The most common household items toxic for dogs

Updated 23/09/2024

Keeping your furry friends safe is super important, even when they’re at home. That’s why we’ve put together this list of things toxic to dogs, covering everything from food and plants to everyday items you probably have lying around the house.

What household items can kill a dog instantly?

It’s important to know what is toxic to dogs and the steps to take if your furry friend comes into contact with any of the following items.

Foods toxic to dogs

• Avocado: Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can be toxic to dogs and cats in sufficient quantities. Its high-fat content and large pit are also reasons to steer clear of this fruit. 
• Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks, even small quantities of caffeine can be quite harmful to your pup. This is because they are much more sensitive to the stimulant effects that caffeine causes.
• Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine which, unlike people, is poorly metabolized by dogs. The higher the cocoa content the more likely it could be a danger to your dog; dark chocolate and cocoa powder therefore pose the greatest threat to your pup. Chocolate also contains caffeine, making it double trouble for dogs.
• Mushrooms: These can be deadly for dogs, so keep furry friends away from any fungi found in the wild.
• Grapes and raisins: Even a single grape or raisin can cause poisoning in some pups. What might make one dog very sick may be okay for another dog, but it’s best to be safe and avoid them altogether.
• Macadamia nuts: Just a few of these nuts can cause some serious health issues.
• Onions and garlic: Both contain thiosulfate, which can cause potentially life-threatening damage to a dog’s red blood cells.
• Xylitol: This sweetener is found in things like sugar-free chewing gum, cough syrup, and toothpaste, and can cause liver damage and even death in dogs.
• Raw yeast: If you’re baking bread, keep the dough away from your dog – raw yeast can be extremely poisonous to dogs.
• Cooked bones: Cooked bones, especially chicken bones, can splinter inside your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and cause harm.

Plants toxic to dogs

Here are some of the most popular plants and cut flowers that could bring your pup harm:  

• Aloe Vera
• Corn Plant 
• Chrysanthemum
• Cyclamen
• Hyacinth 
• Tulip
• Hydrangea
• Kalanchoe
• Lilies
• Lily of the Valley
• Daffodil
• Poinsettia
• Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
• Sago Palm
• Snake Plant
• ZZ Plant
  

For more information about plants that pups should avoid, read our blog post dedicated to the topic.

Other household items toxic to dogs

What is bad for dogs might be good for your household – just make sure you keep these common household items out of reach.

Human medicines

Human medicines are not made for furry friends, and they shouldn’t be shared with pets unless the vet says so. NSAIDs like Advil, pain medications like Tylenol, and antidepressants such as Prozac and Lexapro can cause serious harm and even organ failure in dogs.

Pet medicine

Even meds meant for pets can be dangerous if the wrong pup gets its paws on it or the correct dosage is not taken.

Alcohol

Dogs can get alcohol poisoning even from small amounts, so be cautious with alcoholic drinks and products like mouthwash and perfume.

Tobacco products 

Nicotine is toxic for furry friends, so keep cigarettes, e-cigs, nicotine gum, and cigars out of reach. Flavored products can be particularly enticing, but pups may even gobble up used cigarette butts, both of which can cause poisoning.

Cleaning products

As you can imagine, the household cleaners and disinfectants you use to kill bacteria can also be dangerous for our furry friends. Ingredients such as bleach, ammonia, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide can be particularly toxic if your furry friend is exposed to them.

Laundry detergent

Laundry detergent and fabric softener sheets containing ionic and anionic surfactants can cause serious damage to your furry friend’s GI tract. The foaming effect of many detergents also increases the risk of aspiration, where the detergent gets into the airway and lungs and causes even more damage.

Insecticides and pesticides

The chemicals used to get rid of insects can also act as poison to dogs and may cause harm to your furry friend’s nervous system. Common forms of exposure include eating slug bait pellets, licking paws after walking on treated lawns, or eating contaminated grass and bugs. 

Fertilizer

Fertilizer might be great for your garden, but it can contain phosphorous, iron, and nitrogen, all of which spell bad news for doggies.

Antifreeze and de-icers

Antifreeze and de-icers containing ethylene glycol are extremely toxic to dogs, and licking a small amount off their paws after walking through it can be enough to cause kidney failure and even death.

Heavy metals

Although rare, if your furry friend swallows pennies, chews on foil or cans, or ingests paint, they may be at risk of metal poisoning.

Batteries

It might seem obvious that ingesting batteries isn’t a great idea, but don’t put it past your pooch. Chewing on batteries or swallowing them whole can cause severe damage to your dog’s insides.

Symptoms of poisoning in dogs

You might catch your furry buddy sniffing around one of these dangerous items, or perhaps they just don’t seem like themselves. Keep an eye out for the following signs of poisoning, which can vary based on the type of toxin, how it was ingested, and the amount:  

• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Disorientation and unsteadiness
• Tremors
• Seizures 
• Collapse
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal heart rate
• Drooling
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nosebleeds
• Pale gums

What to do if your dog’s been poisoned

If you spot any of the above symptoms or you think your furry friend’s come into contact with something toxic, contact your vet immediately. Be ready to share as much info as you can about what they may have eaten and any symptoms they’re showing.

Your vet will probably ask you to bring your pooch in for an immediate check-up – poisoning is a medical emergency and time is of the essence. They might need to induce vomiting and replenish your furry friend’s fluids, and your pup may need to stay at the vet to be monitored overnight. The good news is that they often will make a full recovery if action is taken quick enough.

How to keep your dog safe at home

Drop a raisin on the floor and you can practically guarantee your furry friend will be there in a flash – but attempt to give them their medication and it’s a completely different story. Here are a few things you can do to help keep your pooch safe at home: 

• Store all potentially poisonous items in airtight containers out of reach of curious paws.
• Clean up any spills or leaks promptly to avoid accidental ingestion.
• Use trash cans with secure lids or place them in cabinets to prevent your dog from rummaging through and finding something harmful.
• Make sure your dog has plenty of safe toys to chew on to discourage them from chewing on something dangerous.
• Set up a designated area or crate where your dog can relax safely, especially when you’re not around to supervise.
• Ensure all indoor and outdoor plants are safe for dogs, and remove or relocate any that are toxic.
• Never leave your furry friend alone in a room where they may have access to dangerous items or substances. Whether you’re cleaning or hosting a dinner party, keep an eye on them – your pup can gobble things up quicker than you think!
• Have your vet’s number, an emergency vet, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number on hand.

How do you keep your furry friend safe when you’re away? With the help of an in-home dog sitter, of course! Our verified sitters provide personalized care for your furry friends and keep a watchful eye on them during your absence. From feeding and playtime to watching out for any signs of trouble, our loving sitters ensure pups stay safe and happy in the comfort of their own homes.

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.