Getting a pet is a big responsibility. From their food to their health and their well-being, animals need and deserve the utmost love and care. When it comes to their diet, there are certain foods that must be avoided as they could be toxic to them. Commonly human foods that are harmful for pets include chocolates, nuts, dairy products, and even citrus foods. So, here are five human foods that you may not know that should be avoided when it comes to your pets.

Coffee
This maybe heaven to a lot of us, but if there’s anything you want to keep away from your beloved pet, it would be coffee. It contains a product known as methylxanthines, which comes from the cacao seeds. When coffee is ingested by our pet pooches, it could lead to diarrhea, vomiting, thirst, panting and difficulty breathing among other troubles. It is important to note that consumption of coffee can also lead to hyperactivity, seizures, and can even result in death.

Alcohol
While too much alcohol can be harmful to even humans, they must be completely avoided when it comes to our beloved pets. Alcohol is more than capable of wreaking havoc on the health of our animals. Issues range from diarrhea and vomiting to more severe symptoms such as a depressed central nervous system, trouble breathing, and swallowing, and abnormal blood acidity levels. In fact, in some cases, the consumption of alcohol can be fatal to our pets as it can lead to a coma and even untimely death.

Macadamia Nuts
We can gorge on as many macadamia nuts as we please, but they are best shunned when it comes to your pets. They can cause a wide range of symptoms including depression, tremors, vomiting, and even hypothermia and weakness. While there are lower risks of macadamia nuts being fatal, the symptoms can last for 12 to 48 hours.

Artificial Sweeteners
Another addition to human foods that are harmful for pets is the artificial sweetener xylitol that is added to many processed products. Why should foods with this product be avoided? Well, in most cases, xylitol can lead to a release of insulin in the body. High amounts of this sweetener can cause liver failure in animals. It could also lead to low sugar levels and could cause toxicosis, loss of appetite and coordination, and even lethargy. If left untreated, this can lead to seizures and eventually turn fatal.

Salt
While there’s nothing more delicious than that dash of extra salt on your fries, it should be avoided when it comes to the diet of your pet. Salt can cause the animal to experience excessive thirst along with frequent urination. Not to mention, it can also lead to other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, high body temperatures, and, if left untreated, even death.

There are many other human foods that are harmful for pets. Please check with your vet to know which ones specifically cannot be given.