If you suspect that your pet has eaten or been otherwise exposed to a poison, call your veterinarian, the Veterinary Health Center (573-882-7821 weekdays or 573-882-4589 after hours), or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately. The sooner the pet can be treated, the better the chance for a complete recovery. Do not attempt to induce vomiting at home before consulting with an expert. This can make some poisonings worse, and can result in aspiration pneumonia.
A number of foods, drugs, plants and chemicals are poisonous to pets, including substances that are perfectly safe for humans. Below is a partial list of such poisons. More information on poisons is available from the Pet Poison Helpline.
Foods
- Chocolate
- Raisins and grapes
- Avocados
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener, also found in products like toothpaste and chewing gum)
- Onions and garlic
- Alcohol
- Raw bread dough
- Hops (used in home brewing)
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy foods
Plants
- Sago palm (can be found as houseplant)
- Easter lily (common houseplant)
- Other lilies
- Tulips, hyacinths
- Dieffenbachia (common houseplant)
- Daffodils
- Azalea
- Cyclamen
- Oleander
Drugs (All drugs are toxic at some dose)
- Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)
- NSAIDs (e.g., Advil, Aleve, Motrin)
- Antidepressants (e.g., Prozac, Lexapro, Cymbalta)
- ADD/ADHD medications (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta)
- Sleep aids (e.g., Xanax, Ambien)
- Beta-blockers (e.g., Coreg, Tenormin)
- Cholesterol-lowering agents (e.g., Lipitor, Crestor)
- Thyroid hormones (e.g., Synthroid)
- Birth control medications
Chemicals and Other Hazards
- Mouse and rat poisons
- Antifreeze
- Pesticides
- Lysol
- Glow sticks
- Many flea and tick products safe for dogs are toxic to cats
