As a licensed veterinary technician, I’ve spent years educating animal guardians about common household items toxic to dogs and cats. Yet, despite my training and experience, I nearly lost my own dog, Jessa Linda, to an accidental poisoning.
Jessa is clever and independent, never one to play by the rules. We take every precaution to keep her safe—or so I thought. One evening many years ago, I left a sealed bottle of medication inside a tied plastic bag on the kitchen counter, planning to dispose of it the next day. Then I ran out to pick up dinner. When I returned, I found the bag shredded, the bottle chewed to pieces, and Jessa in the next room—wobbly and unsteady. Panic set in as I recalled overdose symptoms—seizures, weak pulse, sudden death. I never imagined something like this could happen to one of my own dogs.
Every March, during Poison Prevention Awareness Month, I am reminded of that awful day—and inspired to warn others about everyday dangers lurking in unexpected places.
Foods That Can Be Deadly to Dogs and Cats
The best way to prevent accidental poisoning from toxic foods is to avoid sharing your food with your animal companions and keep cabinets closed. The following foods are highly toxic to animals:
Grapes and Raisins: Can cause sudden kidney failure.
Chocolate: Causes cardiac arrhythmias, muscle tremors, and seizures.
Onions & Garlic: Can lead to anemia.
Xylitol (in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and baked goods): Can cause severe liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar.
Caffeine: Leads to heart arrhythmias and seizures.
Alcohol: Causes seizures and low blood pressure.
Medications and Personal Care Items Poisonous to Animals
Common medications can be dangerous or even fatal to animals and are one of the most frequently reported animal companion poisonings. Always store these and other medications in secure cabinets, never on countertops, nightstands, or in bags left within reach. Additionally, never give dogs, cats, or other animals any medication unless directed by your veterinarian.
Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen: Can cause liver damage.
Antidepressants, ADHD medications, and cold medicines: Can cause tremors and seizures.
Nicotine (E-cigarettes, patches, and gum): Highly toxic to animals, even in small doses.
Marijuana and THC products (such as gummies and baked goods): Can cause tremors, seizures, and coma.
Danger in the Garden
Gardeners should be aware that many flowers, including lilies, are highly toxic to cats. Plus, pesticides can be toxic, not to mention the harm they cause to precious pollinators and other wildlife.
Lilies: Even a few pollen grains can cause fatal kidney failure in cats.
Tulips, Daffodils, and Hyacinths: Dangerous if dogs chew the bulbs.
Fertilizers: That contain organophosphates can cause drooling, tremors, difficulty breathing, and fatal seizures.
Mulch: Especially cocoa mulch, contains theobromine—the same toxic compound found in chocolate—posing a serious risk to dogs who love to nibble their way through the yard.
Houseplants: Including philodendron, sago palm, chrysanthemum, and snake plants, are poisonous to dogs and cats. Please also use caution when sending flowers to friends and loved ones to ensure the bouquet is safe for their animal companions.
Remember: Keeping cats indoors is vital to their well-being. It keeps them safe from many life-threatening hazards, including poisonous and toxic items.
Dangerous Cleaning Products and Household Chemicals
Bleach, Ammonia, and Disinfectants: Can cause chemical burns or poisoning if ingested.
Antifreeze: Has a sweet taste that attracts animals, but even a small amount can be deadly.
Essential Oils: Like peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, citrus, cinnamon, wintergreen, and pine, are highly toxic.
Signs of Poisoning in Animals
Accidents can happen in an instant. If you suspect your animal companion has ingested something toxic, immediately call your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control hotline and have the substance label ready. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by your veterinarian. Common signs of poison ingestion include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Lethargy
- Tremors or seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of coordination
An Ounce of Prevention Can Save an Animal’s Life
I feel endlessly lucky that I returned home in time to rush Jessa to the emergency clinic, and still shudder to think of how differently that evening could have ended. Now 15, she has slowed down a bit, yet her spirit remains as feisty as ever. And because life has a way of making things interesting, we’ve since adopted another dog—a counter-surfer extraordinaire who keeps us on our toes. We keep him safe by:
- Storing medications, foods, and other potential toxins up and out of reach.
- Using animal-safe cleaning products.
- Keeping trash cans covered to prevent curious canines (and felines!) from digging in.
Our animal companions rely on us to keep them safe. This Poison Prevention Awareness Month, take a moment to look around your home and yard and reassess what’s within paw’s reach. A little extra caution today could save a life tomorrow.
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