Most Common Pet Toxins

If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ingested anything toxic, this is considered an “ORANGE” – or urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next. If veterinary care is advised, call your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital ahead of your arrival.

In honor of Pet Poison Prevention Week, we had the privilege to host a Facebook Live with Dr. Renee Tourdot, a specialist who is board-certified in both toxicology and veterinary toxicology with ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. Dr. Tourdot covered common toxins for dogs and cats, and you can catch the replay here or read the summary below!

A wide range of foods, plants, and household items can be toxic to dogs and cats. Dr. Tourdot highlighted several common toxins, but this is not an exhaustive list. For more information on additional toxins, visit our blog or check out the ASPCA’s website (utilize the search bar if looking for a specific toxin).

Yellow daffodils outside.

Plants

Outdoor Plants
- Certain plants found in Minnesota and Wisconsin yards, parks, and trails can be dangerous to pets, including daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and snowdrops. If eaten by your pets, these plants contain compounds that irritate the digestive tract, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
- While all parts of these plants are toxic, the bulbs pose the greatest risk since toxins are concentrated there. Additionally, these bulbs are dense and fibrous, meaning they don’t break down easily in a pet’s digestive system. If swallowed in large pieces, they can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction.
- Prevention Tip: Know which plants are in your yard and neighborhood. If you’re out for a walk and come across unfamiliar plants, keep your pet at a safe distance or cross the street.
Houseplants
- Several popular houseplants, including philodendrons, pothos, monsteras, elephant ears, and peace lilies, contain crystals within their cells. If a pet chews on these plants, the crystals are released into the delicate tissues of the mouth, throat, and upper digestive tract – causing severe irritation. Symptoms include retching, drooling, vomiting, and pawing at the face. It’s somewhat like when a human eats a really hot pepper – very uncomfortable!
- In rare cases, swelling in the throat can cause airway obstruction, making it difficult for the pet to breathe.
Asiatic Lilies: A Deadly Danger for Cats
- With spring holidays like Easter and Mother’s Day approaching, many households bring lilies indoors. But true lilies (such as Easter lilies and tiger lilies, from the Lilium genus) are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure—even in small amounts.
- The danger isn’t just from eating the plant. Cats can also suffer kidney damage from licking pollen off their fur or drinking water from a vase containing lilies.
- Prevention Tip: If you have a cat, never bring lilies into your home. No location is truly “out of reach,” including the top of a fridge or a high shelf.

If you’re unsure whether a plant is toxic, check the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant Guide before allowing your pet access.

THC & Psychedelic Exposure

Since THC was legalized in Minnesota, veterinary ERs have seen a significant increase in THC toxicity cases. While many people use THC products for medical or recreational purposes, it’s important to remember that THC is toxic to pets.

Pets exposed to THC may experience:

Mild symptoms like vomiting

Severe reactions such as seizures, liver failure, or even death (though rare)

The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center has also reported a rise in psychedelic mushroom toxicity cases. As microdosing and psilocybin use become more common, pets are at risk of exposure. These substances can cause serious neurological effects in pets.

Prevention Tip: Store all THC and psychedelic products securely and out of your pet’s reach. If your pet ingests any of these substances, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. To ensure the best treatment, always be honest about what your pet ingested.

Human Foods

While most pet owners know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs and cats, many other human foods that seem harmless to us can actually be toxic to pets.

Garlic & Onions
- Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives belong to the Allium family and contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia in pets. Even small amounts, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, can be harmful.
Raisins/Grapes
- Grapes and raisins, part of the Vitis genus, can cause kidney failure in dogs. While the exact toxic compound was unknown for years, recent research suggests that tartaric acid may be responsible. This same compound is also found in:
  - Cream of tartar (used in baking)
  - Tamarinds (often used in sour gummy candies)
  - Homemade Play-Doh
- Because tartaric acid is present in multiple unexpected sources, it’s important to keep these foods and products away from pets.
Xylitol (also known as Birch Sugar)
- Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many “sugar-free” and “low-calorie” products, including:
  - Sugar-free gum & mints
  - Some brands of peanut butter & yogurt
  - Certain baked goods
  - Dental products like toothpaste & mouthwash
- Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, causing a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that can lead to weakness, seizures, and even liver failure. Even a small amount can be life-threatening, so always check ingredient labels before sharing human food with pets.

Rodenticides & Insecticides

Rodenticides (rat poisons) and insecticides are commonly used in the spring, but they can be extremely dangerous to pets. One major risk is that rodents may move baited poison from where it was originally placed, increasing the chance of accidental ingestion—especially for curious dogs who explore garages, sheds, or yards during spring cleaning.

Prevention Tip: Before letting your pet outside or into areas like garages and sheds, do a thorough walkthrough of your property to check for any potential hazards.

Flea & Tick Products: Beware of Permethrin

Spring is also the time when many pet owners start using flea and tick preventatives. However, Permethrin, a common ingredient in topical flea and tick treatments for dogs, is highly toxic to cats. Even a small exposure can cause severe neurological symptoms, including seizures, often requiring hospitalization.

Important Safety Reminders:

Never use dog flea/tick preventatives on cats.
Always choose species-appropriate products based on your pet’s weight and needs.
If you have both dogs and cats in your household, be extra cautious when applying flea and tick treatments to ensure your cat does not come into contact with dog-specific products.

What to Do if You Suspect Poisoning

If you find an empty gum package, chocolate wrappers, or any evidence that your pet may have eaten something toxic—or if your pet is vomiting, retching, or acting strangely—it’s important to act quickly.

Stay Calm & Assess Your Pet
If your pet seems normal and isn’t showing symptoms, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435), your family veterinarian, or a local emergency animal hospital. They can help determine if your pet ingested a dangerous amount and advise on next steps.
If your pet is having a serious reaction—such as seizures, bleeding, unresponsiveness, or difficulty breathing—seek immediate emergency veterinary care.
While your pet is receiving care, you can contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and provide them details about the product ingested by your pet, the amount you believe your pet consumed, your pet’s weight, and similar details. Once the toxicology hotline has all the information they need, they can provide guidance to the veterinary team for a tailored treatment plan.