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Hello hello, Pet Parents! Carlos here. One of the biggest fears pet parents have is accidentally exposing their dog to something toxic. Whether it’s a piece of food dropped on the floor, an open bottle of medication, or household cleaners left within reach, everyday items can pose serious health risks to dogs.
Bookmark this post, it could safe your dog's life in an emergency!
The best way to protect your pup? Prevention.
Knowing what’s dangerous, puppy-proofing your home, and having an emergency plan in place can save your dog’s life. Let’s go over the most common toxic foods, medications, and household chemicals, how to prevent exposure, and what to do in an emergency.
1. Puppy-Proofing Your Home to Prevent Poisoning Toxic Food, Medications, Plants, and Household Items That Can Harm Your Dog
Before we dive into specific toxins, let’s talk about prevention. Puppies and even adult dogs are naturally curious, which means anything within reach is fair game.
To keep your pup safe:
Kitchen:
✅ Store food out of reach—dogs can counter-surf!
✅ Keep trash bins secured with lids or placed in cabinets.
✅ Never leave food unattended on tables or counters.
Living Room & Bedrooms:
✅ Keep purses, bags, and backpacks off the floor (many contain gum with xylitol or loose medications).
✅ Store essential oils and candles out of reach.
✅ Check for small objects that can be swallowed.
Bathroom & Laundry Room:
✅ Keep all medications in closed cabinets.
✅ Store cleaning products, detergents, and fabric softeners in high or locked storage.
✅ Keep toilet lids closed—some dogs drink from the toilet, which may contain harmful cleaning chemicals.
Garage & Yard:
✅ Store antifreeze, pesticides, and fertilizers in closed cabinets.
✅ Inspect your yard for harmful plants, mushrooms, or other hazards.
✅ Keep gardening supplies out of reach.
Quick Tips for Plant Safety:
🌿 Research Before Planting: Verify any plant’s safety before adding it to your home or garden.
🔎 Inspect Regularly: Check your yard and indoor spaces for harmful plants.
📞 Emergency Numbers: Keep contact numbers for your vet, ASPCA, and Pet Poison Helpline handy at all times.
2. Toxic Human Foods for Dogs Toxic Food, Medications, Plants, and Household Items That Can Harm Your Dog
Many foods that are safe for us can be dangerous—or even fatal—for dogs. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
Food Type | Symptoms | Immediate Actions | Contact Numbers and Resources |
Chocolate | Vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, seizures, and death (severe cases). | Prevent further ingestion, monitor, and contact a vet immediately. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Grapes and Raisins | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and kidney failure. | Contact a vet immediately; even a small amount can be toxic. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Xylitol (Birch/Wood Sugar) | Vomiting, lethargy, sudden drop in blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and death. | Seek emergency veterinary care immediately. | Local Emergency Vet |
Onions and Garlic | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, pale gums, and collapse (from red blood cell damage). | Contact a vet; symptoms may take a few days to appear. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
3. Toxic Medications for Dogs Toxic Food, Medications, Plants, and Household Items That Can Harm Your Dog
Even small amounts of human medications can be toxic to dogs. Keep these well out of reach:
Medication Type | Symptoms | Immediate Actions | Contact Numbers and Resources |
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) | Vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, swelling of face or paws, and liver damage. | Seek veterinary care immediately. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) | Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, kidney failure, and seizures. | Prevent further access, monitor, and contact a vet. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
4. Toxic Household Chemicals for Dogs Toxic Food, Medications, Plants, and Household Items That Can Harm Your Dog
Many common household items can be toxic if ingested. Keep cleaning products and chemicals locked away:
Chemical Type | Symptoms | Immediate Actions | Contact Numbers and Resources |
Bleach | Drooling, vomiting, coughing, abdominal pain, and burns in the mouth or throat. | Rinse mouth with water (if possible), and contact a vet immediately. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) | Vomiting, lethargy, seizures, and kidney failure. | Seek emergency veterinary care immediately; ethylene glycol is highly toxic. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Essential Oils (e.g., Tea Tree, Eucalyptus) | Vomiting, drooling, tremors, lethargy, and difficulty walking. | Contact a vet immediately; some oils can be fatal to dogs. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Toxic Foods, Medications, and Household Items That Can Harm Your Dog
5. Toxic Indoor Plants for dogsToxic Food, Medications, Plants, and Household Items That Can Harm Your Dog
Many indoor plants are toxic to dogs. Even small bites can cause serious symptoms. Research plants before bringing them home and keep toxic ones out of reach. If ingestion occurs, contact your vet or poison control immediately.
Plant Type | Symptoms | Immediate Actions | Contact Numbers and Resources |
Aloe Vera | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy. | Rinse mouth; monitor symptoms. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Peace Lily | Drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing. | Rinse mouth and call your vet. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) | Oral irritation, vomiting, drooling. | Offer water, monitor; consult vet. | Local Emergency Vet |
Philodendron | Drooling, oral pain, vomiting. | Rinse mouth; prevent further access. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Snake Plant | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. | Offer water; monitor; call vet if symptoms persist. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Dieffenbachia | Severe oral irritation, vomiting, drooling. | Rinse mouth; monitor breathing; call vet immediately. | Local Emergency Vet |
ZZ Plant | Vomiting, oral irritation. | Prevent access; contact vet. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Jade Plant | Vomiting, lethargy, slow heart rate. | Call a vet; symptoms can worsen quickly. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Sago Palm | Vomiting, seizures, liver failure, death. | Emergency vet visit required. | Local Emergency Vet |
Rubber Plant | Oral irritation, vomiting, drooling. | Rinse mouth; monitor; call vet. | Local Emergency Vet |
Dracaena | Vomiting (sometimes bloody), drooling. | Call your vet; prevent further ingestion. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
6. Toxic Outdoor Plants for dogs Toxic Food, Medications, Plants, and Household Items That Can Harm Your Dog
Always research plants before landscaping, regularly inspect your yard for toxic varieties, and remove dangerous plants when possible. If your dog eats a plant and shows symptoms, contact your vet or poison control immediately.
Common Toxic Plants for Dogs in US
Plant Type | Symptoms | Immediate Actions | Contact Numbers and Resources |
Sago Palm | Severe vomiting, liver damage, death. | Emergency veterinary attention is critical. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Azaleas & Rhododendrons | Vomiting, diarrhea, heart issues. | Prevent access; monitor; call vet. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Oleander | Irregular heart rate, vomiting, death. | Contact a vet immediately; bring plant sample. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Tulip & Daffodil Bulbs | Vomiting, diarrhea, heart issues. | Contact a vet; the bulbs are especially toxic. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Foxglove | Heart abnormalities, vomiting, tremors. | Emergency vet visit necessary. | Local Emergency Vet |
Yew | Sudden death, vomiting, tremors. | Call a vet immediately; yew is highly toxic. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Castor Bean | Vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration. | Call a vet urgently; plant is extremely toxic. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Lily of the Valley | Vomiting, heart issues, seizures. | Emergency care required. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Hydrangea | Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite. | Monitor and consult your vet. | Local Emergency Vet |
Morning Glory | Agitation, vomiting, diarrhea. | Prevent further ingestion; call vet. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Tomato Plants (Leaves/Stems) | Lethargy, drooling, stomach upset. | Remove access; monitor and call vet if needed. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Lantana | Vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure, weakness. | Contact a vet immediately; lantana is highly toxic. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Chinaberry Tree (Melia azedarach) | Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, respiratory distress. | Emergency veterinary attention is required. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Autumn Crocus | Severe vomiting, diarrhea, liver and kidney damage. | Immediate veterinary care required. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Daffodils | Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, low blood pressure. | Call your vet immediately. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Common Toxic Plants for dogs in Southern California
Plant Type | Symptoms | Immediate Actions | Contact Numbers and Resources |
Pencil Cactus (Fire Plant) | Oral irritation, vomiting, drooling, skin irritation. | Rinse affected areas; consult your vet. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Angel's Trumpet | Dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, seizures. | Seek emergency veterinary care immediately. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Oleander | Irregular heart rate, vomiting, death. | Contact a vet immediately; bring plant sample. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Milkweed | Vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, weakness. | Contact your vet immediately. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Ivy (Hedera species) | Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain. | Prevent access; consult your vet. | Local Emergency Vet |
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) | Vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, dermatitis. | Prevent further ingestion; consult your vet. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Western Bleeding Heart | Tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate. | Call your vet immediately. | Local Emergency Vet |
California Poppy | Sedation, loss of coordination, drooling. | Monitor; call your vet if symptoms occur. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Castor Bean | Vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration. | Emergency care is required. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Lantana | Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, liver failure. | Call a vet; lantana is highly toxic. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Chinaberry Tree | Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, respiratory distress. | Seek veterinary care urgently. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Poison Hemlock | Tremors, salivation, seizures, respiratory failure. | Contact a vet immediately. | ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 |
Datura (Jimsonweed) | Hyperthermia, dilated pupils, confusion, seizures. | Emergency veterinary care required. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
Mexican Poppy | Vomiting, lethargy, incoordination. | Prevent further ingestion; monitor; call vet. | Local Emergency Vet |
Coyote Brush | Mild digestive upset if ingested. | Monitor and contact your vet if symptoms arise. | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 |
7. Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Key
Pet parents, preventing exposure to toxins is one of the best ways to keep your dog safe. A few final tips:
Store safely: Keep all foods, medications, and chemicals out of reach.
Read labels: Avoid foods and products containing xylitol or other toxic ingredients.
Educate your household: Make sure all family members (especially kids!) know what’s safe and what’s not.
Prepare for emergencies: Save contact numbers for your vet, ASPCA, and Pet Poison Helpline.
If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, don’t wait—call your vet or a poison control center immediately.
By puppy-proofing your home and knowing what to avoid, you can prevent accidents before they happen. Have questions about poison prevention or need emergency resources? Reach out—I’m here to help you and your pup stay healthy and protected! Toxic Food, Medications, Plants, and Household Items That Can Harm Your Dog
Carlos F. Morales - CDBC | CPDT-KA
Carlos is head trainer at Canine High School in Long Beach CA, a force-free Puppy School and Dog School. He is responsible for creating the School's Dog Training System, Curriculum and Philosophy. In addition to educating his canine students and their human parents, he runs a teaching school that offers apprenticeship and internship programs for aspiring professional dog trainers. He is a Certified Mentor Trainer for several dog training schools and holds certifications with the IAABC and the CCPDT. He lives in Long Beach CA in a little house by the beach with his human, his three dogs GoGo, Kiba, Choji and a sassy cat, Habibti.
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