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Is it poisonous to dogs or cats?
Search 33 common foods, plants, medicines and household items. If your pet has eaten something poisonous, call your vet now, even if they seem fine.
Food
- ChocolatePoisonous to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous.
- Grapes and raisinsCan cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. There is no known safe amount.
- Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener)Even small amounts can make a dog’s blood sugar crash within an hour.
- Onions and garlicDamage red blood cells in dogs and cats. Cats are especially sensitive.
- Macadamia nutsCause weakness, wobbliness and fever in dogs, usually within 12 hours.
- AlcoholMuch more dangerous for pets than people, even in small amounts. Raw bread dough makes alcohol in the stomach.
- Caffeine (coffee, tea and energy drinks)Affects the heart and nerves in the same way as chocolate.
- Mouldy food and compostMould can produce toxins that cause shaking and fits within hours.
- AvocadoThe flesh may upset the stomach. The stone can cause a blockage.
- Cooked bonesNot poisonous, but they splinter and can damage or block the gut.
- Corn on the cobThe cob is a very common cause of gut blockages in dogs.
- ApplesSafe in small pieces without the core. The seeds and core are best avoided.
- BananasSafe as an occasional treat. They are high in sugar, so keep portions small.
- CarrotsA safe, low-calorie treat. Cut them up for small dogs.
- Blueberries and strawberriesSafe in small amounts. Avoid other berries you can’t identify, like holly or yew.
- Peanut butterUsually safe, but check the label: some contain xylitol, which is very dangerous.
- Cheese and milkNot poisonous, but many pets can’t digest milk well. Small amounts of cheese are usually fine.
Plants
- LiliesDeadly to cats. Even pollen licked off their fur or vase water can cause kidney failure.
- ConkersCause sickness and can get stuck in the gut.
- Acorns and oak leavesCan upset the stomach and damage the kidneys if lots are eaten.
- DaffodilsAll parts are poisonous, and the bulbs are the worst. Even the vase water can be harmful.
- YewVery poisonous. It can stop the heart, sometimes without warning.
- FoxgloveContains heart poisons. All parts are dangerous.
- Poinsettia, holly and mistletoeChristmas plants usually only cause a mild upset tummy, but mistletoe berries can be more serious.
- BluebellsAll parts, especially the bulbs, can cause sickness. Larger amounts can affect the heart.
Medicines
- Ibuprofen and other human painkillersCan cause stomach ulcers and kidney damage. Never give human painkillers to pets.
- ParacetamolCan kill a cat, even in a small amount. Dangerous for dogs too.
- Dog flea treatment (permethrin) on catsMany dog flea treatments contain permethrin, which can kill cats.
- CannabisCommon in dogs that find dropped joints or edibles. Edibles may also contain chocolate or xylitol.
Household and garden
- Rat and mouse poisonStops blood clotting. Signs may not appear for 3 to 5 days, when it’s harder to treat.
- Slug pelletsOlder slug pellets can cause fits within an hour. Always treat as an emergency.
- AntifreezeTastes sweet and causes kidney failure. Treatment must start within hours.
- Blue-green algaeFound in still water in warm weather. It can kill a dog within hours.