Foods and plants dangerous to pets
Chocolate, grapes, xylitol, onions, lilies and more can seriously harm dogs and cats. Learn the most common household dangers and what to do if your pet eats something toxic.
Why some human foods are dangerous
Animals process some foods differently from people. A treat that is harmless to you can damage a dog's or cat's kidneys, liver, blood cells or nervous system. The amount that causes harm depends on the substance, the animal's size and its health.
If you think your pet ate something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. In the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) is available around the clock; a consultation fee may apply. Do not wait for symptoms.
Common dangerous foods
| Food | Main risk | Most at risk |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate and cocoa | Theobromine and caffeine affect heart and nervous system; dark chocolate is worst | Dogs, also cats |
| Grapes, raisins, currants | Can cause sudden kidney failure, even in small amounts | Dogs; cats also advised to avoid |
| Xylitol (sweetener in some gum, candy, peanut butter, baked goods) | Rapid drop in blood sugar and liver damage | Dogs |
| Onions, garlic, leeks, chives | Damage red blood cells; raw, cooked or powdered | Cats and dogs |
| Macadamia nuts | Weakness, tremors, fever | Dogs |
| Alcohol | Poisoning, low blood sugar, breathing problems | All pets |
| Caffeine | Restlessness, fast heart rate, tremors | All pets |
| Raw yeast dough | Expands in the stomach and produces alcohol | Dogs |
| Cooked bones | Can splinter and cause injuries | Dogs |
| Avocado | Persin can be dangerous for birds and some small animals | Birds, rabbits, rodents |
Dangerous plants
- Lilies (true lilies and daylilies) are extremely toxic to cats. Even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure.
- Sago palm is highly toxic to dogs and cats.
- Oleander, foxglove and azaleas can affect the heart.
- Many common houseplants cause mouth irritation and vomiting.
Check plants before you bring them home, especially if you have cats.
Other household dangers
- Human medicines, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is especially dangerous to cats.
- Rodent poisons and slug baits.
- Antifreeze, which tastes sweet and can be fatal.
- Essential oils, some of which are harmful to cats and birds.
- Batteries, coins and small magnets that can be swallowed.
- Nonstick pan fumes when overheated, which can be deadly to pet birds.
What to do in an emergency
- Stay calm and remove your pet from the source.
- Call your vet, an emergency clinic or a poison control line immediately.
- Have the package or plant name ready, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to. It can make some poisonings worse.
- Follow professional instructions exactly.
Prevention
- Keep chocolate, sweets, gum and medicine out of reach.
- Tell guests and children not to feed pets from the table.
- Store cleaning products and chemicals securely.
- Learn which plants in your home and garden are safe.
This is general education, not veterinary advice. Lists of toxic substances are not complete. Always check with a veterinarian.
