As pet parents, it is our job to learn what household items are poisonous or toxic to dogs. Armed with that knowledge, we can take the proper precautions to protect our pups from harm.

An estimated 232,000 pets are poisoned in the U.S. each year. Sadly, some of these cases are intentional. But the rest can be prevented by becoming aware of the common hazards found in an average household.

Not all of the household toxins on this list are equally dangerous. The degree of toxicity often depends on the size of the dog, how much they ate, and in the case of plants, which part (bulb, leaf, seed, or flower) was ingested.

What Foods Are Toxic To Dogs?

When discussing household items that are poisonous to dogs, foods are a logical place to start, as these are the most likely substances to be accidentally ingested. Not all of the items on this list cause death. Some may just make your dog sick, while others may cause no symptoms at all if eaten in small amounts. However, for safety’s sake, it is best to avoid these potentially toxic foods altogether.

Alcohol

Unlike humans, dogs cannot metabolize alcohol, so it can be very harmful and potentially deadly if ingested. In addition to beer, wine, and liquor, foods and household products containing different kinds of alcohol can all be toxic.

Xylitol, which we will cover in more detail below, is a form of alcohol commonly used as an artificial sweetener. It can be very enticing to dogs and is deadly in even small amounts. Isopropanol, or rubbing alcohol, is also highly toxic and can be found in most homes’ medicine cabinets.

Dogs can even ingest dangerous amounts of alcohol by eating bread dough. Yeast produces ethanol during fermentation, and when absorbed into the bloodstream, it can cause bloat & alcohol poisoning.

Avocados

Avocados are only mildly toxic to dogs and cats but can be deadly for other household animals such as birds, rabbits, horses, cattle, goats, and sheep. They contain a fungicidal toxin called persin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and myocardial damage if ingested in large amounts. Avocados are also high in fat, meaning they can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis in dogs that eat too much. Avocados also carry an additional choking hazard if the pit is swallowed, so they are one fruit best kept well out of reach of your dog.

Caffeine

Caffeine is found in varying amounts in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. And it is the amount that matters when it comes to this stimulant. In large quantities, caffeine can raise blood pressure, cause cardiac arrhythmias, and lead to tremors, seizures, or even death without treatment.

Chocolate

Chocolate ingestion is rarely fatal in dogs, but it can cause some frightening symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, excessive urination, muscle tremors, seizures, and racing heart rate. Chocolate makes the list of household items toxic to dogs because, like alcohol, dogs cannot metabolize a certain chemical it contains. This toxin, theobromine, is similar to caffeine, which is also found in chocolate.

Fatty foods

Feeding your dog excessively rich or fatty foods can cause a painful condition called pancreatitis. It is rarely fatal but can become chronic, and cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Garlic and Onions

Garlic, onions, and other members of the allium family contain a chemical called thiosulfate, which is toxic to dogs in large quantities. This can be confusing because many dog foods and supplements contain these ingredients. In the case of theobromide, it is all about quantity. Small amounts are harmless, but larger quantities can cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, depression, and dehydration. In extreme cases, there can be damage to the red blood cells, leading to a frightening and potentially-deadly condition called hemolytic anemia.

Grapes and Raisins

Veterinarians have long warned their clients that grapes and raisins are poisonous to dogs. However, they weren’t sure exactly why. The mystery was solved last year by three vets who pinpointed tartaric acid as the culprit. In some dogs, vomiting, diarrhea, and life-threatening kidney failure can occur. The toxicity of tartaric acid depends on the type of grape, where it was grown, and how ripe it is at the time of ingestion.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are among the milder household items that are potentially poisonous to dogs. They do not contain any toxic chemicals, but because they are very high in fat, they can potentially lead to pancreatitis.

Salt

Salt is an essential electrolyte that dogs need to stay healthy, but in high amounts, it can be downright deadly. Salt toxicosis, or hypernatremia, causes dehydration of the cells and can lead to brain and nervous system damage.

Xylitol

As mentioned above, xylitol is a very dangerous alcohol-based sweetener found in many common household products including sugar-free chewing gum, mints, candy, cough syrup, mouthwash, and toothpaste.

Additional Food-Based Hazards

Fruit pits, corn cobs, and bones are common choking hazards and can also cause gastrointestinal obstructions if swallowed. Fruit pits in the Prunus family, such as cherries, nectarines, peaches, and plums, contain the well-known toxin cyanide. However, to suffer cyanide poisoning, your dog would have to ingest several chewed or ground-up pits to release the toxin. Choking and GI obstructions are a much bigger risk for dogs when it comes to fruit pits.

It is also important to mention the food-related household danger of plastic and mylar snack bags. Bread, chip, and cereal bags become a suffocation risk when they get stuck on the head or muzzle.

Household Plants Poisonous To Dogs

The list of household plants that are potentially poisonous to dogs is extensive, so we won’t go into detail on each one here. As with foods, some plants are more dangerous than others such as sago palms, poinsettias, and several types of lilies.

You can help protect your dog by learning what houseplants are safe and avoiding the ones below inside your home and in your landscaping.

Almond, apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach, and plum trees and shrubs
Aloe Vera
Amaryllis
Castor Bean
Chrysanthemum
Cyclamen
Corn Plant
Daphne
Daylily and True Lily
Dogbane
English Ivy
Foxglove
Gloriosa Lily
Golden Pothos
Hibiscus
Hyacinth and Tulip (especially the bulbs)
Hydrangea
Kalanchoe
Lily-of-the-Valley
Mother-in-Law Tongue
Mountain Laurel
Narcissus, Daffodil, Paperwhite, and Jonquil
Oleander
Peace Lily
Philodendron
Poinsettia
Rhododendron and Azalea
Rosary Pea
Sago Palm
Schefflera
Stinging Nettle
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Plant
Yew Bush

Medications Toxic To Dogs

All medications are potentially toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities, but some are more dangerous than others. As a general rule of thumb, never give your dog medications intended for humans or another pet unless your veterinarian directly instructs you to do so. You should also store all medications safely out of your pets’ reach.

Medications toxic to dogs include:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs meant for humans such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, and even some specifically designed for dogs can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and organ damage in susceptible pets. Speak to your vet about your dog’s medical history before giving any medication in this category.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a very common human pain reliever and fever reducer found in many households, but it can be very toxic to dogs. Acetaminophen toxicity can lead to liver damage and decrease the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen.

Diet Pills

Many weight loss supplements contain caffeine and other stimulants like ephedrine that are toxic to dogs. Some also contain the deadly artificial sweetener, xylitol.

Vitamins

Multivitamins may also be flavored with xylitol. Additionally, some of the nutrients that are beneficial to people can be poisonous to dogs in high levels including calcium, vitamin D, and iron.

Cold Medicines

Several drugs used to treat colds and the additional ingredients in cold medicines can be poisonous to dogs, affecting every system of the body from the GI tract to the heart and brain.

Antihistamines

Most antihistamines are safe for dogs, but some may cause drowsiness, or the reverse, hyperactivity. Check with your vet before giving your dog an over-the-counter antihistamine.

Antidepressants

Many human antidepressants are approved for use in dogs and help with symptoms such as anxiety and aggression. However, these drugs can be dangerous in high amounts, causing symptoms such as seizures or heart rhythm changes.

Tobacco Products

Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes all contain the drug, nicotine, which is very toxic to dogs. Just 4 mg per pound of body weight is enough to kill your pet.

Marijuana

Dogs process the chemical THC in marijuana differently than humans. While it is unlikely to be deadly, ingestion can cause dilated pupils; loss of coordination; increased sensitivity to motion, sound, or touch; urinary incontinence; and a slow heart rate.

Narcotics

Narcotics are dangerous to anyone who ingests them, whether human or animal. In addition to the drug itself, street drugs may be laced with dangerous chemicals such as bleach or rat poison. If your dog ingests a narcotic, contact poison control immediately.

Chemicals Dangerous To Dogs

Many of the common household chemicals we rely on every day can be extremely poisonous to dogs. As a rule, all household cleaners and solvents should be kept safely away from your pets’ reach. Be sure to clean up any spills and use these products sparingly.

Antifreeze
Fabric softener sheets
Insecticides and pesticides
Lawn fertilizers and weed killers
Liquid potpourri
Mothballs
Paints and solvents
Rat and mouse bait
Various household cleaners
Swimming pool chemicals

Other Household Dog Hazards

In addition to toxins and poisons, items like batteries, coins, buttons, jewelry, nails, and screws can become choking hazards or damage your dog’s mouth, throat, or digestive tract.

Chewed electrical cords can also cause major damage including severe burns, electrocution, and death.

Dog-Proofing Your House

The best way to protect your dog is to conduct a top-to-bottom check of the indoor and outdoor areas to identify potential hazards.

Indoors:

Unplug electrical cords when not in use, move them out of reach, or purchase cord concealers to reduce temptation.
Avoid feeding table food altogether to prevent accidentally exposing your dog to toxic food.
Keep trash bins securely sealed and out of your dog’s reach.
Store cleaning products and medications in high cabinets.
Scour the ground for small items that could become choking hazards or cause gastrointestinal obstructions.
Keep houseplants out of reach and ensure that they are not on the extensive list of toxic plants above.

Outdoors:

Avoid toxic plants in your landscaping.
Keep your dog away from the yard if it has recently been treated with fertilizers, pesticides, or insecticides.
Restrict access to garages, sheds, or other areas where dangerous chemicals might be stored.

If you think your pet has eaten something potentially dangerous, call your veterinarian or a pet poison control center right away.

Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435

Household Items Poisonous To Dogs