Household Poisons for Pets

Dogs and cats explore with their mouths, and many everyday items are toxic to them. Most poisonings happen at home and are preventable. Knowing the dangers, and acting fast, can save a pet's life.

• Pet Owners
• Families
• Renters

Common dangers

• Foods: chocolate, xylitol (a sweetener in gum, candy, peanut butter and some baked goods; can drop blood sugar and damage the liver), grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, raw dough and caffeine.
• Human medicines: pain relievers (ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen are dangerous, especially for cats), antidepressants, ADHD drugs, sleep aids and vitamins. See Medication Safety.
• Plants: lilies (deadly to cats), sago palm, azaleas, tulip bulbs, oleander and mushrooms.
• Chemicals: antifreeze (sweet-tasting and deadly), rodent poison, slug bait, pesticides, cleaners and fertilizers. See Household Chemicals and Pesticides at Home.
• Other: essential oils, cannabis products, batteries, coins and small items that cause blockages.

Signs of poisoning

• Vomiting, drooling or diarrhea
• Weakness, tremors, seizures or collapse
• Trouble breathing, coughing or pale gums
• Unusual behavior, agitation or sleepiness
• Increased thirst and urination, or no urination

Signs can take hours or days to appear. If you think your pet ate something harmful, act at once.

What to do

1. Remove the pet from the source and take away any remaining material.
2. Call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic or a pet poison hotline immediately. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) charge a consultation fee but give expert guidance.
3. Have the product label, amount eaten and your pet's weight ready.
4. Do not make your pet vomit unless told to by a vet. Some substances cause more harm coming back up.
5. Bring the packaging or plant sample to the clinic.

Pet-proof your home

• Store food, medicines and chemicals in closed cabinets or high shelves
• Clean up antifreeze spills immediately and use pet-safe products if possible. See Garage Safety
• Use bait stations that are tamper-resistant, or traps, and avoid rodent poison
• Check the plants you bring home, especially at holidays. See Holiday Decorations
• Keep trash covered and counters clear of food
• Keep a pet first aid plan. See Pets & Emergencies

Last updated: October 8, 2026