Common Poisons & Toxins for Dogs and Cats: What You Need to Know

Do you have plants in your home or yard? Cook with garlic or onions? Love sharing snacks with your furry sidekick? Then this blog is for you... and your pets! 

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As pet parents, we do so much to keep our dogs and cats safe, healthy, and happy. But sometimes, danger hides in plain sight—like in your kitchen, your garden, or even your purse.

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Common Kitchen Culprits

Garlic & Onions (and their Allium cousins)

These flavorful staples may be delicious for us, but they can damage your pet’s red blood cells—especially in large amounts or over time. This includes garlic powder and onion powder, so put on the brakes before sharing your homemade taco meat with your pet!

Chocolate

We all know this one, right? Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to pets. Dark chocolate and baking cocoa are the most dangerous, but any kind is off-limits.

Grapes & Raisins

They seem harmless, but they can cause kidney failure in dogs—even in small amounts. Make sure you capture any that escape and roll onto the floor.

Xylitol (a sugar substitute)

Found in gum, candy, baked goods, and even some peanut butters. It can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure, especially in dogs.

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Poisonous Plants

Lilies

Beautiful, yes. Deadly? Also yes—for cats. Even licking the pollen or drinking the water from a vase can lead to kidney failure.

Sago Palm

This tropical-looking plant is common in landscaping and highly toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingesting any part of it can lead to liver failure.

Aloe Vera

Great for sunburns, not so great for your pets. Aloe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if ingested.

Pothos, Philodendrons, Dieffenbachia and Zz Plants

These trendy houseplants can cause mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed on.

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Hidden Household Hazards

Cleaning Products

Many cleaners contain bleach, ammonia, or phenols that can irritate paws, eyes, and lungs—or worse if ingested. Stick with pet-safe products or rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

Rodent Poison & Insecticides

These are designed to be deadly… and unfortunately, pets are often curious about what’s under the sink or in the garage. Always store out of reach and consider pet-safe alternatives.

Human Medications

From ibuprofen and antidepressants to cold meds and vitamins—many of our pills can be extremely harmful to pets. Keep them securely stored and never share meds, even if your pet looks like they have a headache.

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What To Do If You Suspect Poisoning‍

If you think your pet may have eaten something toxic, stay calm and call your vet, local vet ER, or a pet poison hotline right away:
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📞 ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435
📞 Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Click the image below to access the downloadable PDF
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Final Thoughts

Keeping your home safe for pets doesn’t mean tossing out all your plants or cooking bland meals forever. It’s just about being mindful, reading labels, and knowing what’s risky so you can prevent accidents before they happen.

When it comes to your pet’s health, knowledge really is power—and peace of mind. Please download the Signs and Symptoms guide above for future reference.