Plants and Foods Poisonous to Your Pet

POISONOUS FOODS/PLANTS

Based on our Pet Poison Helpline call volume and extensive database, here are the top 10 most common toxins that Pet Poison Helpline gets called about.

Now keep in mind that some of these listed are very toxic, while some are minimally toxic (like ant baits and silica packs). When in doubt, call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline to make sure there won’t be a problem.

Take special care to keep these toxins out of your pet’s reach and pet-proof your house!

Dog Poisons:

• Chocolate
• Mouse and Rat Poisons (rodenticides)
• Vitamins and Minerals (e.g., Vitamin D3, iron, etc.)
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.)
• Cardiac Medications (e.g., calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, etc.)
• Cold and Allergy Medications (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, etc.)
• Antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
• Xylitol
• Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)
• Caffeine Pills

Cat Poisons:

• Topical spot-on insecticides
• Household Cleaners
• Antidepressants
• Lilies
• Insoluble Oxalate Plants (e.g., Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, etc.)
• Human and Veterinary NSAIDs
• Cold and Flu Medication (e.g., Tylenol)
• Glow Sticks
• ADD/ADHD Medications/Amphetamines
• Mouse and Rat Poison

If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these items or any other questionable substance, call Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian for assistance. Accurate and timely identification of the suspected substance is very important. Having the container, package, or label in hand will save valuable time and may save the life of your pet.

Top 10 flowers and poisonous plants

• Autumn Crocus
• Azalea
• Cyclamen
• Kalanchoe
• Lilies
• Oleander
• Dieffenbachia
• Daffodils
• Lily of the Valley
• Sago Palm
• Tulips and Hyacinths

Poisonous Foods

• Alcoholic beverages
• Apple seeds
• Apricot pits
• Avocados
• Cherry pits
• Candy (particularly chocolate—which is toxic to dogs, cats, and ferrets—and any candy containing the toxic sweetener Xylitol)
• Coffee (grounds, beans, and chocolate-covered espresso beans)
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Gum (can cause blockages and sugar free gums may contain the toxic sweetener Xylitol)
• Hops (used in home beer brewing)
• Macadamia nuts
• Moldy foods
• Mushroom plants
• Mustard seeds
• Onions and onion powder
• Peach pits
• Potato leaves and stems (green parts)
• Raisins
• Rhubarb leaves
• Salt
• Tea (because it contains caffeine)
• Tomato leaves and stems (green parts)
• Walnuts
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener that is toxic to pets)
• Yeast dough