You go to great lengths to ensure your pet’s health and safety by ensuring they receive veterinary care, tending to their daily needs, and keeping them out of harm’s way. However, despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. The world is a cornucopia of toxins and items that are harmful to pets, even though these things can seem harmless to you. From cleaning products to poisonous plants, several common toxins pose a poisoning threat to pets. Read our Bartow Animal Clinic team’s pet toxin overview and learn how to keep your inquisitive pet safe.

Household cleaners can harm pets

A clean home is a healthy home, but not when the products you use can poison your pet. Many household cleaning products contain chemicals that can be toxic if your pet ingests or inhales them. Common cleaning culprits include:

  • Bleach
  • Ammonia
  • Carpet cleaners and fresheners
  • Oven cleaner
  • Bathroom cleaner
  • Essential oils 
  • Fragrance and disinfectant sprays 
  • Toilet bowl tabs
  • Wood and tile cleaners

Cleaning chemicals can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, and if your pet ingests them, they can experience serious health issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) upset and organ damage. Store cleaning products securely out of your pet’s reach and use pet-safe alternatives, such as vinegar, lemon, and baking soda, when possible. Ensure you put your pet in a separate room when cleaning and wait for wet floors to dry before your furry pal walks on them.

Human medications and pet poisoning

Medications intended for human use can be extremely dangerous to pets. Common medications, such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol), ibuprofen (e.g., Advil), and antidepressants, can cause serious harm to pets, no matter the dosage they ingest. Signs of medication poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, and organ failure. Always keep medications in a lockbox or stored safely in cabinets or drawers that pets cannot access. Remember, always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet, as many drugs are toxic.

Foods that can harm pets

You likely share the occasional scrap or bite of food with your pet. Unfortunately, some human foods are unsuitable or poisonous to your four-legged friend. Pet-toxic foods include:

  • Chocolate
  • Grapes, raisins, and currants
  • Onions, shallots, and garlic
  • Xylitol—a sugar substitute used in sugar-free items
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Raw bread dough
  • Avocados
  • Fruit pits
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine

Food poisoning signs vary depending on the toxin a pet has ingested but may include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and life-threatening conditions. Stay mindful of the foods that are safe for pets and avoid feeding your furry pal anything harmful.

Household plants that are toxic to pets

Many common household plants and garden products are toxic to pets if they ingest them. Keep your pet away from these toxic plants:

  • Lilies
  • Azaleas
  • Sago palms
  • Tulip and narcissus bulbs
  • Autumn crocus
  • Ivy
  • Oleander
  • Philodendrons
  • Cyclamen

Additionally, if your pet ingests certain garden products, such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and mulches, including cocoa mulch, they can be poisoned. Signs of plant or garden product poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, difficulty breathing, and seizures. Before bringing home any plants, determine whether they are pet-safe by researching them on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) toxic and non-toxic plants list.

Pet toxicity signs

If you see your pet eat something toxic, contact our Bartow Animal Clinic team immediately to have your pet examined and treated. Urgency is critical with any pet poisoning. Early intervention, having your pet treated immediately after they ingest a toxin, allows us to get the poison out of their system before your furry friend’s condition becomes serious or life-threatening. However, you may not know that your pet has eaten something harmful, so being able to recognize toxicity signs is important to getting them help. Your pet may have ingested a poison if they exhibit any of these toxicity signs:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive thirst
  • Abnormal bleeding or bruising
  • Stumbling or incoordination
  • Hyperactivity
  • Confusion
  • Heart rate and rhythm changes
  • Increased panting 
  • Respiration changes
  • Seizures

Keep in mind that many toxin signs take time to manifest. However, if you know your pet has ingested a toxin, they need emergency veterinary care. When in doubt, contact the Pet Poison Helpline or our Bartow Animal Clinic team for recommendations on how to proceed.

You can protect your furry friend from toxin ingestion by being aware of the potential dangers in your home and surroundings and by mitigating these risks. Help ensure your pet is safe by pet-proofing your home, properly storing toxins, and supervising your pet outdoors. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxin, contact our Bartow Animal Clinic team for immediate veterinary care.