Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet

Many edible and non-edible dangers for your pet may exist within or around your home. 

What items could possibly put my pet’s health in danger?

1. Some food items that people consider tasty treats may be considered dangerous for their pets. As tempting as it might be to share food with your four-legged friend, please resist! Some of the more hazardous food items include:

   Photo courtesy of Robert Inouye

   • Alcohol products (beer and wine)
   • Avocado
   • Coffee
   • Chocolate
   • Fruit/Seed pits (including corn cobs)
   • Garlic
   • Macadamia nuts
   • Onions
   • Xylitol (a sweetener and an ingredient found in chewing gum)
   • Yeast products (like raw bread dough)
2. You should also be aware that other, non-edible household items may be unsafe for your pet.  Examples of these are:
   • Antifreeze
   • Fabric softener sheets
   • Ice melting products
   • Insecticides
   • Liquid potpourri
   • Rat and mouse bait
   • Various household cleaners (including bleach and toilet bowl cleaners)
   • Swimming pool chemicals
3. Threats to your pet’s health can also come from outside the home. For example, some plants and flowers can be harmful to your pet.  The list below describes a few of the more common plants/flowers to be aware of.

What should I do if I think my pet has recently ingested any of the items listed above?

Please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.