- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Dogs are notorious for consuming things they shouldn’t. If it smells good, it must taste good, right? Unfortunately, even things that taste good to your dog can be bad for them. In fact, some of the seemingly harmless things in your house can actually be poisonous to dogs.
Being aware of the risks is the first step, and preventing your dog from getting into potentially harmful substances is the second. Puppy-proofing (even if your dog is an adult) is essential, but you should also have a plan to enact if your dog comes into contact with a toxic substance.
We spoke to veterinary experts about things that are poisonous to dogs. Below you’ll find lists of the most dangerous things poisonous to dogs in various categories. We’ll also review what to do if your dog eats something toxic.
Dangerous Foods for Dogs
Most dog parents know that chocolate is harmful to dogs, but everyday things you eat or cook with can be poisonous to dogs as well. Here’s a quick list of some of the most toxic foods for dogs.
- Alcohol
- Bread dough
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Cooked bones
- Fruit seeds and pits
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Macadamia nuts
- Onions
- Raw meat
- Salt and seasonings
For some foods—like avocado and other fruit—only the peel, seeds, or pits contain toxins. Recent research suggests that tartaric acid may be to blame for the toxicity of grapes, but the toxin in macadamia nuts hasn’t yet been identified. All onion-family foods (including chives, garlic, and leeks) can cause a dangerous form of anemia when ingested in sufficient amounts.
For some foods on this list, it makes a difference whether the food is cooked or not. Raw bread dough, for example, contains yeast that produces ethanol, which can cause a toxic reaction in dogs. Fish, eggs, poultry, and meat are safest for dogs when cooked, but the bones are not. Cooked bones can splinter or form an obstruction in your dog’s digestive tract. Raw, meaty bones may be safer to chew.
How to protect your pup
The key to protecting your dog against potentially harmful foods is preventing access to them. If you keep anything edible in low cupboards or on open shelving, it’s probably time to reorganize. All food should be stored in covered containers in places your dog can’t reach them.
If you have parties or events where food sits out, it needs to be high enough to keep your dog from temptation. This could mean changes for the holidays, but also for your average dinner routine. Make sure guests know your house rules before caving to those pleading dog eyes and feeding them something you’ll all regret.
Household Cleaning Products Toxic to Dogs
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The same products you use to keep your home clean and safe for your family could be harmful to your pets. Here’s a quick list of cleaning products and common household things that are poisonous to dogs.
- Ammonia
- All-purpose cleaners
- Artificial fragrance
- Bleach and chlorine
- Detergents
- Fabric softener
- Floor cleaners
- Disinfectants
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Phenols
- Stain removers
- Toilet bowl cleaner
Cleaning products made with chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and phenols can have a corrosive effect on your dog’s skin, eyes, and lungs (if they inhale it). Artificial fragrances like phthalates can irritate your dog’s lungs too. So can certain essential oils used to scent natural cleaning products. Cleaning products that contain alcohol can also pose a danger if ingested.
Many cleaning products and other household chemicals are toxic to dogs for the same reasons they’re dangerous for children: dogs are much smaller than the average adult. It simply doesn’t take as large a dose to cause toxicity. Plus, dogs can absorb toxins through their paw pads or ingest them when licking themselves, their toys, or their bedding.
Keep cleaning products out of reach
Nell Ostermeier, a licensed veterinarian and advisor at OnePack Plan, says that because so many chemicals and cleaning products are potentially harmful, controlling access is key. “It’s often best to take the same approach you would with children,” she says, “and keep harmful things out of reach.” This means keeping cleaning products in a secure cabinet or on a high shelf in the pantry or garage.
Keep in mind that your dog can be exposed to chemicals by accident, too. They might lick a surface you’ve just cleaned or inhale chemicals used to clean bedding, furniture, or flooring. The safest solution may be to stick to pet-safe cleaning products and avoid the risk entirely.
House Plants That Are Dangerous to Dogs
The same plants that breathe life into your space could put your dog’s health and safety at risk. Some are downright deadly, and others cause oral irritation and digestive upset when consumed. Here’s a quick list of some of the most dangerous houseplants for dogs.
- Aloe vera
- Caladium (elephant ear)
- Cyclamen
- Desert rose
- Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
- Peace lilies
- Philodendron
- Poinsettia
- Pothos (devil’s ivy)
- Sago palm
- Schefflera (umbrella plant)
Swap out poisonous plants
Houseplants generally aren’t harmful to dogs unless they ingest them, so it’s wise to keep any that might be toxic well out of your dog’s reach. Better yet, consider replacing poisonous houseplants with plants that are safe for dogs. Swap pothos for spider plants, peperomia for caladium, easter lily for peace lily, and orchids in place of desert rose.
Don’t forget to check the plants in your yard or garden as well. Blooming beauties like autumn crocus, tulips, daffodils, and lilies of the valley are toxic to dogs. Even more toxic are shrubs like oleander, azalea, and rhododendron.
In some cases, it’s only parts of the plant you need to worry about—like Japanese yews (the berries aren’t toxic but the rest of the plant is). Choose dog-safe plants for landscaping or use fencing to keep your dog away from poisonous plants.
Lawn and Garden Products That Are Toxic to Dogs
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Chemicals you keep in the garage or shed, like the products you use to treat your lawn and garden, can be dangerous for your dog, especially if not used properly. Here are some of the things in the garden that are poisonous to dogs.
- Fertilizer
- Fungicides
- Herbicide
- Insecticide
- Insect repellent
- Motor oil
- Mulch
- Rodenticide
- Snail and slug bait
- Weed killer
- Windshield wiper fluid
Tips for keeping your dog safe
Always check the label before using any kind of chemical inside or outside your home to determine whether it’s safe for pets. If there’s not a warning on the label, look for potentially harmful ingredients like carbamates, disulfoton, organophosphates, and pyrethrins. When ingested, these chemicals can cause vomiting or diarrhea—even seizures or death.
Always make sure your dog is safely indoors when using any lawn or garden products, and store them well out of your dog’s reach or in a secure cabinet. Spray-on products should be properly diluted, and they may still need time to dry before exposing your dog to them. Some products like pellet fertilizers may not be fully absorbed until it rains.
Medications and Toiletries
Medications, personal care products, and even cosmetics can contain ingredients that are harmful to your dog. Here’s a list of things poisonous to dogs you might find in your bathroom or medicine cabinet.
- Acne treatments
- ADHD medication
- Allergy medicine
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Beta blockers
- Birth control
- Body wash and soap
- Cosmetics
- Creams, lotions, and ointments
- Deodorant and antiperspirant
- Flea and tick preventives
- Hair products
- Hand sanitizer
- Nail polish and remover
- Pain relievers
- Petroleum jelly
- Products containing THC
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Sunscreen
- Thyroid hormones
- Toothpaste containing xylitol
Human medications and your dog
While some human medications are safe for dogs, dosage makes a big difference. Anti-anxiety medications, antihistamines, and allergy medications are prime examples. They may be safe for dogs at an appropriate dose, but too much could harm your pup.
In other cases, one drug within a certain category, such as pain relievers, might be safe (like Aspirin) and another toxic (like acetaminophen or Tylenol). Even small doses of certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause serious kidney damage in dogs.
Safe storage is key
Puppy-proofing is particularly important in bathrooms and other areas where pharmaceuticals and toiletries are stored. Your dog can get into trouble at any age, so safe storage should be an ongoing priority. Keep medication in closed containers in a secure cabinet—preferably a wall cabinet instead of one your dog can access from the floor.
Never use human toiletries (like shampoo or body wash) on your dog, and keep the lids on opened products to avoid accidental contact or ingestion.
Take precautions to prevent your dog from accidentally coming into contact with potentially harmful medications or other substances. For example, your dog could be poisoned by licking flea medication off another pet or consuming edibles containing THC (CBD for dogs is different). Spilled products can easily end up on your dog’s skin or fur, so clean up messes quickly.
Other Toxic Items
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A chart of all the things poisonous to dogs would go on forever, but here are a few you might not already know.
- Antifreeze
- Batteries
- Glue
- Ice melt
- Paint
- Pennies
- Scented candles
You might not think your dog would be interested in some of these items, but you’d be surprised. Antifreeze, for example, contains ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste some dogs can’t resist. Even a small amount of this substance can be lethal when ingested.
Glue and other adhesives may also be appealing to some dogs. According to Jennifer Sperry, a licensed veterinarian and advisor for Spot Pet Insurance, “Fast setting glues and foaming glues (like Gorilla Glue) have an intriguing scent that may attract dogs.” When ingested, it can irritate your dog’s gastrointestinal system. Those that contain polyurethane may harden, forming a life-threatening blockage.
Items containing heavy metals like paint or pennies can be toxic, and batteries can leak caustic chemicals when chewed or ingested. Other substances can damage your dog’s skin on contact, like chemical ice-melters, or release substances that can irritate their lungs, like scented candles.
What To Do If Your Dog Ate Something Poisonous
If your dog eats something they shouldn’t, Dr. Sperry stresses that timing is everything. Signs of toxicity may not present immediately, but the situation can turn on a dime. Dr. Ostermeier adds that toxic dosing depends on body weight and the amount of toxin ingested. It’s difficult to predict how any individual dog will react to ingesting something poisonous, so it’s best not to delay.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for the best things to do for a poisoned dog:
1. Prevent further access to the ingested substance by placing it out of reach or moving your dog to another room, if it’s safe to do so.
2. Quickly identify the substance and collect a sample in a zippered plastic bag or glass jar (if anything is left). Collect the product label or packing, if possible, as well.
3. If your dog’s condition is stable, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) to help you determine next steps.
4. If your dog is experiencing any of the following symptoms, do not wait—take them to the nearest emergency clinic or veterinary hospital.
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Pale gums
- Disorientation or loss of coordination
- Convulsions
5. Should immediate treatment be required, bring the ingested substance and any identifying material when you take your dog in.
6. If your veterinarian recommends monitoring, keep your dog in a restricted area where you can watch them closely for the recommended period of time.
7. Make sure you understand the specific symptoms you should be monitoring for—don’t be afraid to ask your vet questions and take notes if you think you’ll forget.
8. Avoid giving your dog any food or liquids unless your veterinarian says it’s okay.
9. Dispose of any remaining hazardous material in a sealed trash bag placed in a covered trash can. Make sure no other animals can access it.
Never induce vomiting unless your veterinarian directs you to do so. In some situations, inducing vomiting could make the situation worse rather than better. If your vet does recommend it, they’ll tell you what steps to follow.
Health emergencies can happen at any time. When they do, responding quickly can make a big difference. Consider putting together a pet emergency kit and take the time to educate yourself about pet first aid basics so you’ll be prepared should the skills be needed.