You may not realize it, but your home is full of potentially toxic substances that could be harmful to your pet. From your kitchen, to your bathroom, to your living room, your home is full of items that must be properly stored or they may harm your pet. Keep your furry pal safe from household toxins by learning which ones most commonly affect pets.

Common pet toxins in your kitchen

Your kitchen can be one of the most toxic rooms in your house. Do not allow your pet to get their paws on the following foods:

  • Garlic, onion, chives, leeks — Vegetables and herbs from the Allium family can cause red blood cell destruction, ultimately leading to anemia.
  • Grapes, raisins, and currants — The tartaric acid found in grapes, raisins, and other fruits in the same family can cause kidney failure in pets, although the toxic dose is not known. Some pets can eat these fruits and barely be affected, while other pets develop kidney issues after eating only a few grapes. 
  • Macadamia nuts — Macadamia nuts can cause neurological issues in pets. Signs can take 12 hours to appear and may include vomiting, hyperthermia, weakness, and tremors.
  • Chocolate — Caffeine and theobromine, methylxanthines found in chocolate, can adversely affect your pet’s heart and cause arrhythmias. Pets can also vomit, have diarrhea, develop seizures, and potentially die from methylxanthine toxicity. Keep in mind that the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous for your pet (i.e., the same amount of baker’s chocolate is much more toxic than milk chocolate).
  • Xylitol — Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute found in many sweet treats, gum, peanut butter, and other sugar-free foods. If your pet ingests xylitol, they can suffer from severe hypoglycemia and liver failure.
  • Raw or undercooked meat and eggs — Raw meat and eggs can contain harmful bacteria that can make you and your pet sick, because you can be contaminated by your pet.
  • Alcohol — Whether your pet laps up spilled or unattended cocktails or eats unbaked yeast dough, the alcohol can seriously threaten your pet’s health. Only a small amount of alcohol can poison your furry pal, so ensure all alcoholic substances are kept out of reach.

Common pet toxins in your bathroom

Pets often follow their owners into the bathroom, but hanging out underfoot while you take medications, clean the toilet, or brush your teeth can be dangerous. Some of the most common toxins your pet may encounter in your bathroom include:

  • Human medications — Your over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can be exceptionally toxic to pets, because cats and dogs do not metabolize medications the same way as people. Be careful not to drop medication on the floor, and never intentionally give your pet your medication for pain, anxiety, or gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
  • Veterinary products — Your pet’s medications, including their parasite preventives, arthritis medication, and liver health supplements, can be dangerous when improperly administered. Medication overdoses and medicating the wrong pet can have disastrous consequences.
  • Toiletries — Cosmetics, toothpaste, sunscreen, and other toiletries can contain pet-toxic ingredients, such as xylitol, menthol, or detergents.
  • Cleaning products — A pet who ingests cleaning products, such as bleach, and countertop and toilet bowl cleaners and disinfectants, can suffer from a variety of serious health problems. However, these products are safe for use around pets, so long as you ensure that your pet contacts the cleaned areas only once they are dry.

Common pet toxins in your living room

When you and your four-legged friend spend time in your living room, watch out for the following toxins: 

  • Batteries — If your pet chews and punctures a battery, they can develop painful ulcers or burns throughout their GI tract.
  • Essential oils — While some essential oils are safe for use around pets, many are toxic, including pine, peppermint, citrus, tea tree, and ylang ylang. Cats are particularly susceptible, and birds can become severely ill from essential oil diffusers and other airborne scents.
  • Plants — Various plants are toxic to pets, particularly lilies and pothos ivy plants. Always check the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants.

What to do if your pet is exposed to a toxin

If your pet ingests a toxic substance, your first instinct may be to force them to vomit. However, induced vomiting of certain products can cause your pet more harm, so always check with an animal poison control hotline before administering any treatment. Their expert veterinary toxicologists will guide you on administering first aid care and stabilizing your pet until you reach the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. 

When you call the hotline, have with you the product package, an estimate of the amount of toxin, and the time your pet ingested the item. These will help the veterinarian determine an appropriate treatment course. 

Toxicity in pets can be serious, and you must take care to keep all potentially harmful household products out of your pet’s reach. Also, if you see your pet ingest a potentially toxic item, do not wait for visible signs, which may not appear for hours or days. If you suspect your pet was exposed to a toxin, don’t delay—call the hotline and then our Stanton Pet Hospital team immediately.