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Pet Poison & Toxin Guide
Know what's dangerous in your home, recognise the signs early, and act fast when it matters.
If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. Do not wait for symptoms. This guide is information only — it is not a substitute for professional veterinary care.
ChocolateXylitolGrapes & raisinsOnions & garlicLiliesHuman medicines
Most dangerous household toxins
- Chocolate — theobromine. Dark and baking chocolate are far worse than milk; white chocolate is mostly harmless. Signs: vomiting, restlessness, tremors, fast heart, seizures.
- Xylitol — the sweetener in sugar-free gum, sweets and some peanut butters. Even a tiny amount can cause a dangerous blood-sugar drop and liver damage in dogs. Treat as an emergency, always.
- Grapes, raisins and sultanas — can cause kidney failure in dogs. Any amount can be serious; don't wait to see signs.
- Onions, garlic, chives and leeks — in every form (raw, cooked, powdered) they damage red blood cells. Cats are most sensitive, and signs can appear days later.
- Lilies — all parts, even the pollen and the water in the vase, can cause kidney failure in cats. A cat with any lily contact is an emergency.
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen — human painkillers are never safe for pets. Paracetamol is especially toxic to cats.
- Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) — sweet-tasting and lethal in tiny amounts. Store sealed and wipe spills immediately.
- Rodenticides — rat poison causes bleeding disorders; signs may not show for days.
What to do right now
- Stay calm and move your pet away from the source.
- Note what they ate, roughly how much, and when.
- Call your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately.
- Bring the packaging or a sample with you — it helps identify the toxin and dose.
- Follow the vet's instructions exactly. Do not induce vomiting unless told to.
What NOT to do
- Don't make your pet vomit on your own — some substances, like cleaning products, burn on the way back up.
- Don't give salt, milk, oil or home remedies — they can make things worse.
- Don't wait to see if symptoms appear. Early treatment is cheaper, safer and more likely to succeed.
Prevention beats treatment
- Store chocolate, sweets, medicines and cleaning products in closed cupboards.
- Check peanut butter labels for xylitol before sharing.
- No lilies in a home with cats — not even on a high shelf.
- Keep antifreeze sealed and clean up any spills in the garage.
- Rubbish bins with lids: cooked bones, mouldy food and packaging all live there.
Common questions
What should I do if I think my pet ate something toxic?
Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. Note what they ate, roughly how much and when, and bring the packaging. Don't wait for symptoms, and don't induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
Should I make my pet vomit at home?
No — not unless a veterinarian explicitly instructs you. Some substances cause more damage coming back up, and home remedies like salt or milk make things worse.
Is chocolate really dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs process poorly. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Signs include vomiting, restlessness, tremors, a fast heart rate and seizures.