As a long-time Lab owner, I’m well-acquainted with emergency vet visits. The first time I left my dog out of the crate, he broke into my child-safe medication, the pantry, and the trash. Another time, he found a bag of cat food at my grandmother’s house and gobbled up a pound of it while I slept. I’ve also heard stories of multiple incidents involving burst garbage bags, chicken bones, chocolate, and cannabis.
Luckily, most stories I’ve heard have ended well, despite sometimes hefty vet bills. But incidents like these serve as inspiration to never let them happen again. Most of us already know to lock up the bleach and keep the dog out of the pantry. The trouble tends to start with typical household items we don’t think to lock up: the pill case on the countertop, a bouquet of Easter lilies, loose strings from a tattered toy.
Immediate reasons for an emergency pet visit include exposure to antifreeze, painkillers, lilies (for cats), ingested string, or signs of severe reactions to toxins including seizures, collapse, or trouble breathing.
Otherwise? Read on for what actually lands dogs and cats in the ER, what to watch for, and what to do in the first five minutes.
Why Are Pets Drawn to Dangerous Household Items?
It’s less that pets seek out danger and more that they investigate everything, typically with their mouths. Dogs are famously indiscriminate eaters, which is why they account for 86% of pet poisoning hotline calls (Labs are the top offenders). Cats are most likely to get into trouble by nibbling on plants.
For all pets—even well-trained ones—boredom and curiosity can lead to accidental pet poisoning.
25 Household Items That Commonly Send Pets to the ER
Here’s a quick guide to the top household items toxic to pets, grouped by where they’re usually found in your house.
In the Kitchen and Pantry
- Chocolate. The theobromine and caffeine in chocolate can trigger vomiting, restlessness, a racing heart, tremors, and seizures. The darker and the more bitter, the greater the exposure, so baking chocolate and cocoa powder are riskier than a square of milk chocolate.
- Xylitol (birch sugar). This sugar substitute is found in sugar-free gum, mints, candy, baked goods, and some peanut butters, like high-protein products. In dogs, it can cause a life-threatening blood sugar crash and liver failure in larger amounts. The most common problem is gum, which is easy to access in car cups or a purse or backpack left unzipped.
- Alcohol and raw yeast dough. Even in small amounts, alcohol can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar. Beware of rising bread left unattended: raw bread dough contains alcohol and continues expanding in the stomach, causing drunkenness, bloat, and obstructions.
- Grapes and raisins. Runaway grapes and raisins need to be caught quickly; they can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. Keep dogs away from trail mix, raisin bread, and granola bars as well.
- Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks. Every member of the allium family damages red blood cells and can cause anemia. Usually, the issue is not whole onions but dried, powdered, and concentrated sources like onion soup mix.
- Macadamia nuts. Dogs who eat them can develop weakness (especially in the hind legs), tremors, vomiting, and a fever. It’s rarely fatal, but it does call for immediate veterinary attention.
- Caffeine. Caffeine can cause hyperactivity, tremors, and abnormal heart rhythms. Coffee, tea bags, energy drinks, and pre-workout powders provide high amounts of caffeine, as do coffee grounds found in garbage.
- Bones and corncobs. Cooked bones splinter, and corn cobs block up the digestive system. Both are good reasons to keep an eye on the dog at the barbecue.
In the Medicine Cabinet
- Over-the-counter pain medications. Never give dogs human painkillers and seek immediate veterinary attention if you did. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are some of the most common household dangers for pets. Naproxen (Aleve) is also extremely toxic for pets. Just one pill can be toxic.
- Prescription medications. Antidepressants, ADHD stimulants, heart and blood pressure drugs, sleep aids, and narcotics (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl) all cause serious illness or death in pets. Medicated creams and patches are often missed: fluorouracil, a chemotherapy drug found in some skin creams, is a leading cause of poisoning deaths in dogs.
- Vitamins and supplements. Iron in prenatal vitamins and vitamin D in supplements (as well as ointments) can all cause serious toxicity. Chewable gummy vitamins are sometimes sweetened with the sugar substitute xylitol.
- Cannabis products. Don’t let discomfort over what your pet got into keep you from seeking support from a veterinarian. Dogs are more sensitive to THC products than humans, and ingestion can cause a slew of neurologic symptoms including stumbling, lethargy, tremors, heightened reactions to touch and sound, breathing problems, and difficulty maintaining body temperature. Edibles, oil, and butter are common culprits, but even ash can cause issues.
Plants and Flowers
- Lilies. Lily exposure in cats calls for immediate veterinary attention. Lilies (Easter, Calla, tiger, Asiatic, daylily, stargazer) can cause acute kidney failure in cats. Every part is toxic, including pollen and water in the vase. If you live with a cat, the safest move is to keep lilies out of the house.
- Sago Palm. All parts are toxic, especially the seeds, and can cause severe liver failure.
- Tulip and daffodil bulbs. Bulbs are particularly toxic and may cause gastrointestinal and cardiac symptoms. If your dog is a digger, keep them away from the garden or opt for other varieties.
Other plants that can be toxic to dogs and cats include:
- Azalea and rhododendron
- Oleander
- Persian violet (Cyclamen)
- Iris
- English ivy
- Yew
- Amaryllis
- Aloe vera
The ASPCA has a searchable toxic and non-toxic plant database—worth a quick search before you bring in any plant or bouquet.
Under the Sink and in the Garage
- Antifreeze. If you suspect antifreeze exposure, head for the emergency vet immediately. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which tastes sweet and attracts pets, and is highly toxic. A few licks of a puddle on the garage floor can cause fatal kidney failure.
- Rodenticides. Rat and mouse baits also attract pets, and they’re designed to kill. They can cause internal bleeding, brain swelling, and kidney failure, and a pet can get sick from eating a rodent that’s been exposed to it. Some contain bromethalin, which has no known antidote. The best option: keep these products outside of your home or where they cannot possibly be accessed by pets.
- Insecticides. Flea and tick products applied to the wrong species can do harm. Dog-strength permethrin can cause seizures in cats. Ant baits, slug bait, and concentrated yard sprays are also toxic to pets.
- Household cleaners. Bleach, disinfectants, drain cleaners, and concentrated all-purpose sprays can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe burns. Read the label for information on pet safety at home, such as how long to wait before allowing pets to walk on clean floors.
- Laundry detergent pods. Highly concentrated detergents can cause severe mouth and gastrointestinal injury.
Other products to keep away from pets include:
- Fertilizer
- Weed killer
- Ice melt
- Gasoline
- Paint
- Cocoa mulch
Everywhere else
- String, ribbon, and dental floss. What’s known as a linear foreign body is one of the most dangerous things a cat can swallow, as it can cause significant damage to the intestines. If you see a string hanging from your cat’s mouth or rear end, do not pull it. Go to an emergency veterinary clinic.
- Essential oils. Never apply essential oils to pets’ skin and look out for cats, who lack a liver enzyme needed to process phenols. Tea tree oil is the most common culprit, though many others are also toxic: cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, eucalyptus, and more.
- Cigarettes and nicotine products. Nicotine poisoning can develop rapidly and become life-threatening.
- Batteries, coins, and small metal objects. Batteries can cause chemical burns, and coins can get stuck in the intestines or cause zinc toxicity.
- Glow sticks. These are usually not highly toxic but can cause significant drooling and distress, usually in cats. Rinse their mouth out and seek veterinary attention if symptoms escalate.
What Are the Signs of Pet Poisoning or Toxic Exposure?
The following are red flags:
- Vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Tremors or twitching
- Seizures
- Weakness or trouble standing
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse
- Sudden behavior changes like agitation or disorientation
- Pale or discolored gums
- Straining to urinate or drinking and urinating more than usual
When Is It An Emergency?
If your pet has gotten into a highly toxic substance like antifreeze, xylitol, or lilies, or you’re seeing symptoms like seizing, collapsing, or struggling to breathe, don’t wait. Immediately go to the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic.
What Should I Do If My Pet Gets into Something Dangerous?
Follow these steps:
- Get your pet away from the substance.
- Stay as calm as you can.
- Figure out what they ate, how much, and when. Grab the packaging, plant, or take a photo of the label.
- Do not induce vomiting or give medication unless a veterinarian tells you to.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately.
If your vet’s office is closed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661). Both are available 24/7 and charge a consultation fee ($95 and $89, respectively), but it’s worth it and no more expensive than an exam.
Product Spotlight: Be Prepared With a Pet First Aid Kit
When a pet emergency happens, having basic supplies nearby can help you respond quickly while you contact your veterinarian. The ARCA PET Pet First Aid Kit is designed for common situations like minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and unexpected accidents at home or while traveling.
The compact kit includes essential first aid supplies that can be useful for cleaning wounds, protecting injuries, and providing temporary care until your pet can be evaluated by a veterinary professional. Its portable design makes it convenient to keep in your home, car, or travel bag.
A pet first aid kit should never replace veterinary care, but having supplies ready can help you stay prepared when every minute matters.
How Can I Prevent Household Pet Emergencies?
Prevention is the best medicine, and there are plenty of things in your power to avoid a pet emergency.
- Store medications in a closed cabinet and pick up dropped pills immediately.
- Keep toxic foods out of reach and secure your trash cans.
- Research houseplants before bringing them home (and consider floral arrangements too).
- Store chemicals safely, especially antifreeze.
- Don’t forget to supervise pets during the holidays; Easter lilies, glow sticks, chicken bones, candies, and loose strings from decorations can all cause unexpected interruptions.
- Keep emergency contact numbers readily available, saved in your phone, and posted on your fridge.
Accidents happen, but covering these bases can help reduce the risk of accidental pet poisoning.
Product Spotlight: Keep Dangerous Items Behind Secure Cabinets
Many pet poisonings happen because curious dogs and cats can open cabinets containing medications, cleaners, supplements, and other hazards. Safety 1st Magnetic Cabinet Locks provide an extra layer of protection by helping prevent pets from accessing cabinets where dangerous items are stored.
These hidden locks install inside cabinets and use a magnetic key to open them, keeping everyday household products out of reach while maintaining a clean appearance in your kitchen or bathroom.
For pets who are persistent, food-motivated, or skilled at opening doors, cabinet locks can be a simple way to make your home safer.
Product Spotlight: Prevent Trash-Related Pet Emergencies
Trash cans are one of the most common sources of trouble for curious pets. Leftover food, medication packaging, coffee grounds, bones, and discarded household products can all pose risks if a dog or cat manages to get inside.
The MOPALL Locking Bathroom Trash Can helps keep unwanted items contained with a locking lid designed to make it more difficult for pets to access the contents. Its compact size makes it useful for bathrooms, offices, bedrooms, or other areas where small trash bins are commonly kept.
While no trash can replaces proper supervision, a secure container can help reduce the chance of accidental ingestion.
Safe Pets, Happy Household
Most pet owners have their own story of when things went wrong. But as a long-time dog and cat owner, I can also say there are so many things you simply learn how to do to keep your pets safe.
Keep toxic items for cats and dogs in places they cannot possibly reach or out of the house entirely. When your gut tells you something is wrong, stay calm and act fast. And never trust a Lab.
