Toxic or safe?

Correct answer: C. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder

The dangerous substance in chocolate is theobromine. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains: cocoa powder and baking chocolate have the most, white chocolate very little. Signs include vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart and, in severe cases, seizures. Tell the vet the dog's weight and the type and amount of chocolate.

Correct answer: B. Xylitol

In dogs xylitol triggers a sharp release of insulin, followed by a dangerous drop in blood sugar, sometimes within 30–60 minutes. Larger amounts can also damage the liver. Xylitol is found in chewing gum, sweets, some peanut butters and human toothpaste. Labels may list it as "xylitol", "birch sugar" or "E967".

Correct answer: C. Contact a vet straight away

Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in some dogs, and there is no way to know in advance which ones. No safe amount has been established. Symptoms often appear only hours or days later, when treatment is already difficult. Early action, such as the vet inducing vomiting, works best.

Correct answer: B. Lily

Every part of true lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) is highly toxic to cats, including the pollen and the water in the vase. A cat only has to lick pollen off its fur. Kidney damage develops within 1–3 days, so take the cat to a vet straight away, without waiting for symptoms. If you have a cat, keep lilies out of the house altogether.

Correct answer: B. They damage red blood cells and cause anaemia

Onions, garlic, leeks and their powders damage red blood cells and cause anaemia: weakness, pale gums, fast breathing. Cooked, fried and dried onion is just as dangerous, so don't share soup or meat cooked with onion. Cats are more sensitive than dogs. Signs may only appear after several days.

Correct answer: C. No, paracetamol can kill a cat

Cats can't break paracetamol down. A single ordinary tablet can be fatal: it damages red blood cells and the liver, the gums turn brownish-blue and the face and paws swell. Human painkillers such as ibuprofen are dangerous for dogs too. Only give your pet medicines your vet has prescribed.

Correct answer: B. No, some of them can kill a cat

Many dog spot-ons and collars contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats. Within hours it can cause muscle tremors, seizures and drooling. Cuddling up to a freshly treated dog is a risk too. Only use products labelled for cats.

Correct answer: B. Go to the vet now and take the packaging with you

Many common rodenticides are anticoagulants: they stop blood from clotting, and bleeding often shows only 3–5 days later. Other poisons attack the nervous system or the kidneys. The packaging tells the vet the active ingredient and the treatment; for anticoagulants the antidote is vitamin K1. Milk does not neutralise poison.

Correct answer: C. Don't: call the vet first

Using salt to make a pet vomit can cause dangerous sodium poisoning. If it swallowed an acid, an alkali, a petroleum product or something sharp, vomiting can do further damage to the throat and lungs. Your vet will decide whether vomiting is needed, and will use a safe drug.

Correct answer: C. Boiled carrot

Plain boiled carrot, without salt or spices, is a safe low-calorie treat for most dogs. Macadamia nuts cause weakness, tremors and fever in dogs, raisins damage the kidneys and onion damages red blood cells. Treats of any kind should be a small part of the daily calories.