Common Household Items That Are Toxic to Dogs and Cats

Our homes are full of things that are toxic for our pets. It can be surprising for some owners to know just how many items we take for granted that are not so great for our furry companions. From plants to food, cleaning products and more, it’s a lengthy list that is worth knowing.

As it is important to create a safe environment for your pet, below are a few items you may or may not know are toxic. Some will be obvious, whilst others are more surprising, so even if you are an experienced pet owner, read on to discover which common household items are best kept away from your pets.

#1 – Cleaning Products

Just like us humans, there are many cleaning products that can be harmful either when they get onto the skin or when ingested. This shouldn’t be too surprising, but it’s always best to take care when cleaning and your pet is nearby. We all want a clean home, but many standard cleaning products can be extremely toxic to pets.

·       Bleach, ammonia, and products containing phenols (often found in disinfectants, antibacterial sprays and soap) can cause everything from vomiting and drooling to severe chemical burns or organ damage if ingested or inhaled.

·       Floor cleaners can pose a risk if your pet walks across a freshly mopped surface and then licks their paws. Cats, in particular, are vulnerable due to their grooming habits, often ingesting harmful substances without realising.

·       Toilet bowl tablets, carpet powders, and air fresheners (especially those with strong scents) can also irritate your pet’s respiratory system or skin.

The safest option? Look for pet-safe cleaning alternatives where possible as these will contain ingredients that are much less likely to cause serious issues for our cats and dogs. Always be aware of where your pet is when using cleaning products and wipe down surfaces after cleaning.

#2 – Foods That Can Harm Your Pets

The delicious foods that we can eat may not agree with your pet, and while it can be tempting to give in to those longing, starving eyes your cat or dog may give you, be sure to only give them pet-safe foods.

·       Chocolate is one of the most well-known foods that pets should avoid. This is due to chocolate containing the chemical theobromine as per the PDSA, with dark chocolate particularly a risk. Your pet may experience sickness, diarrhoea and general discomfort that can lead to serious complications.

·       Grapes, raisins, and sultanas, though healthy for us humans, can lead to kidney failure in dogs, even if only a small amount is eaten.

·       Onions, garlic, and chives, whether cooked or raw, can cause gut issues for cats and dogs and even damage red blood cells, causing anaemia.

·       Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, sweets, and some types of peanut butter. Just like chocolate, it can cause serious gut issues for your pet.

·       Caffeine products from coffee and tea to energy drinks and supplements are best kept away too as your pet may be more sensitive to the effects of this stimulant than you or me, raising their blood pressure.

There are many others, so if you are unsure, always check before offering your cat or dog something new. If wanting to treat your pet, stick to pet-safe foods that your vet can recommend such as carrots, melon or watermelon, and bananas as long as it is only on occasion due to high sugar.

Why Pet Insurance Is Worth It

Just like with having children in the home, accidents can happen with our pets even when we do our best to protect them. We can’t always control what they pick up in their mouths or when they get injured or ill.

As you’ll want to get the help they need quickly and not have to worry about paying for treatment, this is where pet insurance is a good idea. When you consider the rising costs of visiting the vet and receiving emergency care, policies from pet insurance providers like Petgevity can cover the cost of vet fees for accidents and illnesses. This can take the stress out of having to cover the cost of bringing your pet back to good health when anything unexpected happens.

Poisoning from common household items is one of the most frequent reasons pets end up needing urgent treatment, which can often involve overnight stays at the vet, medication, or even surgery. Many providers offer cover tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and health history whilst considering any pre-existing health conditions. While prevention is always best, having financial protection from insurance means you're prepared if the worst happens.

#3 – Plants & Flowers to Keep Out of Reach

Your cat or dog may find the plants within your home or outside interesting. After all, they smell nice, and they’ll want to take a look. However, there are many species of plant that if ingested, can be very toxic.

·       Lilies are extremely poisonous to cats even if a small amount of pollen is consumed. Even if the plant is licked by your pet, it can lead to kidney failure. Daffodils, Tulips, Azaleas, Hyacinths and Foxgloves should also be avoided in the home or garden.

·       Popular houseplants like Aloe Vera, Peace Lilies, Ivy, and Yukka can cause vomiting, drooling, or more severe symptoms if ingested.

Keep to pet-safe plants where possible so that if they do become tempted to sniff and chew they can avoid becoming very unwell and needing a trip to the vet. If you’re unsure whether a plant is safe, speak to your vet first before purchasing.

Also be sure to check your garden, if you have one, for any plants and other garden products that are harmful for your pet. If you have items like slug pellets and weed killers, remove them before letting your pet wander around.

#4 – Human Medications and Toiletries

Both are needed to keep us looking and feeling great, but as far as your pets are concerned, human medications and toiletries can have the opposite effect if ingested by your curious cat or dog.

·       Common painkillers in the house like paracetamol and ibuprofen can be both easily swallowed and are highly toxic for both dogs and cats. The only pet-safe medications are those from your vet, and even these should be kept away from your pets when not being used.

·       Toiletries like toothpaste often contain xylitol (mentioned above), and essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus can be harmful when ingested or absorbed through your pet’s skin.

·       Multivitamins and any other supplements should be kept securely away from reach. Vitamin D, for example, can be poisonous in excessive amounts that will cause sickness and require an immediate trip to the vet.

If possible, keep your pet from wandering into your bathroom where you may store lots of these types of items. Keep them securely kept in a cabinet or drawer that can’t be easily opened by your pet.

What To Do If You Suspect Poisoning

You may not always know it’s happened until symptoms show, but if you see your pet come into contact with any toxic items and ingest them, don’t leave anything to chance. Sometimes, it can take time for poisoning symptoms to show, so contact your vet as soon as possible. Remove the remaining item if it hasn’t been swallowed whole.

Advise your vet exactly what they’ve come into contact with or eaten and be prepared for an emergency vet visit. You can also call the Animal PoisonLine for urgent advice 24/7 on 01202 509000.

One thing not to do is try and make your pet vomit to remove the problem. This can make things worse, so speak to your vet straight away and provide as much information as you can.

Keep a Safer Home For Your Furry Friend

Like with many health-related issues, prevention is the best way to avoid your pet from eating something toxic. Whatever it may be, if your dog or cat can easily come into contact with it, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The list above isn’t exhaustive, providing a few examples, so if you’re unsure of whether certain items are toxic for them, it’s best to check with your vet.

Just remember that cats and dogs can find many things around the home interesting, some more obvious than others. Pet-proofing your home is an ongoing effort and will be the best way to prevent accidents happening. That way, your pet can stay happy and healthy for a long, long time.