Carver Street Animal Hospital

2703 Carver St

Durham, NC 27705 US

919-477-7319

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Meet Our Team
      • Meet Our Wonderful Doctors
      • Meet Our Fabulous Staff
  • Client Info Center
    • Resources
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Payment Options
  • Tributes
    • Client Volunteers
    • Pet Memorials
    • Petsimonials
  • Updates
  • Helpful Tips
  • Trusted Links
  • Cat Tips
  • New Puppy Tips
  • Pet Trainer
  • Clinic Hours
    • After Hours Emergency Care
  • Contact Us
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
          • Prairie Dogs
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Pet Dangers
      • Behavior & Training
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Make an appointment
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Can Pets Get Food Poisoning?

Can Pets Get Food Poisoning?

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Sick dog laying under blanket

The Causes and Symptoms of Food Poisoning in Pets

Wondering why your pet has suddenly starting vomiting or experiencing diarrhea? Food poisoning could be the reason. Just like people, pets can be sickened by the food they eat.

What Causes Food Poisoning in Pets?

Have you caught your pet rooting through the trash for a tasty morsel? Eating spoiled or moldy food from the trash can cause food poisoning.

Eating raw food can also sicken your cat, dog, or small animal. Cooking kills salmonella and listeria, two types of bacteria that make both people and pets sick. Salmonella and listeria can be found in poultry, meat, eggs, raw vegetables, and unpasteurized dairy products. Salmonella has also been found in pig's ears, pet treats, and pet food.

You're at risk of developing a salmonella infection if you touch pet food or treats or raw food contaminated by salmonella and then touch your mouth or face. Cleaning up feces without washing your hands afterward may increase your risk.

Your pet can also be poisoned by other ingredients in commercially prepared foods. In December 2020, 28 dogs died after eating food contaminated by aflatoxin, according to Food Safety News. Aflatoxins are toxins produced when mold grows on ingredients used to make pet food. As corn and grains used to make pet food are prone to mold, aflatoxin can be a risk if there is a problem with the production or storage of pet food.

In the past, outbreaks of food poisoning have also occurred due to contamination with salmonella and melamine, a chemical that causes kidney failure in dogs and cats.

Some of the foods you eat may not be safe for your pet and can cause poisoning. Foods that aren't safe for pets include chocolate, onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, yeasty dough, tomato leaves and stems, alcohol, apple seeds, cherry pits, avocado seeds, macadamia nuts, potato leaves and stems, and candy or gum sweetened with xylitol.

What Are the Symptoms of Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning can cause:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea (may be bloody)
  • Fever
  • Drooling
  • Dizziness
  • Shivering
  • Lack of energy
  • Abdominal pain
  • Lack of appetite

How Can I Prevent Food Poisoning?

These tips will help you protect your pet from food poisoning:

  • Take Out the Trash. Take kitchen trash to your outside trash can or dumpster often. Keep the can in a secure location if your pet enjoys foraging through the trash. Remove trash immediately after cleaning moldy or spoiled food from the refrigerator.
  • Cook Raw Food Thoroughly. Make sure any food you serve your pet is thoroughly cooked. Cooking kills salmonella, listeria, and other types of bacteria.
  • Check Out Pet Food Before Serving Your Pet. Don't buy torn or damaged bags, boxes, or cans. Throw out or return food that smells bad, has changed color, or is expired.
  • Place Food Containers in the Refrigerator. Promptly refrigerate unused portions of wet food in covered containers. Refrigerating the food prevents or slows the growth of bacteria.
  • Pay Attention to Recalls. Check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Recalls and Withdrawals website page regularly for information about pet food recalls. If you see your pet's food on the list, throw it out or return it immediately. Call your pet's veterinarian if you notice any possible signs of food poisoning.
  • Don't Offer Raw Treats. Don't give your pet pig's ears or treats made with rawhide.
  • Eliminate Temptation. Even well-behaved pets may find it hard to resist the raw chicken on your countertop or the chocolates on your coffee table. Store foods in covered containers and put them back in the cabinet or refrigerator as soon as you're done eating them.

Are you concerned that your pet may have food poisoning? Call our office if your furry friend shows any of the signs and symptoms of food poisoning or if you know that your pet has eaten food that can cause illness.

Sources:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Melamine Pet Food Recall, 10/7/09

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Recalls and Withdrawals

Michigan State University Extension: Pets and Food Poisoning: It’s Not Just Humans, 7/13/14

American Kennel Club: Can Dogs Get Food Poisoning?

Food Safety News: Dog Deaths Prompt Pet Food Recall for Aflatoxin Poisoning, 12/31/20

The Humane Society of the United States: Foods That Can Be Poisonous to Pets

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Pet Dangers
    • Behavior & Training
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms
  • Online Pharmacy

     Please visit our online pharmacy for all your needs.

    Shop Now

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Wow! Thanks to all the staff at Anderson Vet Clinic. I feel like you all truly love what you do! My kitty, Lola and I always have such a pleasant experience when we come in. Fortunately, it’s usually just for a check-up, but I would not leave Lola in anyone else’s hands but yours. Thank you for your caring commitment!"
    Maya Smith / Los Angeles, CA
  • "I have benefited tremendously from the care my pet received from Dr. Anderson."
    John Doe / San Diego, CA
  • "Fabio wasn’t eating the food I was giving him and I didn’t feel he was getting the nutrition he needed. Thanks to Dr. Anderson, he evaluated Fabio and his current diet to make some recommendations and now Fabio has gone from barely eating to finishing his meals and he looks healthier than ever. You clearly are an expert in your field...thanks so much!"
    Tara Brown / Kansas City, MO

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

    How to Tell When Your Cat Is Sick

    Not sure if your cat is sick? Take a look at these signs. ...

    Read More

    Vet Care Doesn't Have to Break the Bank; Pet Insurance

    Wondering if pet insurance is a good idea? ...

    Read More

    Human vs Pet Medications: Why You Should Never Share Medicine with Your Pets

    Could your medications harm your pets? ...

    Read More

    Ways to Take the Stress Out of Your Pet's Next Veterinary Visit

    Does your pet dread veterinary visits? ...

    Read More

    Signs on Heatstroke: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

    Do you know how to protect your pet from heatstroke? ...

    Read More

    Why Heartworm Protection Is Necessary for All Pets

    Is your pet protected against heartworm? ...

    Read More

    Cat-Safe House Plants

    Not sure which house plants are safe for your cat? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More

    Feline Skin Allergy Symptoms and Care

    Has scratching become your cat's favorite activity? A skin allergy may be to blame. ...

    Read More

    The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should ...

    Read More

    Online Games & Quizzes

    In this version of badminton, your tail is the racquet. Make the dolphin do flips and tricks. Play Zipper's Kennel Chaos game! Can you help get water in Zipper's dish? Use your frog tongue to catch delicious bugs. Create your very own prize-winning pooch! Speed down the ice while ...

    Read More
No form settings found. Please configure it.

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map