15 Common Household Items Toxic to Pets: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

While we often focus on which foods are safe for our pets, many common household items pose serious health risks to dogs and cats. From cleaning products to plants and medications, everyday items in your home could be dangerous or even fatal if ingested by your pet.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore 15 common household items that are toxic to pets, explain why they're dangerous, identify warning signs of poisoning, and provide guidance on what to do in case of an emergency.

Cleaning Products and Chemicals

1. Bleach and Household Cleaners

Bleach, ammonia, and other strong household cleaners can cause severe irritation to your pet's respiratory tract, eyes, and digestive system if ingested or inhaled.

Why it's toxic: These products contain chemicals that can cause chemical burns to the mouth, esophagus, and stomach lining. Even the fumes can cause respiratory distress in pets.

Symptoms of exposure: Drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, pawing at the mouth or eyes, lethargy, and chemical burns on the skin or mouth.

Safety tip: Store all cleaning products in cabinets with childproof locks. Keep pets out of rooms being cleaned until surfaces are completely dry and the area is well-ventilated.

2. Antifreeze

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is extremely toxic to both dogs and cats, even in small amounts. Unfortunately, its sweet taste makes it appealing to pets.

Why it's toxic: Ethylene glycol is metabolized in the liver to toxic compounds that cause severe kidney damage and failure.

Symptoms of exposure: Initially, pets may appear drunk or uncoordinated. This is followed by increased thirst and urination, vomiting, and eventually, kidney failure within 24-72 hours.

Safety tip: Clean up any antifreeze spills immediately and consider using propylene glycol-based products, which are less toxic. Store all automotive fluids out of reach.

3. Pesticides and Rodenticides

Rat poison, insecticides, and other pest control products are designed to kill small animals and can be equally deadly to pets.

Why it's toxic: Rodenticides typically contain anticoagulants that prevent blood clotting, leading to internal bleeding. Insecticides often contain chemicals that attack the nervous system.

Symptoms of exposure: For rodenticides: bleeding gums, nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, bruising, and lethargy. For insecticides: excessive salivation, muscle tremors, seizures, and respiratory distress.

Safety tip: Use pet-safe alternatives for pest control. If you must use these products, place them in areas completely inaccessible to pets and follow all safety instructions carefully.

Medications and Supplements

4. Human Medications

Many common human medications—including over-the-counter pain relievers, antidepressants, and cold medicines—can be extremely dangerous for pets.

Why it's toxic: Pets metabolize drugs differently than humans. For example, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause liver failure in cats, while ibuprofen (Advil) can cause kidney failure and stomach ulcers in dogs.

Symptoms of exposure: Vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, seizures or collapse.

Safety tip: Never give human medications to pets without veterinary guidance. Store all medications in secure cabinets and immediately pick up any dropped pills.

5. Vitamins and Supplements

While vitamins are beneficial for humans, certain supplements—especially those containing iron, vitamin D, or xylitol—can be toxic to pets.

Why it's toxic: Iron can damage the digestive system and liver. Excessive vitamin D can cause kidney failure. Xylitol, found in some gummy vitamins, causes dangerous insulin release in dogs.

Symptoms of exposure: Vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, weakness, and in severe cases, seizures or collapse.

Safety tip: Keep all vitamins and supplements in secure containers out of your pet's reach, just as you would with medications.

Toxic Plants

6. Lilies

Lilies (including Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and day lilies) are extremely toxic to cats. Even small exposures—such as pollen on the fur that is later groomed off—can be fatal.

Why it's toxic: The exact toxin is unknown, but all parts of the plant are toxic to cats and cause rapid kidney failure.

Symptoms of exposure: Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased or decreased urination. Kidney failure can develop within 36-72 hours.

Safety tip: If you have cats, do not keep lilies in your home or garden. If you receive a bouquet, check for lilies and remove them immediately.

7. Sago Palm

Sago palms are popular ornamental plants but are highly toxic to both dogs and cats. All parts of the plant are poisonous, with the seeds (nuts) containing the highest concentration of toxins.

Why it's toxic: Sago palms contain cycasin, which causes severe liver damage.

Symptoms of exposure: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, increased thirst and urination, yellowing of the gums and skin (jaundice), and neurological symptoms like seizures or coma.

Safety tip: Avoid having sago palms in homes with pets. If you must have them, ensure they are completely inaccessible to your animals.

8. Other Common Toxic Plants

Many popular houseplants and garden plants can be toxic to pets, including:

• Philodendron and pothos: Cause oral irritation, pain, swelling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing
• Azaleas and rhododendrons: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and in severe cases, cardiac failure
• Tulip and daffodil bulbs: Cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, and heart problems
• Autumn crocus: Can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage

Safety tip: Research any plants before bringing them into your home or garden. The ASPCA maintains a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants.

Toxic Foods and Substances

9. Chocolate and Caffeine

Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated products contain methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine), which are toxic to pets, especially dogs.

Why it's toxic: Pets cannot metabolize methylxanthines as efficiently as humans. These substances can cause overstimulation of the central nervous system and heart.

Symptoms of exposure: Vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

Safety tip: Keep all chocolate and caffeinated products out of reach. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are more dangerous than milk chocolate due to higher concentrations of methylxanthines.

10. Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, some peanut butters, toothpaste, and many other products. It's extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.

Why it's toxic: In dogs, xylitol causes a rapid release of insulin, leading to severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It can also cause liver failure.

Symptoms of exposure: Vomiting, followed by symptoms of hypoglycemia such as weakness, lack of coordination, collapse, and seizures. Liver failure may develop within days.

Safety tip: Check ingredient labels carefully, especially on sugar-free products. Keep all xylitol-containing products securely stored away from pets.

11. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes, raisins, and currants can cause acute kidney failure in dogs and possibly cats, though the exact toxic substance is unknown.

Why it's toxic: The mechanism of toxicity is not fully understood, but even small amounts can cause severe kidney damage in some pets.

Symptoms of exposure: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, decreased urination, and abdominal pain.

Safety tip: Keep all grapes, raisins, and foods containing them (like certain breads and desserts) away from pets. Be aware that some trail mixes and baked goods contain raisins.

Other Household Hazards

12. Batteries

Batteries, especially small disc or button batteries, pose a serious risk if chewed or swallowed by pets.

Why it's toxic: Batteries contain corrosive materials that can cause chemical burns in the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. They can also cause intestinal blockages or electrical burns.

Symptoms of exposure: Drooling, oral burns, vomiting (possibly with blood), difficulty swallowing, and abdominal pain.

Safety tip: Store loose batteries in containers with secure lids. Dispose of used batteries properly and immediately. Be especially careful with devices that use button batteries, such as watches, hearing aids, and some toys.

13. Essential Oils

Many essential oils can be toxic to pets, especially cats, who lack certain liver enzymes needed to metabolize these compounds.

Why it's toxic: Cats in particular are sensitive to phenols and other compounds in essential oils. These can cause liver damage and other serious health problems.

Symptoms of exposure: Drooling, vomiting, tremors, respiratory distress, wobbliness, and liver failure.

Safety tip: Never apply essential oils directly to pets. Use diffusers with caution, ensuring good ventilation and that your pet can leave the area. Particularly dangerous oils include tea tree, cinnamon, citrus, pine, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang.

14. Tobacco Products

Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches, and e-cigarette liquid all contain nicotine, which is toxic to pets.

Why it's toxic: Nicotine affects the nervous system and can cause rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and in high doses, respiratory paralysis.

Symptoms of exposure: Vomiting, increased heart rate, excitement followed by depression, weakness, seizures, and respiratory failure.

Safety tip: Keep all tobacco products, including e-cigarette refills, out of reach. Be especially careful with nicotine replacement products, which often contain concentrated nicotine.

15. Fertilizers and Compost

Garden fertilizers, especially those containing bone meal, blood meal, or feather meal, can be attractive to pets but cause problems if ingested. Compost can contain molds that produce tremorgenic mycotoxins.

Why it's toxic: Fertilizers can cause gastrointestinal obstruction or irritation. Moldy compost can contain toxins that affect the nervous system.

Symptoms of exposure: For fertilizers: vomiting, diarrhea, and potential intestinal blockage. For compost exposure: tremors, seizures, elevated body temperature, and incoordination.

Safety tip: Store fertilizers in secure containers. Keep pets away from recently fertilized areas until the product has been watered in or has dried completely. Secure compost bins to prevent pet access.

Emergency Response: What to Do If Your Pet Is Poisoned

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a toxic substance, quick action is crucial:

1. Remove your pet from the source of poison to prevent further exposure.
2. Check your pet's vital signs (breathing, gum color, heart rate) and overall condition.
3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinarian. Some substances can cause more damage coming back up.
4. Collect information about the substance, including packaging, approximate amount ingested, and time of exposure.
5. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately:

   USA

   • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
   • Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

   UK

   • Animal Poison Line: 01202 509000
   • Veterinary Poisons Information Service (via your vet)

   Australia

   • Animal Poisons Helpline: 1300 869 738
   • Australian Animal Poisons Centre: 1300 TOX PET (1300 869 738)

   For pet owners in other countries, please look for local animal poison control resources in your area.

6. Follow professional advice regarding treatment and transport to a veterinary facility.

Prevention: Creating a Pet-Safe Home

The best way to protect your pets from household toxins is prevention:

• Store all chemicals, medications, and potentially toxic items in cabinets with childproof locks or in areas completely inaccessible to pets.
• Research plants before bringing them into your home or garden.
• Be aware of the ingredients in products you use, especially those containing xylitol.
• Clean up spills immediately and dispose of garbage securely.
• Keep toxic foods out of reach and educate family members and guests about what not to feed your pets.
• Create a pet-safe space where your animal can stay when you're using cleaning products or chemicals.
• Keep emergency contact information for your veterinarian and poison control centers readily available.

Conclusion

Our homes contain many items that can be dangerous to our beloved pets. By being aware of these common household toxins and taking preventive measures, you can create a safer environment for your furry family members.

Remember that this list is not exhaustive, and when in doubt about whether something is safe for your pet, err on the side of caution. Keep potentially harmful items securely stored, and always consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about something your pet may have ingested.

For more information on specific foods that are toxic to pets, check out our detailed guides on foods toxic to dogs and foods toxic to cats.