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FoodDogs and catsDarker chocolate is more dangerous
Chocolate
Also searched as cocoa, theobromine, baking chocolate, cocoa powder.
Why it is dangerous Chocolate, coffee and other caffeine products contain methylxanthines (including theobromine and caffeine). These can affect a pet's nervous system and heart. ASPCA notes that darker chocolate and products with more cacao, plus baking chocolate and cocoa powder, have higher concentrations; white chocolate has the lowest.
Signs Vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, restlessness or hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and, in severe cases, death. Merck Veterinary Manual says signs of chocolate poisoning often begin within 6 to 12 hours.
What to do Call a pet poison helpline or a veterinarian now, even if your pet seems fine. Go to a 24/7 ER if they advise it, or if your pet is already restless, tremoring, seizing or having trouble breathing. Do not give home remedies or try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian or poison expert tells you to.
FoodDogsEspecially dangerous for dogs
Xylitol
Also searched as sugar-free gum, birch sugar, sugar alcohol, peanut butter, toothpaste.
Why it is dangerous Xylitol is a sweetener in many sugar-free gums, candies, baked goods, some peanut butters, toothpaste and other products. In dogs it can cause a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and, at higher amounts, liver injury or failure. Pet Poison Helpline notes that cats and people do not have this same reaction.
Signs Vomiting, lethargy, weakness or loss of coordination, which can progress to collapse and seizures. ASPCA says initial signs can appear quickly, and liver damage may show up within 12 to 24 hours. Merck notes that signs of low blood sugar may start within 30 minutes or be delayed, especially with gum.
What to do This is an emergency in dogs. Call a pet poison helpline or go to a 24/7 ER now, even if your dog still seems normal. Bring the package if you can, so the team can see whether it contains xylitol and how much. Do not wait for signs, and do not try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian or poison expert tells you to.
FoodDogs; rarely reported in catsCan cause kidney failure in dogs
Grapes and raisins
Also searched as currants, grape, raisin, zante currants.
Why it is dangerous Grapes, raisins and some currants can cause kidney injury in dogs. The amount that causes illness can vary, so any suspected exposure is worth a call. ASPCA and Merck note that tartaric acid is thought to be the toxic component. Merck reports kidney failure after grape or raisin ingestion in some dogs, and that it has been reported in one cat.
Signs Vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weakness, increased thirst, and later decreased urine production as the kidneys are affected. Pet Poison Helpline says vomiting may start within hours, and kidney problems can follow within 1 to 4 days.
What to do Call a pet poison helpline or a veterinarian now, even if your pet seems fine. Any amount in a dog is a reason to get advice right away. Go to a 24/7 ER if they advise it, or if your pet is vomiting, weak, or urinating less than usual. Bring a photo or the package if you can.
FoodDogs and catsCats are more susceptible
Onions, garlic and chives
Also searched as allium, leeks, shallots, onion powder, garlic powder.
Why it is dangerous Onions, garlic, chives, leeks and shallots are Allium plants. They can irritate the stomach and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. ASPCA says cats are more susceptible, and dogs are also at risk depending on the amount. Powdered or cooked forms still count, including leftovers and some baby foods.
Signs Vomiting or diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, reduced appetite, rapid breathing or a rapid heart rate. Red blood cell damage may not be obvious right away, so a pet can look worse a day or more later.
What to do Call a pet poison helpline or a veterinarian with what and how much was eaten. Go to a 24/7 ER if your pet is weak, has pale gums, is having trouble breathing, or is getting worse. Do not wait to see if a large amount 'settles.'
FoodDogsReported in dogs
Macadamia nuts
Also searched as macadamia nut.
Why it is dangerous Macadamia nuts can cause a distinctive, usually nonfatal illness in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual says dogs are the only species in which clinical signs have been reported, and the mechanism is not known. ASPCA lists weakness, incoordination, depression, vomiting, tremors and a high body temperature in dogs.
Signs Weakness (often in the back legs), trouble walking, vomiting, tremors, depression and a raised body temperature. ASPCA says symptoms usually appear within 12 hours, with recovery often expected within 24 to 72 hours. Merck similarly describes signs within 12 hours that are often mild and self-limiting, though more severe cases may need veterinary care.
What to do Call a pet poison helpline or a veterinarian for advice, especially if a lot was eaten or your dog is already weak or vomiting. Go to a 24/7 ER if your dog cannot stand, is in pain, has a high temperature, or is getting worse. Do not give human pain relievers.
FoodDogs and cats
Alcohol
Also searched as ethanol, beer, wine, liquor, yeast dough, raw bread dough.
Why it is dangerous Alcoholic drinks and foods that contain alcohol can depress the nervous system and cause dangerous drops in body temperature and blood sugar. ASPCA also warns that raw yeast dough can rise in the stomach, causing painful bloating that may become an emergency, and can produce alcohol as it ferments.
Signs Vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination (walking as if drunk), depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, and in severe cases coma or death. Merck says signs of alcohol poisoning generally begin within 30 to 60 minutes and can progress to low body temperature, low blood sugar, seizures and slowed breathing.
What to do Call a pet poison helpline or go to a 24/7 ER now, especially if your pet is unsteady, sleepy, vomiting, or bloated after getting into alcohol or raw dough. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian or poison expert tells you to.
FoodDogs and cats
Caffeine
Also searched as coffee, tea, energy drinks, espresso, caffeine pills.
Why it is dangerous Coffee, tea, energy drinks and caffeine pills contain methylxanthines, the same family of stimulants found in chocolate. ASPCA groups chocolate, coffee and caffeine together: the higher the caffeine content, the greater the risk.
Signs Vomiting, restlessness or hyperactivity, panting, a rapid or abnormal heart rate, excessive thirst and urination, tremors and seizures.
What to do Call a pet poison helpline or a veterinarian now. Go to a 24/7 ER if your pet is agitated, tremoring, seizing, or has an abnormal heart rate or trouble breathing. Bring the product if you can.
PlantCatsLife-threatening for cats
Lilies (true lilies and daylilies)
Also searched as easter lily, tiger lily, asiatic lily, stargazer, daylily, hemerocallis, lilium, rubrum lily.
Why it is dangerous True lilies (Lilium species, such as Easter, tiger, Asiatic and Stargazer lilies) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) can cause acute kidney failure in cats. ASPCA's plant listing marks Lilium species as toxic to cats. Any exposure in a cat — leaves, flowers, pollen, or water from the vase — can be enough. Many plants have 'lily' in the name but are not true lilies; still, treat an unknown lily as an emergency in a cat until a veterinarian or poison expert identifies it. Peace lilies are a different plant and mainly cause mouth irritation, not kidney failure.
Signs Vomiting, lethargy and a reduced appetite may start within a few hours. Pet Poison Helpline says the kidneys can stop producing urine within about 3 days if the cat is not treated. Do not wait for signs.
What to do If a cat may have licked pollen, bitten a leaf or drunk vase water from a true lily or daylily, go to a 24/7 ER now and call a pet poison helpline. Early veterinary care can be the difference between recovery and kidney failure. Bring the plant or a clear photo if you can.
PlantDogs and catsSeeds are especially toxic
Sago palm
Also searched as cycad, coontie palm, cardboard palm, cycas.
Why it is dangerous Sago palms (Cycas revoluta and related cycads) are highly toxic. The whole plant is dangerous; ASPCA says the seeds or nuts are the most toxic part. The plant contains cycasin and can cause severe liver damage, trouble clotting the blood, and death.
Signs Vomiting, diarrhea, black or bloody stool, increased thirst, bruising, yellowing of the skin or gums (jaundice), liver failure and, in severe cases, death. Any suspected ingestion is an emergency, even before signs appear.
What to do Go to a 24/7 ER and call a pet poison helpline now. Do not wait for vomiting or jaundice to start. Bring a photo of the plant if you can.
PlantDogs and cats
Azalea and rhododendron
Also searched as rhododendron, rosebay.
Why it is dangerous Azaleas and rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins, which can affect the stomach, heart and nervous system. ASPCA says small ingestions in dogs and cats often cause mild stomach upset, while large ingestions can cause irregular heartbeats and seizures.
Signs Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and, in more serious cases, heart problems or seizures. ASPCA's plant listing also notes cardiac failure as a possible sign.
What to do Call a pet poison helpline or a veterinarian with an estimate of how much was eaten. Go to a 24/7 ER if your pet is weak, collapsing, has an irregular heartbeat, is seizing, or is getting worse.
PlantDogs and catsAffects the heart
Oleander
Also searched as nerium, rose-bay, rosebay.
Why it is dangerous Oleander (Nerium oleander) contains cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt the heart's rhythm. ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. All parts of the plant are a concern, including dried leaves.
Signs Drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, depression and, in serious cases, death. Because the toxin affects the heart, an irregular or slow heartbeat, weakness or collapse is an emergency.
What to do Call a pet poison helpline and go to a 24/7 ER now. Bring a photo of the plant if you can. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian or poison expert tells you to.
PlantDogs and catsBulbs are the most toxic part
Tulips
Also searched as tulip bulb, tulipa.
Why it is dangerous Tulips contain tulipalin A and B. ASPCA says the highest concentration is in the bulb. Eating the plant often causes stomach upset; eating large pieces of bulb can also cause a stomach or intestinal blockage.
Signs Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling (hypersalivation) and depression. If a large chunk of bulb was swallowed, watch for unproductive retching, a swollen belly, or extreme restlessness — those can be blockage signs and belong at an ER.
What to do Call a pet poison helpline or a veterinarian, especially if a bulb was eaten. Go to a 24/7 ER if vomiting is severe, your pet cannot keep water down, or the belly seems painful or bloated.
MedicationDogs and catsEven one or two pills can harm a pet
Ibuprofen
Also searched as advil, motrin, nsaid, pain reliever.
Why it is dangerous Ibuprofen (Advil, some Motrin products and other NSAID pain relievers) can cause serious stomach and intestinal ulcers and kidney failure in pets. Pet Poison Helpline says even one or two pills can cause serious harm in dogs, cats and other small animals. Never give a human pain reliever to a pet unless a veterinarian has told you to use that exact product and dose.
Signs Vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, black or tarry stool, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy, increased thirst or urination, and in more severe cases kidney failure or nervous-system signs.
What to do Call a pet poison helpline or go to a 24/7 ER now. Bring the bottle so the team can see the strength and how many pills are missing. Do not give another dose, and do not try to 'treat' stomach upset with more human medication.
MedicationDogs and catsEspecially dangerous for cats
Acetaminophen
Also searched as tylenol, paracetamol, APAP.
Why it is dangerous Acetaminophen (Tylenol and many cold or flu combinations) is not safe for pets, and it is especially dangerous for cats. Pet Poison Helpline says even one regular-strength tablet may damage a cat's red blood cells and limit their ability to carry oxygen. In dogs, it can cause liver failure and, in large amounts, red blood cell damage.
Signs In cats, trouble breathing, weakness, swelling of the face or paws, and gums that look brown, blue or muddy. In dogs and cats, vomiting, lethargy and signs of liver injury can also appear. Any acetaminophen exposure in a cat is an emergency.
What to do If a cat may have eaten acetaminophen, go to a 24/7 ER now and call a pet poison helpline. For dogs, call immediately and go in if advised or if the dog is already ill. Bring the bottle. This is not something to monitor at home.
MedicationDogs and cats
Naproxen
Also searched as aleve, nsaid, naprosyn.
Why it is dangerous Naproxen (Aleve and related products) is an NSAID, like ibuprofen. Pet Poison Helpline groups naproxen with other human NSAIDs that can cause serious stomach and intestinal ulcers and kidney failure in pets. Naproxen lasts a long time in the body, so even a small amount can be a problem. Never give it to a pet unless a veterinarian has prescribed a veterinary product.
Signs Vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea, black or tarry stool, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy, and signs of kidney injury such as changes in thirst or urination.
What to do Call a pet poison helpline or go to a 24/7 ER now. Bring the bottle. Do not give any other pain medication unless a veterinarian tells you to.
MedicationDogs and catsPotent stimulants
ADHD medications
Also searched as adderall, ritalin, concerta, amphetamines, methylphenidate, vyvanse.
Why it is dangerous Medications used for ADHD, such as Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta, contain potent stimulants (amphetamines or methylphenidate). Pet Poison Helpline says even a small ingestion can cause life-threatening tremors, seizures, a dangerously high body temperature and heart problems.
Signs Agitation, restlessness, panting, a rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, vomiting and a high body temperature.
What to do Go to a 24/7 ER and call a pet poison helpline now. These signs can escalate quickly. Bring the bottle, and keep your pet as cool, quiet and safe as you can on the way.
HouseholdDogs and catsA small amount can be fatal
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
Also searched as ethylene glycol, coolant, radiator fluid.
Why it is dangerous Ethylene glycol is the ingredient in many antifreeze and coolant products. It has a sweet taste and can cause severe, often irreversible kidney failure. Merck Veterinary Manual says it is often fatal, and early treatment is critical. Some antifreeze products use a different, less toxic ingredient (such as propylene glycol) — bring the container so the team can tell them apart.
Signs Early on, a pet may look drunk: vomiting, stumbling, depression or excessive thirst and urination. As the poisoning progresses, the pet may seem to improve briefly, then become very ill as the kidneys fail. Do not wait for later signs.
What to do Go to a 24/7 ER now and call a pet poison helpline. Treatment works best when it starts early, often before serious signs appear. Bring the container. Do not try to treat this at home.
HouseholdDogs and catsDifferent products cause different emergencies
Rat and mouse poisons (rodenticides)
Also searched as rat poison, mouse poison, bromethalin, warfarin, brodifacoum, cholecalciferol, vitamin D3, zinc phosphide.
Why it is dangerous Rodenticides are not all the same. Anticoagulant baits can cause delayed bleeding. Bromethalin can cause brain swelling, tremors and weakness. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) can cause high calcium and kidney damage. Other types, including zinc phosphide, have still different effects. Merck Veterinary Manual covers these as separate poisonings, which is why the product name and active ingredient matter.
Signs Depends on the product: bleeding, bruising, pale gums or coughing up blood (anticoagulants, often after a delay); tremors, seizures or hind-end weakness (bromethalin); vomiting, increased thirst or urination and kidney problems (cholecalciferol). Signs may be delayed, so a pet that still looks normal still needs advice now.
What to do Call a pet poison helpline or go to a 24/7 ER now. Bring the package or a clear photo of the label, including the active ingredient. Do not wait for bleeding or neurologic signs to start, and do not give human medications, including vitamin K, unless a veterinarian directs it.
HouseholdCatsEspecially dangerous for cats
Permethrin (dog flea products used on cats)
Also searched as pyrethroid, pyrethrin, dog flea spot-on, canine flea treatment.
Why it is dangerous Permethrin and related pyrethroids are common in some dog flea-and-tick spot-on products, sprays and household insecticides. Cats are much more sensitive to these chemicals than dogs. Pet Poison Helpline says the biggest concern is applying a canine permethrin product to a cat, or a cat that grooms a recently treated dog.
Signs Ear flicking, skin twitching, jaw snapping, muscle tremors and seizures. Twitching often starts at the head and can become severe.
What to do If a cat has had a dog flea product applied, or is tremoring after contact with one, go to a 24/7 ER now and call a pet poison helpline. If it is safe to do so and a veterinarian or poison expert agrees, bathing the cat with mild dish soap may help remove leftover product — ask them first, and do not delay the trip to the ER.
HouseholdDogs and catsEspecially risky for cats
Essential oils
Also searched as tea tree oil, melaleuca, pennyroyal, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, oil diffuser, aromatherapy.
Why it is dangerous Essential oils are concentrated plant oils used in diffusers, cleaners and some 'natural' flea products. Merck Veterinary Manual says they are readily absorbed through the stomach, skin, lungs and mucous membranes, and that cats are more sensitive because they are less able to metabolize some of these compounds (including phenols). Tea tree oil is the oil most often reported in pet poisonings. Concentrated oils should never be applied directly to a pet.
Signs Vomiting, drooling, lethargy, trouble walking, loss of appetite, skin irritation, tremors, breathing changes, and in serious cases seizures or liver or kidney injury. Signs can start within minutes to hours.
What to do Remove the pet from the area and get fresh air. Call a pet poison helpline or a veterinarian now. Go to a 24/7 ER if your pet is having trouble breathing, is tremoring or seizing, is very weak, or if a concentrated oil was applied to the skin or fur. Merck advises against trying to make the pet vomit, because of the risk of inhaling the oil. Ask a veterinarian whether a bath with mild soap is appropriate before you try it.
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