Top 10 Dog and Cat Poisons

Unintentional poisoning remains a serious concern for pet owners, with household items often posing unforeseen risks to our furry companions. In our exploration of the “Top 10 Dog and Cat Poisons,” we delve into the everyday substances that can inadvertently harm pets. From common foods like chocolate and grapes to household chemicals and certain plants, understanding these risks is crucial for responsible pet ownership. Each item on this list has the potential to cause severe health issues or even fatalities in pets if ingested. By raising awareness and providing actionable insights, pet owners can take proactive steps to safeguard their pets from these hidden dangers. Stay informed and learn how to create a pet-safe environment to ensure your beloved animals live long, healthy lives free from the threat of pet poisons.

Since it’s creation in the United States in 1961, each year, the third week in March has been designated as National Poison Prevention Week. This year it falls on March 15-21. The team at Peterborough West Animal Hospital urges everyone to remember the four-legged members of the family, as they can be the most vulnerable. To learn more about keeping your pets safe from common household toxins, read our article on Pet Poison Awareness week.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a poison, call the hospital (705-745-4800) and give us a heads’ up. Providing it is during normal business hours, proceed to the hospital immediately. Please be sure to bring the package/container of the suspected poison with you. It is helpful for Dr. Sargent or Dr. Giffen to know the active ingredient in the suspected poison so they can choose the appropriate treatment/antidote. The faster a poisoning is diagnosed, the easier, less expensive and safer it is to treat your pet. For after-hours emergencies, our Emergency Veterinary Care is available to provide immediate assistance.

Most homes have hidden dangers in medicine cabinets, purses, kitchens and garages. Pet owners should familiarize themselves with things poisonous to dogs and cats, and keep them stowed out of reach.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, here are the top 10 most common toxins to dogs and cats that they get calls about:

Top 10 Toxins for Dogs

1. Chocolate – theobromine is the ingredient in chocolate that makes it toxic. It is a relative of caffeine and can be deadly. Dark and bakers chocolate is the most dangerous as it contains high amounts.
2. Mouse and rat poisons – most of these poisons do not have antidotes and can be difficult to treat. There can also be risk associated with your pet ingesting dead rodents that were poisoned by rodenticides.
3. Vitamins and minerals – while many can be fairly safe such as Vitamin C and K, some such as iron, Vitamin D and alpha-lipoic acid can be highly toxic.
4. Human and veterinary pain relievers – human medications such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen can cause serious life threatening symptoms. Giving a higher or more frequent dose of a prescribed veterinary pain reliever can also cause problems.
5. Heart medications – ace inhibitors and beta-blockers can cause decreased blood pressure and slowed heart rate. At certain levels some of these medications can produce these effects at a life-threatening level.
6. Cold and allergy medications – human medications like Claritin-D, Tylenol Cold and Flu, etc. that contain pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting to seizures and sometimes even death.
7. Antidepressants – these medications, especially the ones classed SSRI, can cause symptoms including lethargy, tremors, fever and seizures.
8. Xylitol – a sweetener frequently used in products ranging from gum to toothpaste to candy can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar along with organ damage.
9. Acetaminophen – Tylenol products can cause symptoms from lethargy to jaundiced (yellowed) skin, which is a sign of liver failure, can occur.
10. Caffeine – whether ingested as tablets, in coffee grounds or tea bags, caffeine can be extremely dangerous in large quantities.

Top 10 Toxins for Cats

1. Topical spot-on insecticides – topical flea and tick medications made for dogs can contain pyrethrins or pyrethroids which are lethal to cats. Cats can come into contact with these chemicals when a dog insecticide is mistakenly applied or they lick the medication off a dog.
2. Household cleaners – even excess residue left on a surface can be dangerous. These chemicals can cause symptoms from drooling or difficulty breathing to chemical burns.
3. Antidepressants – some of these medications contain a smell or flavor that seems to be appealing to cats. They can cause lethargy and vomiting or even seizures.
4. Lilies – Even a very small amount of two or three petals or leaves from a lily can result in severe, irreversible kidney failure.
5. Other poisonous plants – included are tulips, daffodils, poinsettia, Christmas trees, mistletoe and holly. Symptoms range from drooling, vomiting and diarrhea to tremors and seizures.
6. Human and veterinary NSAIDS – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin, Naproxen or Ibuprofen can result in severe kidney failure.
7. Cold and flu medications – human medications containing pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine like Tylenol Cold and Flu, etc. can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting to seizures and sometimes even death.
8. Glow sticks – these contain dibutyl phthalate which is very bitter tasting. One bite of a glow stick can result in profuse drooling, gagging and vomiting and also irritation to the mouth, skin and eyes.
9. ADD/ADHD medications/amphetamines – even small amounts ingested can cause life-threatening seizures and heart problems.
10. Mouse and rat poison – most of these poisons do not have antidotes and can be difficult to treat. There can also be risk associated with your pet ingesting dead rodents that were poisoned by rodenticides.

Pet Poisons in 2025: Risks, Treatment, and Prevention

What is the time window for effective treatment?

Effective treatment for pet poisoning hinges on swift action. Promptly contacting a veterinary hospital upon suspicion of ingestion is critical, especially during business hours. Bringing the suspected poison’s packaging aids in tailored treatment. Quick diagnosis enhances safety and reduces costs, averting severe complications. Emergency Veterinary Care offers vital after-hours support, ensuring immediate assistance when normal services are unavailable. Identifying common household toxins and storing them securely prevents accidental exposure, safeguarding pets from harm. Understanding these precautions empowers owners to prioritize pet safety year-round, promoting a poison-free environment.

How do different breeds react differently to toxins?

Different dog and cat breeds can vary in their reactions to toxins due to differences in metabolism, body weight, and genetic predispositions. For instance, certain breeds may be more sensitive to substances like chocolate or medications due to their smaller size or unique genetic makeup. Breeds with specific health conditions, such as heart or liver issues, may also react more severely to certain toxins like NSAIDs or heart medications. Understanding these breed-specific vulnerabilities is crucial for pet owners in preventing accidental poisonings and seeking timely veterinary care. Awareness and proactive measures, such as keeping dangerous substances securely stored, are key in safeguarding pets from potential toxic exposures.

What information should pet owners have ready when calling for help?

When calling for help regarding a suspected pet poisoning, it’s crucial for pet owners to provide specific details. Have the name and possibly the packaging of the suspected toxin on hand. Note any symptoms your pet is experiencing and when they started. Be prepared to disclose your pet’s breed, age, weight, and any pre-existing health conditions. If possible, estimate the amount of toxin ingested and when it occurred. This information helps veterinarians assess the severity of the situation quickly and choose the appropriate treatment. Immediate action and accurate information greatly improve the chances of a positive outcome for your pet.

What are the mechanisms of toxicity?

Mechanisms of toxicity in common poisons revolve around interfering with critical bodily functions, either by altering neurotransmitters, essential metabolic processes, or cellular pathways. For instance, chocolate contains theobromine, which disrupts normal heart and nervous system function. Over-the-counter NSAIDs can damage the stomach lining and kidneys, leading to ulcers and organ failure. Xylitol triggers abrupt insulin release, driving blood sugar to dangerously low levels. Rodenticides block blood clotting factors. Meanwhile, certain plant toxins cause organ shutdown, and substances like antidepressants cause neurological overstimulation or sedation. Additionally, chemicals such as pseudoephedrine can spark hyperactivity or seizures by overstimulating the sympathetic nervous system.

What are emerging toxin risks?

Emerging toxin risks revolve around new household products with hidden sweeteners and updated chemical formulas. The sweetener xylitol appears in chewing gum, candy, and toothpaste, leading to sudden low blood sugar or organ damage. Over-the-counter cold remedies and ADHD medications introduce psychoactive substances and risk seizures or cardiac complications. New forms of rat poison lack standardized antidotes, raising concerns after secondary exposure from poisoned rodents. Spot-on insecticides formulated for dogs can be lethal for cats if accidentally ingested or absorbed. Even tiny amounts of lily petals cause irreversible kidney issues.

If you know, or even just suspect, that your pet may have gotten into something, you can obtain helpful information at the Pet Poison Helpline website or by calling their telephone helpline at 800-213-6680.