Household Toxins
101 Things You Didn't Know Could Harm Your Pet
If you think your pet has been exposed to a poisonous substance please contact us right away at (818) 882-6111.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center may also help at (888) 426-4435.
It may save your pet's life.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.)
- Acetaminophen
- Cold and flu medications
- Antidepressants
- Vitamins
- Home insect products
- Rat and mouse bait
- Bleach
- Diet Pills
- Disinfectants
- Fabric softener
- Lead
- Lighter fluid
- Mothballs
- Anti-cancer drugs
- Solvents (paint thinners, etc.)
- Flea and Tick Products
- Drain cleaners
- Liquid Potpourri
- Slug and snail bait
- Oven cleaner sprays
- Lime/scale remover
- Fly bait
- Detergents
- Tobacco products
Holiday Hazards
Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages are toxic to pets and should
NEVER be given to them during the holidays or any other time
Valentine's Day
Flowers and candy - Many types of flowers and plants found
in bouquets are harmful to dogs and cats if they are ingested (see list
of hazardous plants above). Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea,
hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures, and, in
severe cases, chocolate poisoning can be fatal.
Easter
Fake grass - This colorful grass may look appetizing to
your pets, but it could cause them to choke or obstruct their
intestines if ingested.
Small toys and other plastic items - If swallowed, small
toys and plastic Easter eggs can cause your pet to choke or even damage
their intestinal tract.
Fireworks
Fireworks - Fireworks can scare your pets making them run
off, or cause serious injuries if detonated near them. Many
formulations are also toxic if ingested.
Halloween
Repeatedly opening doors to greet trick-or-treaters can
increase the chances of your pets running out. Keep an eye on their
whereabouts at all times. If feasible, keep cats in a secure area or
closed room when opening doors.
Candles - Pets are naturally curious, and may be attracted
to the bright lights of the flame in dark areas. Dogs and cats could
either burn themselves by the flame or knock the candle over, starting
a fire.
Xylitol - Candy or gum sweetened with xylitol is toxic and
should be kept away from your pet.
All forms of chocolate can be harmful to your pet,
potentially resulting in poisoning or even pancreatic inflammation from
the high fat content.
Thanksgiving
Bones - Turkey, chicken and other small animal bones are
very different from the large bones you find at the pet store. These
small bones splinter easily and can cause serious internal damage if
swallowed, so NEVER give them to your pet.
Hot containers - Your dog or cat will most likely become
curious when they smell something cooking. Keep an eye on hot
containers so that your pet does not tip them over and get burned.
Christmas
Holiday plants - Christmas rose, Holly, Lilies and
Mistletoe are all toxic to dogs and cats.
Ribbons - It may look adorable, but placing a ribbon around
your pet's neck may cause them to choke.
Bubbling lights - Older forms of this attractive decoration
may contain methylene chloride, which is a highly toxic chemical.
Fire salts - Contain chemicals that could be harmful to
your pets.
Angel hair (spun glass) - Can be irritating to eyes and
skin, and could cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amounts.
Christmas tree water - Stagnant tree water or water
containing preservatives could result in stomach upset if ingested.
Decoration hooks - Can cause blockage and/or trauma to
gastrointestinal tract if swallowed.
Styrofoam - Can cause your pets to choke if swallowed.
Ornaments - These can look like toys to cats and dogs, but
they can cause serious injury, especially if your pets break or swallow
them.
Tinsel - Can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed.
New Year's
Balloons and Confetti - These fun New Year's party
decorations can cause your pets to choke or obstruct their intestines
if ingested. Keep an eye on your pets when they're around these items
or move them to an area that is not decorated.
Loud noises - New Year's is typically a noisy holiday.
Unfortunately, loud noises frighten pets and can cause them to run off.
Keep your pets in a separate room, away from noisemakers, music, and
other loud sounds that may startle them.