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Morgan Taylor-Rakocevic, VMD

Program Manager Veterinary Standards

Dr. Taylor-Rakocevic has been with Banfield since 2017. She graduated with her VMD from University of Pennsylvania in 20...

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common household poisons and toxic foods for dogs and cats

Common pet poisons include chocolate, xylitol, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, lilies, rodenticides, and human medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Some substances are dangerous to both dogs and cats, while others pose a greater risk to one species. For example, xylitol is particularly dangerous to dogs, while true lilies can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats.

If your pet may have eaten, inhaled, or come into contact with a potentially toxic substance, don't wait for signs to appear. Some poisonings can cause delayed symptoms. Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center right away for guidance.

Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 (fee applies)

ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435 (fee applies)

Keep the product packaging, ingredient list, plant label, or medication container available if possible. The poison control team or your veterinarian will need information about what your pet was exposed to and approximately how much.

Toxic foods for dogs and cats

The risk from a toxic food depends on what was eaten, how much was eaten, your pet's size and species, how long ago the exposure occurred, and your pet's health history. Possible signs vary by toxin and may include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, seizures, changes in heart rate, difficulty breathing, or collapse.

Toxin	Dogs	Cats	Why it matters	Possible signs
Chocolate	Dangerous	Dangerous	Contains methylxanthines, including theobromine and caffeine, which can affect the nervous system and heart.	Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures
Xylitol	Highly dangerous	Not toxic	This sweetener can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar in dogs and can also cause liver injury. It may be found in sugar-free gum, candy, toothpaste, and other products.	Weakness, vomiting, staggering, collapse, seizures
Grapes and raisins	Dangerous	Dangerous	Can cause acute kidney injury. The amount that causes illness can vary, so any suspected exposure warrants veterinary guidance.	Vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, changes in urination, kidney failure
Onions and garlic	Dangerous	Dangerous	Members of the Allium family can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are particularly sensitive.	Weakness, pale gums, vomiting, reduced appetite, rapid breathing
Macadamia nuts	Dangerous	Dangerous	Can cause neurologic and gastrointestinal signs, especially in dogs.	Weakness, vomiting, tremors, difficulty walking, increased body temperature
Alcohol	Dangerous	Dangerous	Alcohol can depress the central nervous system and cause dangerously low blood sugar and body temperature.	Vomiting, weakness, incoordination, difficulty breathing, collapse
Caffeine	Dangerous	Dangerous	Caffeine can overstimulate the nervous system and cardiovascular system.	Restlessness, vomiting, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures
Raw yeast dough	Dangerous	Dangerous	Dough can expand in the stomach and ferment, producing alcohol and potentially causing dangerous stomach distension.	Abdominal swelling, discomfort, vomiting, weakness, incoordination

Toxic plants — lilies and more

Plants can pose serious risks to pets, and some plants are particularly dangerous to cats.

Lilies

True lilies and daylilies can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats. All parts of these plants can be dangerous, including the flowers, leaves, pollen, and even water from the flower vase. If a cat may have eaten any part of a true lily or daylily, or had significant exposure to lily pollen, contact a veterinarian or animal poison control center immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to show.

Other potentially toxic plants

Other plants that can cause illness in dogs or cats include:

Sago palm — can cause severe gastrointestinal signs, liver damage, seizures, and potentially death.
Azalea and rhododendron — can cause gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurologic problems.
Tulip and narcissus bulbs — can cause gastrointestinal upset and, with larger exposures, more serious illness.
Oleander — can affect the heart and may be life-threatening.
Yew — can cause serious cardiovascular and neurologic effects.
Kalanchoe — can cause gastrointestinal and heart problems.

Plant toxicity varies depending on the species of plant and which part was eaten. If you're unsure what plant your pet encountered, save a sample or take a photo to help your veterinarian or poison control identify it.

Household and medication hazards

Not all pet poisons are foods. Common household and medication hazards include:

Rodenticides: Rat and mouse poisons can contain different active ingredients, so their effects vary. Depending on the product, poisoning can cause bleeding, kidney problems, neurologic signs, or other serious illness.
Human medications: Medications intended for people should never be given to a pet unless your veterinarian says it’s safe. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and other human pain relievers can cause serious problems in pets. Acetaminophen is especially dangerous for cats and should never be given to them.
Antifreeze: Ethylene glycol, commonly found in some antifreeze products, can cause severe kidney failure and can be fatal.
Cleaning products: Some household cleaners can cause irritation or chemical burns if swallowed or if they contact the skin or eyes. Concentrated products can be especially hazardous.
Concentrated essential oils: Certain essential oils, including tea tree oil, can be toxic to pets. Exposure can happen through swallowing, skin contact, or inhalation, depending on the product.

Because household products vary widely in their ingredients and concentrations, keep the container or label available if your pet is exposed. Your veterinarian or poison control can determine the specific risk.

What to do if your pet is exposed

The appropriate response depends on the specific substance, amount, species, and timing of the exposure. If your pet may have been exposed:

Remove your pet from the source and prevent further exposure.
Call your veterinarian, an emergency veterinary hospital, or animal poison control immediately.
Gather the product packaging, ingredients, medication bottle, or plant information.
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or animal poison control professional tells you to
Don't give home antidotes or medications unless instructed by a veterinary professional.

Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 (fee applies)

ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435 (fee applies)

For detailed guidance on what to do during a suspected poisoning: Help for pet poisoning

Common pet poisons FAQs

What foods are toxic to dogs and cats?

Common toxic foods include chocolate, xylitol, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine, and raw yeast dough. The risk varies by species, amount eaten, and other factors, so contact your veterinarian or animal poison control if your pet may have eaten something toxic.

What household items can poison a pet?

Common household hazards include rodenticides, antifreeze, human medications, cleaning products, certain essential oils, and some plants. Human pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be harmful to pets, while acetaminophen can be fatal to cats.

Which plants are poisonous to cats?

True lilies and daylilies are among the most dangerous plants for cats because even relatively small exposures can cause life-threatening kidney failure. Other potentially toxic plants include sago palms, azaleas, rhododendrons, oleander, and tulip or narcissus bulbs.

Is acetaminophen or ibuprofen safe for pets?

Do not give either medication to your pet. Ibuprofen can cause serious gastrointestinal, kidney, and other problems in pets, while acetaminophen is particularly dangerous to cats and should never be given to them.

Pet-proof your home with Banfield's help

Know the hazards before they happen.

Keep medications, cleaning products, pesticides, plants, and human foods out of your pet's reach, and save the numbers for animal poison control before you need them.

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Important Notice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet's health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.