Emergency vet visits can be one of the most expensive and stressful visits a pet parent endures. Thus, eliminating home accidents and pet household poisons is a great idea.
Perhaps you are aware of the common human foods, like chocolate and garlic, or even toxic plants to avoid for your fur kids. However, you may overlook items like mothballs and detergent. Yet all can end with a very sick furry buddy and an emergency vet visit.
The toxins and dangers you don’t think about can be the priciest. Today, we’ll dig in and discover items you may never think about but can make your best furry buddy sick.
Budget tip: Simply keeping common household toxins and poisons, even the overlooked ones out of your pet’s reach can make all the difference. Also, selecting pet-friendly household products is a good option. It can save your furry buddy from an emergency vet visit, lasting health issues, and a pricey vet bills or possibly worse. This is an easy win-win for you and your best buddy.
What are the symptoms of a pet who’s gotten into a household poison?
Of course, if your furry buddy, is acting abnormally, always call or go to your vet. However, in general, if your fur kid has been exposed to a household toxin they can experience the following:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Irritated or red skin
- Diarrhea
- Seizures or convulsions
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Lameness
- Paralysis
- Loss of appetite
- Labored breathing or difficulty breathing
- Difficulty moving
- Loss of coordination or disorientation
- Ear infection or hearing issues
- Pale gums
- Shivering, cold, or hypothermia
- Itching or scratching
- Unconscious, collapse, or coma
If left untreated your furry friend can experience damage or failure of the kidneys, lungs, digestive system, liver, endocrine system, or heart. Worse is it could lead to death.
Here’s how to make an emergency vet visit easier and possibly much less expensive.
What are the treatments for pet poisoning from household toxins?
Treatments for any pet household poison will depend on the situation and the potential poison. However, some possible treatments your vet or emergency vet may use include:
- Inducing vomiting
- Bathing for skin poisoning
- IV for fluids
- Glucose support
- Medication for nausea
- Respiratory medication support
- Coma medical support
- Hospitalization for monitoring and medical care can last for 24-36 hours
Note: Some pets are more prone to household poisons. For example, if your fur kid has a health issue like bronchitis, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, digestive issues, or allergies, including seasonal allergies they could be more at risk. Also, senior pets can be more susceptible to household poisons. My dog, Henry, has allergies and digestive issues. So, I’m very cautious with him.
Discover everything you need to know about an emergency pet fund.
What should I do if I suspect my fur kid has been exposed to a household poison?
While this can be scary, acting promptly is critical. First, call your vet. If it’s after hours you can call a pet poison hotline or visit an emergency vet clinic.
Below are the phone numbers for pet poison control. It’s not a bad idea to add them to your contacts. I always like to be prepared. The last thing I want to do is scramble when Henry is not feeling well.
Pet Poison Helpline – 855-764-7661
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center – 888-426-4435
Note: You may be charged for the call. But this is a small price when your buddy’s life is at stake.
Remember, if your fur kid is in dire distress, then rush to your nearest emergency vet so they can administer proper treatment in a timely manner.
If your pet isn’t in dire need and you are in an isolated area, you may want to try an online vet.
What are pet household poisons I need to know about for my fur kid?
Again, food and plants are different categories, this is a list of items that often can get overlooked.
Cleaning products
Many household cleaners can result in a pet accidental poisoning. These include:
1. Chlorine/bleach (pH balance of 11)
2. Color-safe bleach (hydrogen peroxide)
3. Hydrogen peroxide
4. Ultra-concentrated bleach (pH balance of 12-12.5)
5. Hand sanitizers with ethanol alcohol
6. Cleaning wipes
7. Formaldehyde, which is used in many cleaning products. However, it may be called formalin, formic aldehyde, methanediol, methanol, methyl aldehyde, methylene glycol, or methylene oxide.
8. Toilet bowl cleaners
9. Floor cleaners
10. Disinfectants
11. Stain removers
12. Fabric softener
13. Dryer sheets
Note: Both fabric softeners and dryer sheets can contain the toxic ingredients Benzalkonium chloride or cetrimonium bromide. These ingredients have been found to cause skin irritation or burns. Additionally, ingesting either of these products can cause ulcers, lung damage, central nervous system damage, and kidney disease. Finally, eating dryer sheets can even cause a GI blockage which often requires surgery.
Learn why letting your pup drink from the toilet bowl is never a good idea.
Beauty products
14. Petroleum jelly
15. Bar soap and face wash (especially with essential oils)
16. Perfumes with (isopropyl alcohol/rubbing alcohol) and methanol (methyl alcohol)
17. Mouthwash with ethanol alcohol or xylitol
18. Makeup sponges – can cause GI obstruction
19. Human toothpaste with sodium fluoride
20. Human shampoos especially those with non-ionic and anionic detergents
21. Nail glue – Most fake nail glues contain polyurethane
22. Nail Polish with the ingredients toluene or formaldehyde
23. Nail Polish Remover containing acetone
24. Hair mousse with acetic acid, aluminum sulfate, hydrochloric acid, or sulfuric acid
25. Hair growth products (Minoxidil) can cause cardiac issues—including heart failure and death
26. Deodorants, especially those containing aluminum
27. Breath fresheners with menthol or xylitol
28. Human sunscreen with zinc
29. Hair products for humans
30. Acne treatments
31. Human makeup products in general if ingested can be an issue
Note: All animals are at risk of alcohol poisoning, which includes isopropyl and methanol alcohol. However, cats are especially sensitive.
Discover how to pet-proof your home and keep your furry kid safe and your bills down.
Medications
32. Some liquid medications
33. Steroid creams – can result in endocrine disorders
34. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs – a.k.a. ibuprofen and naproxen)
35. Cold medications
36. Herbal supplements
37. Pseudoephedrine (and other nasal decongestants)
38. OTC medications
39. Human prescription medication
40. Menthol rubs like Vicks Rub
41. Kaopectate and Pepto Bismol
42. Topical Creams/Ointments for anti-inflammatory aids containing:
- Baclofen
- Flurbiprofen
- Diclofenac
- Ketamine
- Lidocaine
- Dibucaine
- 5-fluorouracil
- Calcipotriene
Note: If you use these types of topical cream, then it’s best to keep your skin covered, use gloves, and wash your hands thoroughly to keep your furry friend safe.
Essential oils
For ease of this article, I’ve categorized essential oil as one, which would be #43 if you’re counting. However, there are 20 essential oils that are toxic to pets.
- Tea tree – 7 drops can cause poisoning
- Peppermint
- Citrus
- Cinnamon
- Pine
- Sweet birch
- Wintergreen
- Clove
- Pennyroyal
- Ylang ylang
- Eucalyptus
- Anise
- Garlic
- Juniper
- Yarrow
- Camphor
- Bitter almond
- Hyssop
- Horseradish
- Thyme
Garage and outdoor products
44. Flea sprays with Isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol/rubbing alcohol) and methanol (methyl alcohol)
45. Automotive windshield wiper fluid
46. Paint removers
47. Canned fuels
48. Adhesives and glues
49. Mosquito Repellent – pet-friendly or made for fur kids is fine. But those with DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) are toxic
50. Rodenticides (rat poison or rodent poison) – can cause death with internal bleeding, high calcium levels, brain swelling, or poison gas production in the stomach
51. Pesticides – look for pet-safe ones
52. Antifreeze
53. Cocoa mulch
54. Mothballs
55. Paints and solvents
56. Swimming pool chemicals
57. Gasoline and kerosene
58. Ant poison
59. Slug bait
60. Tar
61. Windshield wiper fluid
62. Motor oil
63. Herbicide
64. Fungicides
65. Expandable foam insulation
66. Ice melting products (there are pet-safe ones available)
67. Lawn fertilizers and weed killers
Do you know the dangers lurking in your yard?
Other household poisons
68. Cigarettes and Nicotine Patches
69. E-cigarette liquid
70. Recreational drugs – THC’s effects and can become dangerous
71. Coins – Pennies contain zinc and can cause zinc toxicity
72. Batteries
73. Linoleum
74. Scented candles with paraffin or essential oils
75. Liquid potpourri
76. Phthalates – most commonly known phthalate is BPA used in plastics like pet bowls and toys
77. Glycol Ethers
Note: Glycol Ethers is often labeled as 2-Methoxyethanol, 2-Ethoxyethanol, and 2-Butoxyethanol. This toxin shows up in many “green/natural” products. Glycol Ethers have been shown to cause cancer, birth defects, and delayed development in lab rats, as well as anemia, eye and nose irritation, and weight loss in pets.
Do you know about the dangers of passive smoke for your fur kid?
How does protecting my furry buddy from household poisons save me money?
While you may easily overlook most of these poisons and household hazards, it can be pricey to turn a blind eye. Even if you have a pet savings account, emergency pet fund, or pet insurance, it’s always best to avoid dangerous situations. Consider the following possible expenses for a moment.
| Possible Issue | Estimated Cost |
| Emergency vet visit | $100 – 5,000 |
| Overnight vet monitoring | $600 – 3,000 |
| Medications | $7 – 50 |
| Body or organ damage | DEVASTING!!! |
| Death | BEYOND HEARTBREAKING!!! |
Related articles:
- Easy Dog Emergency Vet Visits Tips
- Emergency Dog Fund: How Much Money Should You Save?
- My Dog Loves Savings Accounts. Surprised?
- Quick Help: Benefits of Online Vet Advice
- Dog Toilet Drinking Harmful? Or Completely Gross?
- Can I Dog Proof My Home and Save Money?
- How Does Dog Safe Mulch Save Money?
- 10 Hazards To Avoid In A Safe Dog Yard
- Secondhand Smoke for Dogs: Facts You Need!
Secrets to protecting your best furry buddy from household poisons are yours now
We can all overlook the common household items and their dangers like a cleaning product or wipe or a pretty new nail polish. But when a family member is furry and curious, extra cautions are often needed. This simply means keeping poisons and even something you are unsure about out of reach of your fur kid. A good idea is to always opt for pet-friendly products when possible.
Additionally, when you are unsure if something is a toxic substance for your buddy simply ask your vet. Or, take precautions and keep it out of your kur kid’s reach. It’s always best to be safe than to have regret. For me, I’m always checking items and keeping them out of my Henry’s reach just to be safe. Like most pet parents, I don’t want him to be sick because I was neglectful.
It is so scary that there are so many harmful things that can hurt our furry family members. Thanks for such comprehensive information and thanks for joining Angel Brian’s Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
Thanks, Brian! It is scary to realize all the poisons lurking in an average home. Thank you for letting me into your Blog Hop! I appreciate it!
Thank you for sharing this very important list. I didn’t know a lot of these!
Thanks, Andrea! It is certainly an eye opener.
This is so important and our pets are our kids and all precautions should be taken, before Nili arrived I made sure everything poison was out of reach plus removed anything that I thought would poison her. Great lists and a must read for everyone. Nili woofs a cookie for Henry
Thanks, Ruth! I agree with you, when in doubt opt out of that product or ask your vet. Always best to be safe. Henry says thanks to Nili and she needs a cookie too.
It’s amazing how many common household items can be toxic to dogs. This is a very comprehensive list, thanks! I need to add moth balls to my list, I didn’t have those on it!
I tried my best to make it comprehensive. I’m sure I’ll need to add to it as more poisons become everyday. Moth balls are one that can slip by. Henry says Jessie needs a cookie!
There are some simple things that have frightening effects on dogs! I had no idea.
Some garage and cleaning stuff is, I guess, common sense but all those household things we take for granted! WOW!!
Exactly, it’s the stuff you take for granted that can be very dangerous. That includes for cats as well. Some toxins are even more poisonous to cats than dogs. It is an eye-opener of a list. That’s for sure no matter if you have a dog or cat or any other furry friend at home.