Top 10 Poisons For Dogs & Cats - What You Need To Know As A Pet Owner

When it comes to taking care of your pet's health, it's important to take them to their vet for their regular check ups, vaccines, parasite prevention and dental care; but don't forget to protect them at home as well. Although some substances that are poisonous to humans are also poisonous to pets, there are many items that we ingest or are surrounded by that can seriously harm your dog or cat. The best thing to be is an educated and aware pet parent! Learn to identify pet toxins in the home and protect your beloved four-legged family member from harm.

Top 10 Poisons For Dogs

• Chocolate
• Mouse and Rat Poisons (rodenticides)
• Vitamins and Minerals (e.g., Vitamin D3, iron, etc.)
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.)
• Cardiac Medications (e.g., calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, etc.)
• Cold and Allergy Medications (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, etc.)
• Antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
• Xylitol
• Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)
• Caffeine Pills

Top 10 Poisons For Cats

• Topical spot-on insecticides
• Household Cleaners
• Antidepressants
• Lilies
• Insoluble Oxalate Plants (e.g., Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, etc.)
• Human and Veterinary NSAIDs
• Cold and Flu Medication (e.g., Tylenol)
• Glow Sticks
• ADD/ADHD Medications/Amphetamines
• Mouse and Rat Poison

Poisonous Plants Warning

Many beautiful flowers and plants in our homes, yards and gardens are very dangerous for our pets.

If ingested, azaleas, oleander, sago palms and yew plants can be fatal to dogs and cats. Many types of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats.

Cocoa mulch in the garden contains theobromine, the same chemical in chocolate that is toxic to dogs and can be deadly when ingested even in small quantities.

Poinsettias, apple seeds, buttercups, English ivy and about 700 other plants are identified as having varying degrees of toxicity for pets. Fertilizers, weed killers, insecticides and other pest control poisons can also cause severe illness.

If your suspect that your pet has ingested any of these materials or other suspicious substances, and exhibits abnormal behavior or symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. You can also click here for a more comprehensive list of pet toxins courtesy of the ASPCA.

We have 3 locations in The Woodlands to serve you and take emergency visits.