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10 Common Things That Are Poisonous to Dogs and Cats

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(Plus Signs of Pet Poisoning)

By: Door Buddy Editors | Published: 21 July 2026

All “paw-rents” know that dogs will eat just about anything and cats will get their paws into everything (especially things they know they shouldn’t). The “paw-blem” with our curious pets is that they don’t know which household goods are actually poisonous for them.

From poisonous houseplants to cleaning products, potential pet toxins can be found throughout the home. It’s our duty to figure out how we can best protect our furry pals. This means discovering what human food is poisonous for cats and dogs too!

Signs Your Dog or Cat May Have Been Poisoned

Our furry friends can't tell us when something is wrong, which is why it's important to know the warning signs of pet poisoning.

Symptoms can vary depending on what your pet has come into contact with, but some of the most common red flags include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Excessive drooling
Loss of appetite
Weakness or lethargy
Tremors
Seizures
Difficulty breathing
Loss of coordination

If your dog or cat is showing any of these symptoms and you suspect they may have gotten into something toxic, don't wait to see if things improve on their own. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. When it comes to pet poisoning, acting quickly can make all the difference.

Poison hotline for pets: 888-426-4435

A dog lying on a wooden deck, appearing lethargic and unwell, indicating potential poisoning symptoms.

Quick Guide: Common Household Hazards for Pets

10 Common Household Items That Are Poisonous to Dogs and Cats

1. Cleaning Products

A clean home is a happy home!.. Or is it? Common household cleaners like bleach, window cleaner, and bathroom cleaner can be poisonous when ingested by your cat or dog. The “paw-blem” is that these items are often left at the bottom of cupboards or in low-lying storage, which our pets can easily get to.

So, what is a “paw-rent” supposed to do? We recommend finding a natural, pet-friendly alternative. Not only does this reduce the risk of common toxins for cats and dogs, but it is also better for the environment. Double win!

A Boston Terrier sleeping on the floor beside a toilet, indicating a potential health issue or distress.

A cat and dog lying together on a floor, illustrating companionship and the importance of monitoring pet health.

2. Pest Repellent

No one wants a home full of rodents or pesky insects. On the other hand, no one wants a sick pooch or kitty either.

“Un-fur-tunately”, we can’t always avoid a much-needed fumigation and this may leave many of us at a loss.

The first step is removing your pet from your home before fumigation begins. Second, read up on the side effects of the repellents used and how long they will last in your home. Only bring your pet home once it’s totally safe.

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3. Batteries

Parents with children will already know about the dangers batteries pose. If one of these suckers are swallowed, it could leak battery acid and cause massive damage to your pet’s digestive system. On top of that, they can be a serious choking hazard.

4. Fertilizer

Although fertilizer may not be the most pleasing smell to us, it can be particularly appetizing to our pooches. If pets ingest fertilizer, the chemicals can cause liver and kidney damage.

Should you need to give your garden a sprucing, we recommend finding a pet-friendly fertilizer. If this isn’t “paw-sible”, try taking extra care and keep your pet far away from the garden for a while.

5. Antifreeze

Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting chemical that many dogs are unfortunately attracted to. Even a small amount can lead to kidney failure and may be fatal if treatment isn't started quickly. Always clean up spills immediately and store containers in locked cabinets or garages.

An orange tabby cat lying on the floor, appearing lethargic and unresponsive, indicating potential poisoning symptoms.

6. Laundry Detergents

Who doesn’t love fresh-smelling clothes? On the downside, they can cause ulcers and may be fatal for your cat and dog should they ingest them.

This is also another household cleaner that’s often stored in easily accessible areas. We recommend moving this to higher places or locking it away in cupboards.

7. Pharmaceuticals

Both human and pet medications can cause major damage to your pets. Even if it has been prescribed to your pet in the past, it may have the opposite effect now.

The incorrect use of pharmaceuticals can lead to liver damage and other fatal side effects. Remember, never give your pet medication that wasn’t directly prescribed to them or has expired.

8. Toys

Toys can be major choking hazards for our “paw-some” pets. If you have small tots running around, make sure that their toys are always cleaned up and kept out of our pets’ paws. A small piece of Lego or a dangling piece of ribbon can cause a lot of damage when ingested.

9. De-Icers

De-icers can be poison for pets. Although this can be extremely helpful during the winter months, it can easily get on our pets’ paws and be ingested. Make sure to use with caution.

10. Kitty Litter

Now, this one is more for the cat litter box burglars out there. Come on, you know the ones!

So, what's the story with dogs eating cat poop?

While cat poop can expose dogs to bacteria and parasites, the bigger concern is often the litter itself. Certain litters, especially clumping varieties, can expand if swallowed and may lead to stomach upset or even digestive blockages. It's also important for cat parents to be aware of toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can be spread through infected cat feces.

If you have a dog who treats the litter box like an all-you-can-eat buffet, keeping them away from the litter box area is one of the best ways to help keep them safe. Creating a cat-only space can make a big difference and gives your feline friend a little extra privacy, too.

A cat sits in a litter box, its paws resting on the ground, surrounded by litter.

Poisonous Houseplants For Dogs And Cats

Poisonous houseplants for dogs and cats is such an “im-paw-tant" topic, that it deserves its own section in our quick guide.

Being a plant parent is almost as much of an honor as being a pet parent! However, the two don’t always live harmoniously.

Here are the poisonous houseplants for cats and dogs you need to know:

Aloe Vera
Devil’s Ivy
Chinese Evergreen
Tomato Plant
Chives
Chrysanthemum
Dracaena
Asparagus Fern
Mother-In-Law’s Tongue
Peace Lily
Rubber Tree Plant
Hydrangea
Cyclamen

Our best tip for keeping your pets away from plants is to spray citrus on them! The scent will keep your furry friends at bay.

Poisonous Houseplants For Dogs And Cats chart

Some common flowers and houseplants can be surprisingly dangerous for pets. Before bringing a new plant into your home, always check whether it's safe for cats and dogs.

What Food Is Poisonous For Dogs And Cats?

In our list of common pet toxins, you didn't think we'd leave off food, did you? Food can be a tricky one because many everyday ingredients that seem perfectly harmless to us can be surprisingly dangerous for our furry friends.

Here are some of the most common foods that can be “paw-blematic” for dogs and cats:

Chocolate
Coffee
Grapes and raisins
Macadamia nuts
Onions
Garlic
Alcohol
Avocados
Cooked chicken bones
Raw meat

The risks can range from upset tummies and choking hazards to much more serious health issues. That's why it's always best to keep these foods well out of paw's reach.

Want the full scoop? Check out our guide to Human Foods That Are Toxic To Dogs And Cats, where we take a closer look at the foods every pet parent should know about and the warning signs to watch for.

Poison Pet Control: How To Keep Pets Safe

Now that we’ve covered all of the red flags of what can be poison for pets, how do we keep our pets safe?

We’d like to introduce you to The Door Buddy.

The Door Buddy is an adjustable door strap that keeps pets out of no-go rooms. The Door Buddy was designed to give cats their space and freedom to enter rooms with their litter box as they please. This comes in handy if you have a doggo that tends to sample from the litter box.

However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t adjust our strap to keep kitties out too! Instead of fumbling with a baby gate or constantly trying to remember where you put your favorite cleaning product, The Door Buddy is an easy solution for keeping your pet safe.

Our latch system can be used one-handed and it installs in seconds without tools or complications.

Paws up for simple and effective pet proofing!

What To Do If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic

Stay calm.

Remove access to the item.

Determine what was eaten.

Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Follow veterinary instructions.

Never induce vomiting unless specifically instructed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common household toxins for pets?
What are the warning signs of pet poisoning?
Can dogs get sick from eating cat litter?
How can I pet-proof my home?

Conclusion: Keeping Your Pets Safe From Common Household Hazards

There you have it! Now you know exactly what food is poisonous for dogs and cats, which common household items to avoid, and how you can protect your pet.

Most importantly, if your pet has eaten, inhaled, or come into contact with something potentially toxic, contact your veterinarian right away. When it comes to pet poisoning, acting quickly can make all the difference.

By understanding the most common household hazards and taking simple pet-proofing measures, you can help keep your furry family members safe, healthy, and out of trouble.

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