Common Household Toxins for Dogs and Cats: What to Lock Away and What to Do

Most pet poisonings happen at home, and most involve ordinary things: a bar of chocolate left on a table, a packet of sugar-free gum in a handbag, a bunch of lilies on the sideboard. The good news is that nearly all of them are preventable once you know what to look for.

This guide covers the most common household toxins for dogs and cats, the signs of poisoning, and exactly what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something harmful.

If You Think Your Pet Has Eaten Something Toxic

Act quickly, and don't wait for symptoms. Many poisons take hours to show signs, and treatment works best early.

1. Remove your pet from the source and take away anything left in their mouth
2. Keep the packaging, plant or product, or a photo of it. Note roughly how much was eaten and when
3. Call your vet or an emergency clinic straight away. In the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) offer 24-hour advice, usually for a fee. Elsewhere, ask your vet for a local poison line
4. Don't make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to. Some substances do more harm coming back up, and the wrong method can be dangerous
5. Follow instructions, and go to the clinic if you're told to

Foods That Are Toxic

Xylitol (birch sugar)

An artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, mints, some peanut butters, baked goods, toothpaste and vitamins. In dogs it causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and can lead to liver failure, even with small amounts. Check labels carefully, particularly on "natural" or "sugar-free" peanut butter. Treat any xylitol ingestion as an emergency.

Chocolate

Contains theobromine and caffeine. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are most dangerous, with milk chocolate less so. Signs include vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart and tremors. Small dogs are at higher risk from smaller amounts.

Grapes, raisins and sultanas

Can cause kidney failure in dogs, and the toxic dose is unpredictable. Never feed them, including in cakes and hot cross buns.

Onions, garlic, chives and leeks

These damage red blood cells in dogs and cats. Cooked, raw and powdered forms are all a problem, and cats are particularly sensitive. Beware of leftovers, gravy and baby food containing onion powder.

Macadamia nuts

Can cause weakness, tremors and vomiting in dogs.

Alcohol and raw yeast dough

Alcohol is dangerous even in small amounts. Raw bread dough can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments.

Caffeine

Coffee grounds, tea bags and energy drinks can cause heart rhythm problems and seizures.

For more on safe and unsafe foods for small dogs, see foods to avoid when feeding your Yorkshire Terrier and the list of human foods Yorkies can eat.

Medicines and Supplements

Human medicines are among the leading causes of pet poisoning.

• Ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin can cause stomach ulcers and kidney damage in dogs and cats
• Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is especially dangerous for cats, and one tablet can be fatal
• Antidepressants, ADHD medication and sleep aids can cause serious neurological effects
• Vitamins and supplements, especially those containing iron, vitamin D or xylitol
• Cannabis products and edibles cause drowsiness, wobbliness and sometimes more severe signs

Never give your pet human medicine unless your vet tells you to. Store tablets in a cupboard, not in a bag on the floor. Tablets can bounce under furniture, so check if you drop one.

Plants

Lilies are the most important plant danger for cats. All parts of true lilies (Lilium) and day lilies (Hemerocallis) can cause kidney failure, including pollen and vase water. If you have a cat, don't keep them in the house.

Other plants to be careful with:

• Sago palm: very dangerous to dogs, causing liver failure
• Tulip and daffodil bulbs, autumn crocus
• Oleander, foxglove, lily of the valley: heart toxins
• Azalea and rhododendron
• Aloe vera, philodendron, dieffenbachia: irritants
• Mushrooms found while walking

If you're unsure whether a plant is safe, check a reliable pet-safe plant list or ask your vet before bringing it home.

Household Products

• Antifreeze (ethylene glycol): tastes sweet, causes kidney failure, and a tiny amount can be fatal. Clean up spills at once
• Rat and mouse poison: causes internal bleeding that may not appear for several days. Pets can also be affected by eating poisoned rodents
• Slug and snail bait (metaldehyde): causes tremors and seizures
• Bleach, drain cleaner, oven cleaner and dishwasher tablets: corrosive to the mouth and stomach
• Essential oils: tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus and others can be toxic, especially to cats, whether ingested or applied to skin
• Batteries, especially button cells: cause severe burns if swallowed and need immediate attention
• Spot-on flea treatments for dogs used on cats: some contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats

Signs of Poisoning

These vary depending on the toxin, but watch for:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea, drooling
• Lethargy or weakness
• Tremors, seizures, or wobbliness
• Difficulty breathing
• Pale or bright red gums
• Increased thirst and urination, or none at all
• Sudden collapse
• Dilated pupils, unusual behaviour

Don't wait for signs to appear if you know your pet has swallowed something dangerous.

Prevention: A Quick Home Check

• Keep food, medicines and cleaning products in closed cupboards or high shelves
• Use bins with lids, and take rubbish out regularly
• Tell guests not to share food or leave handbags on the floor
• Check labels for xylitol before buying anything sugar-free
• Choose pet-safe plants and flowers
• Keep antifreeze and garden chemicals locked away
• Save your vet's number and the nearest emergency clinic's number on your phone

A small pet first-aid kit helps too, as we cover in the guide to what to keep in a pet first-aid kit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should I make my dog vomit if they eat something toxic?

Only if a vet tells you to. Some poisons are more dangerous the second time round, and home remedies can cause their own problems.

How much chocolate is dangerous?

It depends on the type of chocolate and the size of your dog. Ask your vet or a poison line with the product, amount eaten and your dog's weight.

Are cats and dogs affected by the same things?

Many toxins overlap, but cats are far more sensitive to some, notably lilies, paracetamol and permethrin flea products.

Can my pet recover from poisoning?

Many do, particularly with early treatment. This is why prompt action matters.

What should I tell the vet?

What your pet ate, how much, when, their weight, and any symptoms. Bring the packaging.

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Disclaimer: This article is for general information and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If you think your pet has been poisoned, contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.