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How do you know if your pet’s been poisoned?
If your cat or dog has been poisoned, they can show symptoms right away, or hours or even days later. If your pet is showing any combination of these symptoms, don’t delay. Seek emergency veterinary care, and call the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 now.
Coughing, choking
Unusual amounts of slobber, drool, or foaming at the mouth
Labored breathing
Dilated pupils
Blindness
Seizures, tremors
Difficulty walking (they may look drunk)
Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
Food, plants, and chemicals that commonly cause pet poisoning
Cats and dogs can be ingenious at helping themselves to things we don’t want them to have. And unfortunately, a lot of delicious human foods, cool decorations, and useful chemicals may hurt, or even kill, your unsuspecting pet. Help the pet you love stay safe. Be aware of the risks, and do your best to keep dangerous items out of reach.
This is not a complete list of potential toxins or health risks. If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to your veterinary team.
People foods pets should never eat
Pets aren’t humans, and their bodies aren’t designed to process many human foods.
- Alcohol in any form (beer, wine, etc.)
- Caffeine in any form (coffee, tea, soft drinks, etc.)
- Chocolate
- Garlic, onions, leeks, or chives (including cooked or powdered versions)
- Grapes and raisins
- Sugarless candy, gum, or toothpaste with Xylitol
- Yeasted dough (raw bread or pastry dough)
People medications can poison pets
Never give your pet any kind of human medication — whether over-the-counter, recreational, or prescription — unless explicitly directed by your veterinary team.
- Painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen (Advil, Aleve, Tylenol, etc.)
- Antidepressants or anxiety medications
- ADHD drugs (Ritalin, Concerta, etc.)
- Cold medicines
- Diet pills
- Marijuana
- Prescription medications for medical conditions
- Vitamins and supplements
House plants, flowers, and other plants that can poison pets
Avoid these tempting-but-toxic plants in your house or yard, or keep them strictly out of reach.
- Aloe
- Azaleas and rhododendrons
- Chrysanthemums and other “mums”
- Foxglove
- Lilies
- Mistletoe
- Oleander
- Sago palms
- Tulips, hyacinths, and irises
Common household chemicals that are poisonous to pets
Dogs may sniff or lick something caustic, while cats may try to groom chemicals off their fur. Keep household cleaning supplies, garden chemicals, and car or garage supplies where eager paws can’t go.
Seek immediate emergency care for people and pets if your pet eats pesticides containing zinc phosphide, which can create lethal gases inside their bodies.
- Antifreeze and other car chemicals
- Bleach and detergents
- De-icing chemicals and salts
- Expandable foam insulation
- 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
Overdosing or using pet medications incorrectly can be dangerous
Pet medications, including flea and tick treatments, should always be used as prescribed.
Call your veterinary team if
- A pet gets into their meds
- A pet eats another pet’s meds
- A cat eats dog medication
- A dog eats cat medication
What’s poisonous for cats?
In addition to the list above, cats are especially vulnerable to certain poisons. Keep an eye on your kittyBAE and act immediately if you suspect your cat has sampled any of the below.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Antifreeze
- Bleach or other wet or sticky chemicals
- Dog (or rabbit) parasite control that contains permethrin
- Lilies of any type
What’s poisonous for dogs?
Dogs can be champions at trying things that aren’t good for them. As well as the list above, here are a few things that are especially toxic for your doggyBFF — if you think they’ve been poisoned, act now.
- Avocado skin, pits, and leaves
- Blue cheese
- Hops (used in home brewing)
- Kitchen spices (like nutmeg), herbs, and baking soda
- Macadamia nuts, even in small amounts
- Moldy or spoiled food
- Pits from fruits like peaches and plums
Why are these foods and substances toxic to pets?
There are many, many reasons why your pet may get sick from something you personally eat or use all the time. Often, it’s simply because pet bodies aren’t designed like people bodies, and they just can’t process the same materials in the same way.
Animals can easily overdose on people medication, or get very sick from small amounts of alcohol or caffeine. Plus, even the smartest pet may not think the same way people do, or have the same information — like knowing that the sweet-smelling lily on your side table isn’t good to eat.
As a loving pet owner, you can help your pet avoid toxins and other hazards by being informed. We’re here to help. If you have any questions or concerns about what your pet should eat or what’s safe to have in your home, please reach out to your veterinary team.
In an emergency, please contact your local veterinary emergency hospital.
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Every Optimum Wellness Plan® (OWP) comes with Vet ChatTM, which gives you 24/7 access to live general veterinary advice via text.
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Urgent care advice
Call your veterinary team during hospital hours for urgent care advice.
