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50+ Household Toxic and Poison Items to Dogs and Pets
Protect your dogs and make sure that they do not get poisoned by toxic items inside your own home! There are many things that are safe for humans and yet poison for dogs, cats and other animals. Dog poisons can be found in the house, outside in the yard, and even the most harmless of things can really harm your favorite pets!
Plant and Garden Poison Items for Dogs
If you walk your dog, or he or she spends time in your backyard and this goes for cats as well, make sure that the following plants and flowers are not there as they can really cause harm and even death to your pets.
All Lillies
Very dangerous to cats and cause severe kidney damage.
- Stargazer
- Tiger
- Easter lilies
English Ivy
Contains triterpenoid saponins, which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea when ingested by dogs and cats.
Lily and Pothos Plants
Often cause irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue as well as swelling of the GI tract.
Oleander
While beautiful it is one of the most poisonous plants to pets and also humans. Causes GI irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.
Sago Palm 
A part of the Cycad family of plants this tropical greenery is really poisonous to dogs and cats, and is quickly becoming one of the leading dog poison items. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, dog and cat poisonings from the Sago palm plant are on rise since 2003 with a 200% increase in poison occurrences, with 50% to 70% resulting in death.
Marijuana
Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by dogs can cause depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.
Tulip/Narcissus Bulbs
The bulbs of these flowers have toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.
Azalea/Rhododendron
A very common back yard plant that has grayantoxins that can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in dogs, which can lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.
Kalanchoe
This plant has substances that can create gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.
Amaryllis
Very common garden plants which contain elements toxic to dogs that cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors.
Autumn Crocus
Ingestion of this plant can cause oral irritation, vomiting of blood, shock, organ damage and bone marrow suppression.
Chrysanthemum
These popular flowers contain pyrethrins that can result in gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. Some commmon symptoms include, drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. With a lot of ingestion of this flower dogs can experience depression and loss of coordination.
Common Household Items Poisonous and Toxic to Dogs
1. Chocolate
Chocolate has something called obromine, which is very dangerous, and a major poison for dogs. Usually larger amounts are needed to really hurt a dog, but there are cases where even small amounts can cause harm. You should call your vet or local pet hospital immediately should your dog ingest any chocolate.
Symptoms Include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased urination
- Hyperness and increased activity
- Can lead to seizures and unusual heart beat rhythms
2. Peach and Fruit Pits
Most fruit pits as well as seeds are poisonous to dogs. If you suspect your dog has ingested any fruit pits or seeds, please take him to the vet right away.
Symptoms Include:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Lethargy.
3. Antifreeze
Ingestion of Anti Freeze is a very common dog poison and kills many pets every year. It contains Ethylene glycol, which is very toxic to both humans and animals, and is a major dog poison. Call the vet immediately if you believe your dog ingested anti freeze.
Symptoms Include:
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Stumbling and lethargy
- Kidney failure
4. Bleach
Bleach is very toxic to any living thing, including dogs and cats. Also, remember that many household cleaners and items can contain bleach too. Keep all these out of the reach of your pets. You should not induce vomiting if you believe your dog has taken something with bleach, rather call your vet.
Symptoms Include:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
5. Tylenol
Tylenol contains Acetaminophen which can kill dogs, even as little as two pills can quickly kill a small dog because dogs do not have the proper liver enzymes to break it down. Immediately call the vet if you believe your dog has been poisoned by Tylenol.
Symptoms Include:
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
6. Fabric Softeners/Laundry Detergent
While most laundry detergents are poisonous to dogs, fabric softeners are highly toxic. Contact vet immediately and do not induce vomiting yourself.
Symptoms Include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Burns to the mouth
- Drooling
- Muscle weakness
- Possible coma
7. Watch and All Batteries
If a dog eats a watch battery it can cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12 hours. In fact, all alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs. Contact vet immediately if your dog has ingested any battery.
Symptoms Include:
- Drooling
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
8. Moth Balls
Mothballs are very dangerous to dogs because they have an insecticide, which results in central nervous system excitement, seizures, and once metabolized, t can lead to liver failure. If your dog has consumed mothballs, do not induce vomiting. Seek veterinary care immediately.
Symptoms Include:
- Vomiting
- Seizures
9. Mouthwash - Boric Acid
Many mouthwashes have boric acid, which is a major dog poison item. Immediately take the dog to the vet if you suspect poison with mouthwash or any product that contains boric acid.
Symptoms Include:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Seizures
- Coma
Human Medications That Are Poison for Dogs
- NSAID Medications - NSAIDs are all anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
- Antidepressants
- Acetaminophen/Tylenol - As mentioned above, very toxic for both cats and dogs.
- Methylphenidate - Prescribed for ADHD
- Fluorouracil - Fluorouracil is a topical anti-cancer drug and is fatal for dogs.
- Isoniazid - Used to tread tuberculosis and is especially toxic for dogs since they cannot metabolize it properly. Rapid onset of severe seizures that can lead to death.
- Pseudoephedrine - Pseudoephedrine is used as a cold and sinus medicine but acts as a major stimulant for cats and dogs. It is a major dog poison item and for cats as well. Causes elevated heart rates, blood pressure and body temperature as well as seizures.
- Anti-diabetics - These medicines are poisonous to dogs and cats because they can cause a major drop in blood sugar levels. Signs of ingestion include disorientation, lack of coordination and seizures.
- Vitamin D and Deritives
- Baclofen - Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can impair the central nervous systems of cats and dogs.
Human Food That Are Poison and Toxic For Dogs
- Onions and Garlic
Both have Thiosulphate, but onions have more of it, so with garlic a lot more would need to be ingested to be toxic to dogs. - Chocolate
Has Theobromine, which is fatal for dogs. - Grapes and Raisins
Causes harm to dog’s kidneys. - Most Fruit Pits and Seeds
Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning. - Macadamia Nuts
Very toxic for dogs, though what causes the poisoning is unknown. - Bones
All bones, but especially chicken bones are very dangerous for dogs because they can splinter and cause laceration of the digestive system and also can become lodged in the dog’s throat which can cause choking. - Potato Peelings/Green Parts of Tomatoes and Green Potatoes
Contain Oxalates, which can harm the dog’s digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. - Broccoli
Toxic and poisonous in large amounts. - Yeast Dough
Produces gas and swells in the dog’s stomach, which can lead to the rupture of the digestive system. - Coffee, Coffee Grounds, Tea, Soft Drinks
The poisonous item in the above is caffeine. Caffeine is not good for dogs, and can be really toxic. - Beer/Wine/Alcohol
All alcohol is very toxic to dogs and can cause coma or death. - Human Vitamins
As mentioned above, these contain iron, which can damage the dog’s digestive system lining and cause liver and kidney damage. - Persimmons
These are poisonous to dogs because they cause intestinal blockage. - Raw Eggs and Raw Fish
These can cause Salmonella poisoning. - Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder
When ingested in large amounts these poisons for dogs can cause an electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to muscle spasm or even congestive heart failure. - Mushrooms
These often have toxins, which could cause liver and kidney damage. - Sugar-Free Foods
Many artificial sweeteners, which are found in most sugar-free foods, have Xylitol, which is a dog poison in that it causes liver failure. - Nutmeg
Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage in dogs. - Excessive Fatty Foods
These are not really poison for dogs and cats, but ingesting an excess of fatty foods can cause Pancreatitis. - Avocado
Every single part of the avocado and the avocado tree are toxic to dogs. - Diary Products
Overall dairy items are rather safe, but they do have a lot of fat. Also, lactose intolerant pets cannot eat dairy at all, as it can lead to gas and diarrhea, though small amounts of yogurt and cheese are usually okay.
Don't take chances with your dog's or any other pet's health. Make sure that the above common household items and foods that can poison your dog and be toxic are never accessible to your favorite dogs and cats. Also, check out the Top Ten Dog Poisons of 2009 and this useful guide to Dog Emergency First Aid at PetMD.
If you believe that your dog or cat has ingested something poisonous, it's always best to go directly to an animal hospital or your vet. You can also the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.
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