Every home contains a variety of items and substances that can be dangerous or fatal if ingested by dogs and cats.  Protect your pet's health by learning what to keep out of their reach. 

Hazards in the Kitchen

Foods - Many foods which are perfectly safe for humans could be harmful or deadly to dogs and cats.  To be safe, keep the following food items off your pet's menu:

Coffee Grounds

Chocolate

Yeast Dough

Macadamia Nuts

Fatty Foods

Avocado

Grapes/Raisins

Onions

Tea

Alcohol

Salt

Garlic

Chewing gum, candy and breath fresheners containing xylitol

* Always keep garbage out of a pet's reach, as rotting food contains molds or bacteria that could produce food poisoning.

Cleaning Products - Many household cleaners can be used safely around cats and dogs.  The key to safe use is reading and following product directions. 

Follow all directions carefully to avoid the following:

 Upset Stomach

Drooling

Vomiting and/or Diarrhea

Severe burns if swallowed

Respiratory tract irritation if inhaled at high enough concentration

Severe skin burns caused by concentrated solutions

* Note: Cats can be particularly sensitive to certain ingredients such as penthol

* As a general rule, store all cleaning products in a secure cabinet out of reach of pets. Also keep them in their original packaging, or in a clearly labeled and tightly sealed container. *

Insecticides/Rodenticides - As with household cleaners, read and follow label instructions before using any type of pesticide in your pet's environment.  For example, flea and tick products labeled "for use in dogs only" should NOT be applied to cats or other species. Serious or life-threatening problems could result.  Always consult with your veterinarian about the safe use of these products for your pet.  If a pet ingests rat or mouse poison, it could also be life-threatening. When using any rodenticide, it is important to place the poison in areas COMPLETELY inaccessible to pets. 

Hazards in the Bathroom

Medications - Medications that treat human medical conditions can make pets very sick.  Never give your pet any medication unless directed by your veterinarian.  As a rule, the following medicines should be tightly closed and stored in a secure cabinet above the counter and away from pets:

Non-steroidial anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen

Acetaminophen

Cold Medicines

Prescription Drugs

Diet Pills

Vitamins

Antihistamines

Antidepressants

Soaps and other Sundries - Bath and hand soaps, toothpaste and sun blocks should also be kept away from your pets.  They can cause stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea.  Keep toilet lids closed to prevent your pets from consuming treated toilet bowl water that could irritate their digestive tract. 

Hazards in the Bedroom and Living Room

While they may smell good, many liquid potpourri products contain ingredients that can cause oral ulcerations and other problems. Just one mothball has the potential to sicken a dog or cat and mothballs that contain naphthalene can cause serious illness, including digestive tract irritation, liver, kidney, and blood cell damage, swelling of the brain tissues, seizures, coma, respiratory tract damage (if inhaled) and even death (if ingested).  Tobacco products, pennies (those minted after 1982 contain zinc) and alkaline batteries ( like those in your remote controls), can also be hazardous when ingested. 

Hazards in the Garage and Yard

Antifreeze, Herbicides and Insecticides - Ethylene glycol-containing antifreeze and coolants, even in small quantities, can be fatal to both dogs and cats.  While antifreeze products containing propylene glycol are less toxic than those containing ethylene glycol, they can still be dangerous. Insecticides, plant/lawn fertilizers, weed killers, ice-melting products, and gasoline also pose a threat to your pet's health if ingested. 

* When chemical treatments are applied to grassy areas, be sure to keep your pet off the lawn for the manufacturer's recommended time.  If pets are exposed to wet chemicals or granules that adhere to their paws, they may lick it off later. Stomach upset or more serious problems could result. 

Paints and Solvents - Paint thinners, mineral spirits and other solvents are dangerous and can cause severe irritation or chemical burns if swallowed or if they contact  your pet's skin.  Some types of paints may contain heavy metals or volatile substances that could be harmful if inhaled or ingested. 

Plants - Inside or Around the House - There are many household and yard plants that can sicken your pet.  Some of the most common greenery that should be kept away from pets include:

Lily of the Valley, oleander, azalea, yew, foxglove, rhododendron, and kalanchoe may cause heart problems if ingested.

Rhubarb leaves and shamrock contain substances that can produce kidney failure.  Certain types of lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) are highly toxic to cats, resulting in kidney failure - even if only small amounts are ingested. 

Sago palms (Cycad species) can cause liver damage, especially if the nut portion of the plant is consumed.  Additionally, fungi such as certain varieties of mushrooms can cause liver damage or other illnesses. 

* A few other potentially harmful plants include philodendron, corn plant, castor bean, mother-in-law's tongue, Hibiscus and hydrangea. 

For a complete listing of common toxic and non-toxic plants, visit www.apcc.aspca.org. 

Other Household Hazards

Small items that fall on the floor can be easily swallowed by a curious cat or dog.  Such items include coins, buttons, small children's toys, medicine bottles, jewelry, nails, and screws.  The result may cause damage to your pet's digestive tract and the need for surgical removal of the object.  Electrocution or burns can result from chewing cords. To prevent this you may use cord covers or block access to the wires. 

Holiday Hazards

Avoid spoiling your pets by giving them holiday treats and scraps from the dinner table.  Fatty, rich or spicy foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea and lead to inflammation of the pancreas.  Poultry or other soft bones can splinter and damage your pet's mouth or esophagus.  Halloween treats such as chocolate or candy sweetened with xylitol can make a harmful snack.  Certain Halloween and Christmas decorations (especially tinsel, ribbons and ornaments) pose a hazard to pets, so make sure nothing is left on the floor or on tables within reach.  String-like items can damage your pet's intestine and could prove fatal if not surgically removed.  While poinsettia is not deadly as popular legend would have it, it could still cause an upset stomach if consumed.  Holly and mistletoe are especially dangerous plants.  Christmas tree water treated with preservatives (including fertilizers) can also cause upset stomach.  Water that is allowed to stagnate in tree stands contains bacteria that, if ingested, would lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. 

What to do if your pet is poisoned

Don't wait!  Time is critical for successfully treating accidental poisoning. 

Pick up the phone and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply).  Be prepared to state your pet's breed, age, weight and any symptoms. 

*Keep the product container or plant sample with you to assist in identification so the appropriate treatment recommendations can be made. 

For more information about pet poisons, visit the ASPCA Poison Control Center at www.apcc.aspca.org.