Surprising Household Items Toxic to Pets

As a pet owner, you naturally want to provide your best four-legged friend with the safest and healthiest environment possible. However, your home, like many homes with pets, may harbor hidden dangers—seemingly ordinary items that, surprisingly, put your pet at risk.

Our Caldwell Animal Hospital team wants to help you protect your pet by highlighting some common toxic household items. When you are aware of the potential pet hazards, you can be proactive about creating a safe home for your cherished animal companion.

Foods that endanger pets

Many foods that people enjoy safely harm our pets. Here are the most common offenders:

• Chocolate — This snacktime staple is a well-known toxin, especially baking and dark chocolate, because they contain high concentrations of theobromine and caffeine. These compounds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors, and seizures in severe cases.
• Grapes and raisins — While not all pets are affected, these fruits can cause kidney failure in some dogs and cats. It’s best to avoid them altogether since the exact risk factors are still being researched.
• Xylitol — This artificial sweetener is found in sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butter, toothpaste, and baked goods. In dogs, xylitol triggers a dangerous drop in blood sugar (i.e., hypoglycemia), leading to weakness, seizures, and potentially liver failure.
• Onions, garlic, chives — These flavorful staples from the Allium family contain thiosulfate, a compound that damages your pet’s red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia. All forms—raw, cooked, dried, and powdered—have the same effect.
• Alcohol — Only small amounts can significantly intoxicate pets. Symptoms include vomiting, disorientation, breathing difficulties, coma, and, in severe cases, death.
• Macadamia nuts — While the exact poisoning mechanism is unknown, these nuts can cause vomiting, weakness, tremors, fever, and hind limb paralysis in dogs.

Human medications harmful to pets

Many human medications are extremely dangerous and sometimes deadly for our pets. Some particularly hazardous medications and their potential effects on pets include:

• Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) — These common pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and diclofenac (Voltaren) can cause severe stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and kidney failure in pets.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) — A staple in many people’s medicine cabinets, acetaminophen is highly toxic to cats and can cause liver damage in dogs.
• Antidepressants and anxiety medications — Medications like sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and alprazolam (Xanax) can cause a range of symptoms, including agitation, vomiting, tremors and, in severe cases, seizures or coma.
• Cold and flu medications — These often contain a combination of harmful ingredients, including decongestants that can raise a pet’s heart rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels.
• ADHD medications — Stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) can lead to hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and heart problems in animals.

Household items harmful to pets

Most people like to keep a clean house that is free of pests, but you need to take care if your household includes pets. Watch out for the following:

• Cleaning products — Many household cleaners contain bleach, ammonia, or other dangerous chemicals if ingested or inhaled by pets. Choose pet-safe cleaning products whenever possible, or make your own with non-toxic ingredients like white vinegar and baking soda. Store all cleaners securely in high or latched cabinets.
• Antifreeze — Sadly, pets are attracted to this product’s sweet taste, but antifreeze is highly toxic for pets and causes severe kidney damage. 
• Rodenticides — Rat and mouse poisons contain potent chemicals that can be fatal not only for rodents but also your pets, and they can be affected by eating the poison or a poisoned rodent. If you must use rodenticides, place them in areas inaccessible to your pet. Better yet, use pet-safe traps instead.
• Mothballs — Mothballs contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are toxic to pets if ingested. They also release fumes that can be harmful if inhaled.
• Plants and flowers— Many favorite house plants and flowers contain chemicals that are toxic to pets. Lilies, including the flowers, the leaves, and the vase water, are particularly dangerous for cats, causing kidney failure. Other notable toxic plants and flowers include tulips, azaleas, philodendron, and sago palms. Always research a plant’s toxicity before bringing a new plant into your home, especially if your pet is a notorious nibbler.
• Batteries — Batteries contain corrosive acid and a pet who chews a leaking battery can suffer severe mouth and digestive tract burns.
• String, yarn, dental floss — Ingestion of linear objects like these can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage.

Time is critical if you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic food or household product, and you should immediately contact Caldwell Animal Hospital or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian.

Prevention is the best medicine. Here’s how to safeguard your pet:

• Learn about common toxins — Our website and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website are excellent resources.
• Pet-proof your home — Store potential hazards securely using childproof latches on low cabinets and pet-safe trash cans.
• Supervise your pet — This is especially important for young or curious pets and those prone to scavenging.

Protecting your pet from household toxins is all about awareness, vigilance, and follow-through. Still, pets can get into trouble despite your best efforts. Contact our Caldwell Animal Hospital team promptly if you have questions or concerns about potential toxins and your pet.