It’s every pet owner’s worst nightmare: your pet eats something they shouldn’t. Whether it’s a chocolate bar left unattended, a houseplant with poisonous leaves, or household cleaning chemicals, pets often get into things that can make them sick. Knowing how to respond quickly and appropriately can make all the difference between a mild stomach upset and a life-threatening emergency.
In this article, we’ll discuss common household items and foods that can be toxic to pets, the signs of poisoning, and the steps to take if your pet ingests something harmful.
There are several common household foods and substances that can be toxic to pets. Recognizing these items and understanding how to protect your pet from them is key to preventing a poisoning emergency.
Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that is highly toxic to pets, especially dogs. Dark chocolate contains the highest levels of theobromine, but milk chocolate can also cause problems. Ingesting chocolate can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures, and even death if consumed in large amounts.
While the exact cause of toxicity is unknown, grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. Even small amounts can be dangerous. Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Onions, garlic, and other members of the allium family (like leeks and chives) contain compounds that can damage your pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. This can cause symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, and pale gums.
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some peanut butters. It can cause a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, weakness, seizures, and even liver failure.
Even small amounts of alcohol can be toxic to pets. Whether it’s alcohol from a beverage or the fermentation of raw dough, alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, and respiratory failure.
Common cleaning products like bleach, ammonia, and toilet bowl cleaners are highly toxic to pets. They can cause burns, gastrointestinal upset, and damage to internal organs if ingested.
For a complete list of toxic foods and substances, feel free to check out our pet wellness page.
Pets may show various symptoms depending on the substance they’ve ingested. Here are some common signs of poisoning in pets: