Pet Toxins
Top 20 Toxins for Dogs
Chocolate (theobromine/caffeine)
Stimulates the heart and nervous system; dark chocolate is especially dangerous.
Grapes & Raisins
Can cause sudden kidney failure, even in small amounts.
Bromethalin Rodenticides
Neurotoxin that causes brain swelling, tremors, and seizures.
Xylitol (sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods)
Causes rapid insulin release and potential liver failure.
Ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
Causes stomach ulcers and kidney failure in pets.
Marijuana/THC Edibles
Can lead to severe sedation, ataxia, vomiting, and tremors.
Anticoagulant Rodenticides
Interferes with blood clotting, leading to internal bleeding.
Vitamin D3 Overdose
Leads to calcium imbalances, kidney injury, and organ failure.
Carprofen Overdose
An NSAID that, in excess, causes GI upset and kidney toxicity.
Allium Species (onions, garlic, chives, leeks)
Damage red blood cells and can cause anemia.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Damages liver and affects oxygen transport in blood.
Alcohol
Even small amounts can depress the central nervous system and cause hypoglycemia.
Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
Stimulant that can cause restlessness, elevated heart rate, and seizures.
Macadamia Nuts
Can cause weakness, vomiting, and hyperthermia.
Essential Oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint)
Toxic to liver and nervous system when ingested or absorbed.
Household Cleaners (bleach, ammonia, etc.)
Can burn the GI tract and cause respiratory distress.
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
Tastes sweet but leads to rapid and often fatal kidney failure.
Fertilizers/Weedkillers
Often contain harmful metals and chemicals toxic to multiple organ systems.
Yeast Dough
Expands in the stomach, causing bloat and alcohol poisoning.
Toxic Plants (e.g., sago palm, oleander, azalea)
Can cause seizures, organ failure, and death.
Chocolate (theobromine/caffeine)
Stimulates the heart and nervous system; dark chocolate is especially dangerous.
Grapes & Raisins
Can cause sudden kidney failure, even in small amounts.
Bromethalin Rodenticides
Neurotoxin that causes brain swelling, tremors, and seizures.
Xylitol (sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods)
Causes rapid insulin release and potential liver failure.
Ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
Causes stomach ulcers and kidney failure in pets.
Marijuana/THC Edibles
Can lead to severe sedation, ataxia, vomiting, and tremors.
Anticoagulant Rodenticides
Interferes with blood clotting, leading to internal bleeding.
Vitamin D3 Overdose
Leads to calcium imbalances, kidney injury, and organ failure.
Carprofen Overdose
An NSAID that, in excess, causes GI upset and kidney toxicity.
Allium Species (onions, garlic, chives, leeks)
Damage red blood cells and can cause anemia.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Damages liver and affects oxygen transport in blood.
Alcohol
Even small amounts can depress the central nervous system and cause hypoglycemia.
Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
Stimulant that can cause restlessness, elevated heart rate, and seizures.
Macadamia Nuts
Can cause weakness, vomiting, and hyperthermia.
Essential Oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint)
Toxic to liver and nervous system when ingested or absorbed.
Household Cleaners (bleach, ammonia, etc.)
Can burn the GI tract and cause respiratory distress.
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
Tastes sweet but leads to rapid and often fatal kidney failure.
Fertilizers/Weedkillers
Often contain harmful metals and chemicals toxic to multiple organ systems.
Yeast Dough
Expands in the stomach, causing bloat and alcohol poisoning.
Toxic Plants (e.g., sago palm, oleander, azalea)
Can cause seizures, organ failure, and death.
Top 20 Toxins for Cats
Lilies (Lilium spp.)
All parts are extremely toxic; even pollen can lead to kidney failure.
Chocolate
Causes vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially seizures in cats.
Allium Species (onions, garlic, etc.)
Damage red blood cells and may lead to hemolytic anemia.
Garlic
More concentrated than onions; especially dangerous to cats.
Ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
Extremely toxic — even a single dose can be fatal.
Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)
Can cause mild GI irritation but is often mistaken for toxic lilies.
Vitamin D3 Overdose
Disrupts calcium regulation, leading to organ damage.
Amphetamines (e.g., ADHD medications)
Causes hyperactivity, seizures, and cardiovascular issues.
Carprofen
Dogs tolerate it better; cats are more sensitive to toxicity.
Tulips
Bulbs are most toxic; can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Spot-on Dog Flea Products (e.g., permethrin)
Causes tremors, seizures, and often death if not treated quickly.
Essential Oils
Cats lack enzymes to process many oils. Leads to liver failure or respiratory distress.
Household Cleaners (bleach, phenols, etc.)
Caustic and often fatal if ingested or inhaled.
Antidepressants
Can cause tremors, lethargy, vomiting, and seizures.
NSAIDs (other human pain meds)
Cats are particularly sensitive to all forms.
Rodenticides (bromethalin, anticoagulants)
Cause neurological damage or internal bleeding.
Vitamin D Toxicity
Leads to calcium buildup, vomiting, and kidney failure.
Acetaminophen
Causes methemoglobinemia and liver toxicity. Fatal if untreated.
Toxic Plants (e.g., azalea, oleander, chrysanthemums, etc.)
Can damage the liver, kidneys, or heart.
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
Highly toxic; ingestion causes kidney failure and death within days.
Lilies (Lilium spp.)
All parts are extremely toxic; even pollen can lead to kidney failure.
Chocolate
Causes vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially seizures in cats.
Allium Species (onions, garlic, etc.)
Damage red blood cells and may lead to hemolytic anemia.
Garlic
More concentrated than onions; especially dangerous to cats.
Ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
Extremely toxic — even a single dose can be fatal.
Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)
Can cause mild GI irritation but is often mistaken for toxic lilies.
Vitamin D3 Overdose
Disrupts calcium regulation, leading to organ damage.
Amphetamines (e.g., ADHD medications)
Causes hyperactivity, seizures, and cardiovascular issues.
Carprofen
Dogs tolerate it better; cats are more sensitive to toxicity.
Tulips
Bulbs are most toxic; can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Spot-on Dog Flea Products (e.g., permethrin)
Causes tremors, seizures, and often death if not treated quickly.
Essential Oils
Cats lack enzymes to process many oils. Leads to liver failure or respiratory distress.
Household Cleaners (bleach, phenols, etc.)
Caustic and often fatal if ingested or inhaled.
Antidepressants
Can cause tremors, lethargy, vomiting, and seizures.
NSAIDs (other human pain meds)
Cats are particularly sensitive to all forms.
Rodenticides (bromethalin, anticoagulants)
Cause neurological damage or internal bleeding.
Vitamin D Toxicity
Leads to calcium buildup, vomiting, and kidney failure.
Acetaminophen
Causes methemoglobinemia and liver toxicity. Fatal if untreated.
Toxic Plants (e.g., azalea, oleander, chrysanthemums, etc.)
Can damage the liver, kidneys, or heart.
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
Highly toxic; ingestion causes kidney failure and death within days.
Summary & Safety Advice
Many common foods, human medications, and plants are toxic to pets often even in very small doses. Cats are especially vulnerable to plant toxins and medications, while dogs are more likely to ingest human foods or larger doses. Store all medications, chemicals, and household cleaners in locked or high cabinets. Never give human medication to pets without vet supervision. Keep houseplants out of reach or confirm pet-safety first.
If your pet may have ingested a toxin, call a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately: (888) 426‑4435
References
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center – www.aspca.org
Pet Poison Helpline – www.petpoisonhelpline.com
DVM360.com – Veterinary professional news & toxin reports
Merck Veterinary Manual – www.merckvetmanual.com
AVMA – American Veterinary Medical Association – www.avma.org
VCA Animal Hospitals – www.vcaclinics.com
FDA Animal Health – www.fda.gov
AP News: Pet safety alerts and veterinary trends
The Spruce Pets – Educational articles for pet owners
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center – www.aspca.org
Pet Poison Helpline – www.petpoisonhelpline.com
DVM360.com – Veterinary professional news & toxin reports
Merck Veterinary Manual – www.merckvetmanual.com
AVMA – American Veterinary Medical Association – www.avma.org
VCA Animal Hospitals – www.vcaclinics.com
FDA Animal Health – www.fda.gov
AP News: Pet safety alerts and veterinary trends
The Spruce Pets – Educational articles for pet owners