a sweetener found in sugarless chewing gum and candy, as well as certain medications, causes a rapid blood sugar drop and liver failure in dogs (cats are exempt from this danger). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen (found in Advil, Motrin and other pain relievers) can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure in animals because they are not easily metabolized by them. Over-the-counter cough, cold and allergy medications, especially ones with acetaminophen, pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, are extremely toxic. Mouse and rat poison can cause internal bleeding or brain swelling, even in small amounts. Grapes and raisins, while harmless to humans, can cause kidney damage in dogs. ADD/ADHD prescriptions, such as Adderall, can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac issues and death in pets. And finally, oxygen absorbers found in food packets, which contain iron, can cause iron poisoning. Silica gel packs found in such items as new shoes, are rarely a concern.
