know what’s poisonous to pets 

Help your cat or dog avoid accidental poisoning from common household items like medications, chemicals, human foods, and plants.

If your cat or dog has been exposed to poison, they can show symptoms right away, or hours or even days later. If you suspect poison, call the Pet Poison Helpline (fee applies).

Know what’s a risk to your furry friend

There’s a lot detailed here already, but even this isn’t a complete or comprehensive list of all potential toxins or health risks for pets. If you’re at all worried, please reach out to your veterinary team.

Keeping toxins out of reach can help protect your pet

Many accidental poisonings can be avoided by keeping toxic materials away from your pet — but what’s toxic to a cat or dog may be very different than what’s toxic for people. Unfortunately, a lot of delicious human foods, cool decorations, and useful chemicals can hurt or even kill your unsuspecting pet.

Pet bodies aren’t designed like people bodies, and they can’t process the same materials in the same way. They also don’t automatically know why a sweet-smelling plant like the lily on your side table isn’t good to eat.

Human food can be dangerous for pets 

Pets aren’t humans and their bodies aren’t able to process many human foods. For example, animals can get very sick from even small amounts of alcohol or caffeine.

• Alcohol in any form (beer, wine, etc.)
• Caffeine in any form (coffee, tea, soft drinks, etc.)
• Chocolate
• Raw, cooked, or powdered garlic, onions, leeks, or chives
• Grapes and raisins
• Sugarless candy, gum, or toothpaste with Xylitol
• Yeasted dough (raw bread, pastry dough, etc.)
  
  

Prescription or over-the-counter medications can poison pets even in small amounts 

Pets can easily overdose or be poisoned by people medication. Never give your pet any kind of human medication or supplement — whether over the counter, recreational, or prescription — unless explicitly directed by your veterinary team.

Human medications

• Pain medication like ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen (Advil, aspirin, Aleve, Tylenol, etc.)
• Prescription medications for human or pet medical conditions
• Antidepressants or anxiety medications
• ADHD drugs (Ritalin, Concerta, etc.)
• Cold medicines
• Diet pills
• Marijuana and other recreational drugs
• Vitamins and supplements

Pet medications

Pet medications, including flea and tick treatments, should always be used as directed. Call your veterinary team if:

• A pet gets into their own meds and eats more than prescribed
• A pet eats another pet’s meds
• A dog eats cat medication, or vice versa
• A topical dog medication is applied to a cat

Oleander and other house plants can poison pets

Avoid keeping dangerous plants in your house or yard, or make sure they’re strictly out of reach.

• Azaleas and rhododendrons
• Chrysanthemums and other “mums”
• Foxglove
• Lilies
• Mistletoe
• Oleander
• Sago palms
• Tulips, hyacinths, and irises

Common household chemicals can be lethal for pets

Keep household cleaning supplies, fertilizers, pesticides, and car or garage supplies safely stored where pets can’t find them. Dogs may sniff or lick something caustic, while cats may try to groom chemicals off their fur. 

Seek immediate emergency care if your pet eats a pesticide containing zinc phosphide: it can create lethal gases inside their bodies.

It’s also extremely important to keep rodenticides (rat poison, rat bait, etc.) far away from your pet. These products often have an enticing flavor that unfortunately attracts many dogs and cats. If ingested, rat poison can cause kidney failure, internal bleeding, and even death.

• Antifreeze and other car chemicals
• Bleach and detergents
• De-icing chemicals and salts
• Expandable foam insulation
• Expandable glue (e.g., Gorilla glue)
• Fertilizers and herbicides
• Household cleaners, including drain and shower cleaners
• Insecticides
• Lead and heavy metals from batteries, paint, or linoleum
• Paint and paint thinner
• Pool chemicals
• Rodent poisons and baits (as well as poisoned vermin)
• Tar

Download more about pet safety tips

Download more about common household poisons

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