How to use this guide
This is a reference tool for identifying potential hazards in your home. If your pet has already been exposed to something, call an emergency vet now rather than reading further. Time matters.
If you are reading this proactively to assess your home — excellent. Use the categories below to identify and remove or secure hazards before an emergency occurs.
Toxic foods
Extremely dangerous
- Xylitol (sugar-free gum, some peanut butters)
- Grapes and raisins
- Dark and baking chocolate
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcohol in any form
Dangerous
- Onions, garlic, leeks, chives (any form)
- Milk chocolate (especially small dogs)
- Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
- Avocado (especially the pit and skin)
- Raw or undercooked yeast dough
Toxic plants
- All true lilies (cats): Easter lily, tiger lily, Asiatic lily, daylily — every part is toxic including pollen and vase water. Causes kidney failure. Remove from any home with cats.
- Sago palm: Extremely toxic to both dogs and cats. Even a few seeds can cause liver failure and death. Common in Texas landscaping.
- Azalea and rhododendron: Toxic to both species. Causes vomiting, heart rhythm abnormalities.
- Tulip and daffodil bulbs: More toxic than the flowers. Causes vomiting and cardiac symptoms.
- Oleander: Highly toxic. Affects the heart.
- Dieffenbachia and pothos: Common houseplants that cause oral irritation and GI symptoms.
Toxic medications
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen): Even one ibuprofen tablet can cause kidney failure and GI ulcers in dogs. Extremely toxic to cats.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Severely toxic to cats. Causes oxidative damage to red blood cells and liver failure. Dangerous to dogs as well.
- Prescription medications: Antidepressants, blood pressure medications, ADHD medications, sleep aids, and others can all cause serious toxicity. Keep all medications secured.
Household chemicals
- Antifreeze (ethylene glycol): Extremely toxic. Has a sweet taste that attracts dogs. Even a small amount causes kidney failure. Wipe up spills immediately.
- Rodenticides (rat poison): Most common types prevent blood clotting. Symptoms may not appear for 3 to 5 days. Any known exposure requires emergency evaluation.
- Certain fertilizers and pesticides
- Cleaning products if ingested directly
Prevention: secure your home
The best emergency is the one that never happens. Keep medications in closed cabinets above floor level. Check all sugar-free products for xylitol. Remove lily plants if you have cats. Wipe up antifreeze spills immediately. Know which plants are in your yard. These steps take minutes and can save your pet's life.