Things That Are Toxic to Dogs: A Room-by-Room List

Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and homes are full of things that were never meant for them. You don't need to panic about every crumb. You just need to know where the real risks sit, then put those things out of reach.

What Are the Most Common Things Toxic to Dogs? The Short Answer

Medications top the list, not exotic poisons. The ASPCA's top 10 list, based on cases its Animal Poison Control Center handled in 2019, covers all pets and looks like this:

Rankings shift from year to year, but the pattern is useful: most risks are ordinary items that sit in bags, on counters, and in the garage.

In the Bathroom and Bedroom: Medications

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, joint rubs, and herbal supplements all fall under the ASPCA's over-the-counter group. Prescription cases often involve heart, ADHD, thyroid, and antidepressant medications.

The ASPCA points out that these are often kept in purses and backpacks, which are easy for a dog to nose into. Store them up high or behind a closed door. Never give your dog a medication your vet didn't prescribe.

Your dog's own medicine counts too. Chewable veterinary products taste good, and a dog may eat the entire container. Lock those away with your own prescriptions.

In the Kitchen: Foods

The ASPCA's list of people foods to avoid is the one to keep handy. These are the main ones:

• Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine. They can cause vomiting, panting, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, and seizures. Darker chocolate is riskier, and baking chocolate and cocoa powder are highest.
• Xylitol. This sweetener appears in gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. It can cause low blood sugar and possibly liver damage.
• Grapes and raisins. They can lead to kidney damage.
• Onions, garlic, and chives. These can irritate the stomach and damage red blood cells.
• Macadamia nuts. They can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and overheating.
• Alcohol and raw yeast dough. Dough can expand in the stomach, and its yeast produces alcohol.
• Very salty foods. Too much salt can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.

For a deeper look at the pantry, see our guide to toxic foods for dogs. If your dog got into something spoiled instead, our canine food poisoning guide can help.

In the Garage and Laundry Room: Household Items

Home projects deserve extra care. The ASPCA names paint, adhesives, and spackle as potential toxins, so keep your dog out of the room while you work and close up containers when you're done.

Rodent bait needs even more caution. Depending on the type, mouse and rat baits can cause bleeding, kidney failure, or seizures. Keep bait where your dog can't reach it, and tell your vet the product name if there's any chance of exposure.

In the Yard: Plants and Garden Products

Plants accounted for 6.1% of ASPCA cases, though the most severe ones involved cats and lilies. Dogs can still get into trouble, so look up plants before you buy them. Our list of poisonous plants for dogs is a good place to start.

Fertilizers are another one to watch. The ASPCA says many pets find them irresistible, especially organic products. Keep bags sealed, and keep your dog away while you work with herbicides and soil enhancers.

Use insecticides only as the label directs, and store them with your other garden products, well out of reach.

Signs of Poisoning to Watch For

Signs depend on what your dog ate, and some take hours to appear. ASPCA guidance mentions these across different toxins:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lethargy or depression
• Loss of coordination or weakness
• Tremors or seizures
• Excessive panting, thirst, or urination

With xylitol, for example, the ASPCA says liver damage can occur within 12 to 24 hours. Don't wait for symptoms if you know your dog ate something dangerous. Our guide on how to tell if your dog is sick covers general warning signs.

When to Call Your Vet

Call as soon as you suspect your dog ate something toxic. Have these details ready if you can:

1. What your dog ate, including the package
2. How much they ate
3. When it happened
4. Your dog's weight and any signs you've seen

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour line at (888) 426-4435. Puppies tend to chew everything, so puppy training and a tidy floor both help prevent the next scare.