What common household items are toxic to pets?

Common Household Items Toxic to Pets

Many common household items are extremely dangerous to pets, including foods like chocolate, grapes, and onions, as well as household chemicals, plants, and medications that can cause severe illness or death if ingested. 1, 2

Toxic Foods for Pets

For Dogs:

• Chocolate and caffeine products - Contain methylxanthines which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and even death 1
• Grapes and raisins - Can cause acute kidney failure even in small amounts 3
• Onions and garlic - Cause oxidative damage to red blood cells leading to hemolytic anemia 1
• Xylitol - Found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some peanut butters; causes rapid insulin release and potentially fatal hypoglycemia 1
• Alcohol - Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing difficulty, coma, and death 1
• Nuts - Especially macadamia nuts which can cause weakness, hyperthermia, and vomiting 1
• Avocado - Contains persin which can cause vomiting and diarrhea 1
• Raw/undercooked meat and eggs - Risk of Salmonella or E. coli infection 4

For Cats:

• Onions and garlic - Even more toxic to cats than dogs 1
• Avocado - Toxic to cats as well as dogs 1
• Raw fish - Can destroy thiamine (vitamin B1) leading to neurological problems 2
• Milk and dairy - Many cats are lactose intolerant, causing digestive upset

Household Chemicals and Products

• Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) - Extremely toxic even in small amounts; causes kidney failure 5
• Cleaning products - Especially those containing phenols, chlorine, or ammonia 5
• Pesticides and rodenticides - Cause bleeding disorders, seizures, or organ failure 6
• Batteries - Can cause chemical burns if punctured 5
• Medications - Human medications including:
  • Acetaminophen/paracetamol (extremely toxic to cats)
  • NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
  • Antidepressants
  • Blood pressure medications 3

Toxic Plants

• Lilies - Extremely toxic to cats; even small exposures can cause kidney failure 3
• Sago palm - All parts are toxic, especially seeds
• Azaleas and rhododendrons - Contain grayanotoxins
• Tulip and daffodil bulbs - Contain alkaloids and glycosides
• Oleander - Contains cardiac glycosides

Prevention Strategies

1. Store hazardous items securely - Keep all medications, chemicals, and toxic foods in closed cabinets or areas pets cannot access
2. Properly dispose of garbage - Use secure trash containers pets cannot open
3. Research plants before bringing them home - Ensure they are not toxic to your pets
4. Be cautious with food - Never feed pets table scraps without knowing they are safe
5. Keep pets away from areas being cleaned - Until surfaces are completely dry

Emergency Response

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic:

• Contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately
• Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian
• Bring the packaging or a sample of the ingested substance if possible
• Monitor for symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, or abnormal behavior

The best approach to pet toxins is prevention through awareness and proper storage of potentially harmful substances. When in doubt about a food or product's safety for pets, it's best to err on the side of caution and keep it out of their reach.