Most owners know chocolate is dangerous for dogs, but many other everyday items in your home can be just as harmful. Because dogs explore with their noses and mouths, it is easy for them to chew or swallow something unsafe.
At K-9 Pets Clinic, we often see pets who have eaten common household products. With a little awareness, most of these emergencies can be avoided. Here are twelve items to keep on your radar.
1. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and foods that contain them can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, sometimes even in small amounts.
Watch for: vomiting, tiredness, changes in urination.
Tip: Keep fresh and dried fruits in sealed containers and never share grape snacks with your dog.
2. Xylitol in Sugar-Free Products
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candies, some peanut butters, and human toothpaste. In dogs, it can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and may damage the liver.
Watch for: weakness, wobbliness, collapse, seizures.
Tip: Check labels for xylitol and keep sugar-free products and toothpaste well out of reach.
3. Human Medications
Painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol, antidepressants, and sleeping pills are not safe for dogs. Even one or two tablets can be harmful.
Watch for: vomiting, stomach pain, black stools, behavior changes, tremors.
Tip: Store all medicines in closed cabinets and only give drugs prescribed by your vet for your dog.
4. Onions, Garlic, Leeks, and Chives
These ingredients, whether raw, cooked, powdered, or in sauces, can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia in dogs.
Watch for: weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, dark urine.
Tip: Avoid feeding leftovers that contain onion or garlic, such as gravies, curries, or seasoned meats.
5. Cleaning Products and Disinfectants
Bleach, floor cleaners, toilet cleaners, and strong disinfectants can burn the mouth and stomach if licked or swallowed. Fumes can also irritate the airways.
Watch for: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, breathing difficulty.
Tip: Keep pets away while cleaning and until surfaces are dry. Never leave mop buckets where a dog can drink.
6. Rodent Poisons and Insect Baits
Rat and mouse poisons are made to be attractive to pests, which also makes them tempting to dogs. Effects vary by product but can include internal bleeding or seizures.
Watch for: weakness, pale gums, coughing, unusual bleeding, seizures.
Tip: Avoid these products in pet homes where possible. If you must use them, keep them in secure bait stations and keep the packaging.
7. Essential Oils and Diffusers
Tea tree, eucalyptus, clove, and some other oils can irritate or poison dogs if applied on the skin, licked, or inhaled in high amounts from diffusers.
Watch for: drooling, vomiting, wobbliness, tremors, breathing issues.
Tip: Do not apply undiluted oils to your dog. Use diffusers in well ventilated rooms and allow your pet to leave the area.
8. Toxic Houseplants
Some common plants, such as sago palm, peace lily, pothos, and dieffenbachia, can be harmful if chewed.
Watch for: drooling, vomiting, swelling of lips or tongue, difficulty swallowing, lethargy.
Tip: Check plant safety before buying and place risky plants out of reach or choose pet friendly options.
9. Batteries and Small Electronics
Dogs that chew remotes, toys, or key fobs may puncture or swallow batteries. Button batteries can burn the mouth, throat, and stomach very quickly.
Watch for: drooling, refusal to eat, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, belly pain.
Tip: Keep remotes, toys, and spare batteries off the floor and away from curious chewers.
10. Nicotine Products and Vapes
Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum, pouches, and vape liquids contain concentrated nicotine that can be very dangerous for dogs.
Watch for: drooling, vomiting, restlessness, fast heart rate, tremors, seizures.
Tip: Store all smoking and vaping items securely and dispose of butts and pods in closed bins.
11. Alcohol and Uncooked Yeast Dough
Alcoholic drinks and foods made with alcohol can cause intoxication and low blood sugar in dogs. Rising yeast dough can also expand in the stomach and produce alcohol inside the body.
Watch for: unsteady walking, vomiting, low body temperature, collapse.
Tip: Never give alcohol to pets and keep dough that is rising well out of reach.
12. Glues, Paints, and DIY Supplies
Certain glues, especially expanding types, can form a solid mass in the stomach. Paints and solvents may be harmful if licked from paws or fur.
Watch for: vomiting, reduced appetite, swollen or painful abdomen, lethargy.
Tip: Store DIY materials safely, work in a pet free area, and clean spills quickly.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Something Unsafe
If you think your dog has eaten or chewed something toxic:
- Remove any remaining item from their reach.
- Do not try home remedies or induce vomiting unless a vet advises it.
- Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away with details of what was eaten and when.
Bringing packaging, plant pieces, or product labels with you can help your vet act faster.
Make Your Home Safer For Your Dog
- Keep food, medicines, and chemicals in cupboards, not on counters.
- Use latches where a smart dog could open doors.
- Keep bags and backpacks off the floor.
- Be especially careful with puppies and new pets who chew more.
K-9 Pets Clinic Is Here To Help
Knowing that dangers go far beyond chocolate is an important step in protecting your dog. With a little planning, you can greatly reduce the risk of poisoning at home.
If you are ever unsure whether something is safe, or if your dog may have eaten a toxic item, K-9 Pets Clinic is here to support you with guidance, early checks, and emergency care when needed. Your dog relies on you to keep them safe, and we are here to help you do just that.