15 Common Household Items that are Poisonous to Pets

Passing Fido or Fluffy scraps from the dinner table is a common practice in most households. Leaving out a pill bottle or cleaning product can happen here or there without much thought. But for our pets, these common practices may spell out tragedy. Certain human foods, prescription and over the counter medications, and cleaning products can pose a threat to our pets without us even knowing. Here is a list of  common household items that, if ingested by pets, can cause sickness or poisoning.

Human Food

Human food is not always bad for pets, but some can cause adverse reactions in our pets. Listed are some common foods or food additives that are bad for cats and dogs.

1. Grapes

Grapes and raisins are especially bad for cats and dogs. Eating grapes and raisins can cause a multitude of adverse reactions and in some cases,  kidney failure.

2. Chocolate

Sometimes everyday life calls for a chocolate break. But, not for our pets. Chocolate toxicity can take up to 12 hours to manifest itself. Symptoms can range from diarrhea to seizures.

3. Alcohol

Naturally, pets should not be drinking. Alcohol can cause many bad reactions in pets and in worse case death. Check out our article for some of the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and what to do if your pet ingests it.

4. Coffee / Caffeine

Caffeine is commonly found in coffee, teas, and carbonated drinks, but there are a lot of other places where caffeine can lurk.

5. Xylitol (Artificial Sweeteners)

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many human foods. Pet MD’s website has a comprehensive list of human foods that Xylitol is found in.

6. Onion and Garlic

Banfield Pet Hospital website says that onions and garlic pose a health threat to pets because it can damage their red blood cells which leads to some nasty medical problems.

7. Avocado

This creamy, green fruit may be a delicious snack for humans, but for pets it can cause a whole bundle of problems.

8. Macadamia nuts

These types of nuts are dangerous for dogs. If ingested the dog may exhibit symptoms of lethargy, joint stiffness, and eventually the inability to walk.

9. Bones

Bones are bad for pets because they splinter off when chewed. Stick to treats that are in the shape of bones!

10. Ham (Cured meat)

Salty foods are just as bad for our pets as they are for us. Ham and other cured meats, like deli meats and jerky are a no go for your pup or feline friend.

11.Yeast bread

Yeast bread and uncooked dough are also pet toxicity hazards. Dogs eating uncooked dough can lead to bloat.

Medication

While there are some human medications that can be used for pets when recommended by the vet, it is in great practice to keep all medicines up and away from our four-legged friends. Here are three common medications that can cause some serious damage.

1. Over the counter pain medications and NSAIDs

Although Pet MD’s website cites that some over the counter pain medications with or without NSAIDs are okay for dogs, if your furry friend ingests them without supervision or a vets approval this may be trouble. Large amounts, like those if the pet were to consume a bottle left out, can cause kidney and other organ problems. Never give pets medication without a vets approval first.

2. Depression medications

Antidepressants are another common household medication that pets can get into. Symptoms of antidepressant poisoning in pets are usually quick to surface. These symptoms can range in severity from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures.

3. Sleeping pills

Many people with sleeping disorders or anxiety may keep sleeping pills and aids around the house. If ingested by pets, these can cause symptoms like staggering, lethargy, and can even cause liver damage and failure.

There are also steps that you can follow to ensure your pet gets the care they need if any medications are ingested. The site linked here has a list of steps to take during an emergency.

Cleaning Products

All cleaning products should be kept up and out of your pets reach. Even if not ingested, Pet Poison Help Line sites that even coming into contact with certain household cleaners may cause burns, pain, and poisoning.

What household items do you keep away from your pets? Leave a comment and let us know!