Household Hazards: The 10 Most Common Causes of Accidental Pet Poisoning

Please note: If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact poison control or your nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately! This blog is not intended to be taken as medical advice!

Pet Poison Control Centers

• Pet Poison Helpline, 855-764-7661, http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com 
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 888-426-4435, www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control 

As the days get warmer and longer, many of us are excited to dive into spring cleaning and gardening projects. Unfortunately, some of these activities can spell trouble for our pets! Because accidental poisonings are so common for companion animals, it's important to recognize these common household hazards. We'll also discuss signs of toxicity and what to do if you suspect your pet has been exposed to a hazardous substance. 

What Is Toxicity (or Poisoning)? 

Most of us know that certain things are harmful to our pets. For example, we've learned since childhood that dogs can't eat chocolate. However, toxins are any harmful substance that has the potential to damage the cells, tissues, and/or organs. While most accidental pet poisonings are because they ate or drank something they shouldn't, toxicity can also occur when a pet inhales or comes into contact with a toxic substance. 

Poisoning occurs when there's a large enough dose of the toxin to cause damage. Poisoning can lead to death if treatment isn't sought. 

Signs of Toxicity

Unfortunately, there's no sure sign you can use to diagnose poisoning. Symptoms can vary largely depending on the type and amount of toxin your pet inhaled, ingested, or came into contact with. In general, here are a few signs you can watch for: 

• Diarrhea or bloody stool
• Vomiting or loss of appetite
• Seizures or tremors
• Abnormal drooling
• Behavior changes, such as lethargy or hyperactivity

Other symptoms, like an irregular heartbeat or liver failure, will be hard to notice on your own. That's why acting quickly is important if you think your pet has gotten into something toxic! While some poisons will immediately affect your pet's well-being, others have less visible, long-term consequences. 

Common Household Items That Are Toxic to Pets

#1: Over-the-counter human medications

According to the ASPCA, for the last five years, over-the-counter (OTC) human medications have been the leading cause of accidental pet poisoning. These medications are easy for pets to get to because we typically keep them on a bedside table, in backpacks or purses, or in the car. Some examples of toxic OTC medications include: 

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin
• Cold and allergy medications
• Herbal supplements
• Medicated joint rubs and lotions

Because pets metabolize drugs differently than humans, even small amounts of some medications can lead to severe complications. Always keep OTC medications in pet-proof cupboards and drawers and hang any bags where pets can't reach them. 

#2: Human food

It's common for us to want to share tasty treats with our furry friends. But not everything we eat is safe for them! In fact, human food is the second largest contributor to accidental pet poisonings. Whether your curious pup finds hidden chocolate Easter eggs or your cat helps herself to fat trimmings in the trash, certain foods can cause big-time trouble. Toxic foods include:

• Chocolate
• Xylitol, or birch sugar, which is often found in sugar-free foods
• Macadamia nuts
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Alcohol and caffeine
• Raw yeast dough

#3: Indoor plants

Spring is the perfect time to replant your houseplants (or add a few new plants to your collection!). But before you bust out the potting soil, make sure your pets are safely locked away. Many of our favorite houseplants contain toxic compounds that can cause a wide range of symptoms. Luckily, the ASPCA offers a comprehensive database of toxic and non-toxic plants. This handy tool lets plant lovers look up pet-safe flowers and greenery. 

Lilies are the most common cause of poisoning from indoor or outdoor plants! While lilies are toxic to both cats and dogs, they’re particularly dangerous for cats. The entire plant, including the stems, leaves, flowers, pollen, and vase water, can be deadly if ingested. Lily poisoning in cats can cause kidney damage, kidney failure, and death without treatment. The best way to avoid lily poisoning is to keep lilies out of your home and garden. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to lilies, contact your veterinarian right away!
 
#4: Household cleaners & products

A whole bunch of spring cleaning items can be toxic to pets when ingested. These include common household cleaners that contain ammonia, bleach and chlorine, formaldehyde, or phenol. It's important to note that these substances can cause harm when inhaled and/or ingested. For example, if your pet walks across a recently mopped floor, then licks their paws. 

#5: Garden products

On sunny days, many pets enjoy napping in a warm corner of the garden or yard. That's why it's especially important to recognize potentially hazardous lawn fertilizers and chemicals. Read instructions and labels carefully. Most products will say how long you must keep pets away from treated areas. Other common garden toxins include organic fertilizers like bone meal and blood meal. Store all fertilizers, organic or synthetic, in sealed containers and out of pets' reach.

#6: Rodenticides & pesticides

Rodenticides and pesticides are commonly used around the house, garage, yard, and garden. Many of these chemicals can be harmful to pets, especially if ingested. Even more tricky, many pesticide baits use food ingredients to attract pests, which makes them appealing to pets as well. Much like fertilizers and cleaners, be sure to carefully read the labels and keep dangerous rodenticides and pesticides away from pets. 

#7: Garage hazards

Garages tend to become a catch-all storage space for all sorts of chemical products. Things like solvents, antifreeze, batteries, and some paints can all pose health problems for pets. Antifreeze is one of the most dangerous products you can keep in your garage. Pets are often drawn to antifreeze spills because of the substance's sweet smell and taste. When it comes to antifreeze poisoning, every minute counts! It doesn't take much of this stuff to cause fatal damage to your pet's system, and poisoning affects the brain, liver, and kidneys. 

#8: Essential oils

Essential oil diffusers are a popular way to freshen up homes. There are even hacks on social media that encourage people to dab essential oils onto cotton balls and stash them around the home for a subtle scent boost. Unfortunately, many essential oils can be harmful to our pets. Highly toxic oils include eucalyptus, tea tree, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers, or licked up in the case of a spill. If you use essential oils in your home, keep them out of pets' reach and opt for non-toxic varieties. 

#9: Veterinary products

Have you ever heard the phrase, "The dose makes the medicine?" Even helpful medications and supplements can be toxic if too much is ingested. Veterinary products, like ingestible flea and tick treatments, are often flavored to make them more appealing to pets. This can make them seem like a tempting treat for curious critters. Make sure your pets' medications, supplements, and other veterinary products are kept safely out of reach or locked in a sealed container. 

#10: Miscellaneous items

While we've covered the top household hazards, some pets are incredibly talented at sniffing out trouble. Other things to have on your radar include miscellaneous items like potpourri, mothballs, nicotine products, and any small item that could be eaten and lead to intestinal blockage.  

What If You Suspect Your Pet Has Gotten Into A Toxic Substance?

If you suspect your pet has come into contact with a toxic substance, stay calm but act quickly. First, get your pet away from the potentially toxic substance. Then, call your veterinarian. They may have you collect a sample of the potential poison or bring in the packaging. Be sure to follow their instructions completely and bring your pet in immediately if instructed to do so. 
If it's after normal business hours, you may have to call the nearest emergency clinic or pet poison hotline. 

If you're unable to reach a vet clinic, there are a few emergency hotlines available. The Animal Poison Control Centers are available 24 hours a day, all year long, for poison-related situations. These include: 

• Pet Poison Helpline, 855-764-7661
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 888-426-4435
  
  *Keep in mind that a fee may apply when calling for poison-related situations.​

Accidents are called accidents for a reason! But by keeping these common household hazards out of paw's reach, we can help decrease the number of accidental pet poisonings that happen every year. We hope this helps your pets stay happy and healthy this season! If you have any questions about how to pet-proof your home, our team is happy to help. 

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