Pet Poisons in Your Home
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
Top 10 Conditions
Petside: Get Started
-
- Find a Breed
Browse dog and cat breeds to find your perfect pal.
-
- Diagnose a Condition
Use PetVet to research what's ailing your pet.
-
- Locate a Hospital
- Find the nearest accredited animal hospital.
-
- Puppy Life
Register with Puppy Life to get the most for your puppy.
Specials
Check out these deals picked by petside.com just for you!
Comments (7)
Hide Posted Comments
Provi April 23, 2009 10:43 PM
My cat was for a week growling and hissing and yesterday she came from outside looking sick and today she passed away. I want to know what really happened to her.
Thanks
rosy May 26, 2009 6:25 AM
i took my cat to the vets and she thinks he has been poison,he has gone relly thin and just sits down all the time,cant walk for a long time? the vet said he is not in pain but what shell i do ??????Thanks
theresa July 28, 2009 10:52 AM
THANKS FOR THE TIPS, SOME OF THESE I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT. KEEP THE INFORMATION COMMING.
Julie July 28, 2009 8:48 PM
My older dog acts droopy and does not feel well for several days after I apply Frontline. I have asked friends and relatives with dogs and have heard that other dogs react this way also. Are we poisoning our pets by trying to protect them from fleas and ticks?? What is an alternative method? I have heard of the garlic but that is on the list of things they shouldn't have. What should I do??
as August 2, 2009 11:23 PM
try giving the pet the oral medication, such as sentinel. if the pet still gets sick, my vet says certain pets can be allergic to the medication, and a collar maybe in order. frankly, i never use topical medications, such as frontline, because i worry about side effects for us humans when we pet the animal. good luck!
Eva October 21, 2009 8:39 AM
Hello,
I have a 15+ yr old feline cat that has a chronic constipation. Despite regular administration of laxatives and two enemas and manual cleanout in the animal hospital, my cat is still not relieving himself enough. Very little comes out and he struggles to relieve himself.
Is there any way I can help him at home without constanntly taking him back to the hospital for relief. I was thinking of giving him enema myself and use gloves to help him move his bowels out. Do you have any tip or suggestions of the best way I can help him without draining my budget with hospital bills. Thanks.
Carrie October 21, 2009 2:04 PM
My husband went fishing for salmon. He cleaned the fish and, left over stuff he put out side to burn the next day. The dog ate the fish guts and died a few days later. Is salmon poison for dogs? Its not on your list.