Common Household Poisons

Foods

  • Alcohol
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee and other caffeinated food or drinks
  • Garlic, onions, and chives
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Raw yeast dough
  • Xylitol (a common sugar substitute) Medications
  • ADHD medications
  • Anti Anxiety medications
  • Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen
  • Heart medications
  • And more—ask your vet

Plants

  • Amaryllis
  • Autumn crocus
  • Azalea
  • Cyclamen
  • Kalanchoe
  • Lilies
  • Oleander
  • Sago palm
  • Tulips
  • Yew

Household chemicals

  • Antifreeze products
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Fertilizers
  • Ice-melting products
  • Insect poisons
  • Rodent poisons

What does poisoning look like?

Common signs may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness or lethargy
  • Unconsciousness
  • Anemia or pale gums
  • Decreased appetite
  • Abnormal behavior
  • Muscle tremor

How is it diagnosed?

  • Clinical signs and physical exam results
  • Blood work and other lab tests
  • Packaging or remnants of suspected poison

How is it treated?

Most toxins do not have an antidote, so treatment typically focuses on removing the poison from your pet’s body while helping to manage their clinical signs.

  • Your pet may be given a medication to induce vomiting