Part of keeping pets healthy is knowing which foods to keep out of reach. Several items that are perfectly fine for people can cause illness in dogs and cats.

Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol (a sweetener found in some gums and baked goods), macadamia nuts, and alcohol are among the foods most often linked to pet illness. Caffeine and very fatty or heavily seasoned leftovers can also cause problems.

Store these foods securely, keep handbags and shopping bags off the floor, and let guests and children know not to share table scraps.

If you think your pet has eaten something harmful, act quickly. Note what and how much they ate, and contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline right away. Fast action makes a real difference, and it is always better to check than to wait.

This article is general information. Your veterinarian is the best source of advice for your individual pet.