Pet Poisons in Your Home

There may be common foods and substances in your home that could poison your pet- ones you didn't even know were dangerous! Read on for a full list of common household products that are poisonous, and possibly even fatal to pets.Use this list to help recognize potentially dangerous foods and substances in your home.

When pet proofing your home, be sure to get down to your pet's level to see their point of view. While everything may look safe from your perspective, your pet may be able to get into areas you can't see.

Also, keep your pet confined to a crate or small safe area when you aren't home. Most pet poisonings occurs when people are not in the house.

For even more information, see Petside's original video on Household Dangers

Dangerous Foods

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Artificial sweetener (xylitol)
  • Avocado
  • Bones
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee
  • Fatty foods
  • Garlic
  • Grapes
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Nuts still in shell
  • Onions and onion powder
  • Raisins
  • Salt
  • Spoiled foods
  • Yeast dough

Unsafe Outdoor Substances

  • Animal toxins (venomous toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions)
  • Antifreeze
  • Blue-green pond algae
  • Citronella candles
  • Cocoa mulch
  • Compost piles
  • Fertilizers
  • Fly baits containing methomyl
  • Ice melting products
  • Outdoor plants and plant bulbs
  • Swimming-pool treatment supplies
  • Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde

Dangerous Medications

  • Anti-cancer drugs
  • Antidepressants
  • Cold medicines
  • Diet Pills
  • Pain killers
  • Vitamins

Household Hazards

  • Batteries
  • Electrical cords
  • Fabric softener sheets
  • Flea products
  • Lilies
  • Liquid potpourri
  • Mothballs
  • Pennies (Especially Post-1982 because of a high concentration of zinc)
  • Pine oil cleaners
  • Polyurethane Glue
  • Poisoned pests
  • Rubber bands
  • Rat and mouse bait
  • String
  • Yarn

Holiday Hazards

  • Christmas tree water
  • Glass ornaments
  • Ribbons or tinsel

Substances that are not poisonous, but may cause gastrointestinal upset:

  • Cat litter
  • Glue traps
  • Glow jewelry
  • Poinsettia
  • Silica gel
  • Toilet bowl water
  • Water-based paints

What to Do if Your Pet is Poisoned

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, call your vet immediately. Determine what substance was ingested and read the product's label for a list of ingredients and any instructions in case of accidental ingestion. If your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea, you should bring a sample of the product to help your vet determine the correct treatment.

You should also keep a fully stocked pet first-aid kit in your home as well as an emergency handbook. Be sure you are up to date on your pet's age, weight and allergies.

If you need help, you can also call the National Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. There may be fees for this service.

To read about common pet illnesses, check out Petside's Pet Vet Symptom Finder

Author's profile photo
Petside Team

Petside is run by pet lovers just like you, and is here to help you be the best pet parents you…

Leave a Comment

Enter your information below or log in to skip these fields.
No account? Sign up here.
* indicates a required field.
(will appear with your comment)
For privacy reasons, do not use your full name or email address.
(will not be published)
For your protection, ensure that no personally identifiable information (like full name or email address) is submitted.

Your Privacy

Trust is a cornerstone of our corporate mission, and the success of our business depends on it. P&G is committed to maintaining your trust by protecting personal information we collect about you, our consumers.

Comments (4)

Certified Vet Tech (Unverified)

If your pet ingests something, PLEASE do not try any treatments at home. Either take them to an emergency veterinarian immediately or call Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680. I am a veterinary technician and it is important to let a professional figure out what should be done for your pet if they are exposed to something.

kay lavelle (Unverified)
MY dog just ate onions, what should I do.Will it hurt her.
lisa webb (Unverified)
My puppy just had a jelly like stool and acts like he is not feeling well. His stools have been fine. Could he have eaten something. His mouth looks okay inside, maybe a little pale. His appetite is a little less this a.m.
Ann Colvin-Smith (Unverified)
My dog ate our pool test kit. Not the pool treatment supplies. These are not on the list. Is she in danger. She ate it about 1 hour ago. 1-20-10 8:55pm