Is It Toxic to Dogs?

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both methylxanthines that are toxic to dogs. Dogs metabolize theobromine far more slowly than humans. The…

Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. The toxic principle is still not fully identified, and there is no known safe dose — even a…

Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks (the Allium family) contain N-propyl disulfide and other thiosulfates that damage red blood cells in dogs, causing h…

Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. It causes a rapid, severe drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and can lead to irreversible liver failure. Even smal…

Avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that is dangerous to many animals. While dogs are more resistant than some species, avocado can still caus…

Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and cause a characteristic syndrome of weakness, depression, vomiting, ataxia (stumbling), tremors, and hyperthermia.…

Caffeine is toxic to dogs and causes similar effects to chocolate poisoning (both are methylxanthines). Symptoms include restlessness, rapid breathing…

Alcohol is toxic to dogs and can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature. Dogs are far more sensitive to alcohol th…

Raw yeast dough is dangerous for dogs in two ways: the dough expands in the warm stomach causing potentially life-threatening bloating or rupture, and…

Large amounts of salt are toxic to dogs and can cause sodium ion poisoning. This leads to brain swelling, seizures, and death. Common sources include …

Garlic bread is toxic to dogs due to its garlic and onion content, which cause oxidative damage to red blood cells leading to hemolytic anemia. The bu…

Many essential oils are toxic to dogs, especially in concentrated form. Tea tree, eucalyptus, pennyroyal, wintergreen, and clove oils can cause neurol…

Used coffee grounds and coffee beans contain concentrated caffeine that is toxic to dogs. Dogs that raid the trash for coffee grounds can ingest dange…

Chocolate chip cookies combine two dangers: chocolate (theobromine) and often xylitol or raisins. Even a few cookies can be toxic to dogs.…

Fresh grapes are just as toxic as raisins to dogs and cats. The exact toxic principle remains unknown but can cause acute kidney failure even in small…

All parts of the Sago Palm are highly toxic to dogs, with the seeds (nuts) being the most concentrated source of toxin. Ingestion causes severe liver …

Daffodil bulbs contain lycorine, a toxic alkaloid that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and in serious cases, heart rhythm abnormalities and seizures…

Lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides similar to digitalis. All parts of the plant are toxic, and even small amounts can cause fatal heart ar…

Antifreeze is one of the most dangerous toxins your dog can encounter. Ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that attracts animals, and even tiny amounts …

Rat poison containing bromethalin is extremely dangerous to dogs. It causes swelling of the brain (cerebral edema) and neurological damage. There is N…

Ibuprofen is highly toxic to dogs and is one of the most common causes of pet poisoning. Even one pill can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and n…

Marijuana is toxic to dogs, and pets are far more sensitive to THC than humans. Ingestion of cannabis edibles, buds, or butter can cause incoordinatio…

Most peanut butter is safe for dogs in moderation, but some brands contain xylitol (birch sugar) which is extremely toxic and can cause fatal liver fa…

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure and damage to red blood cells (methemoglobinemia). While dogs tolerate it slightl…

Slugs and snails can carry the lungworm parasite (Angiostrongylus vasorum), which can be fatal to dogs. Dogs become infected by eating slugs or snails…

Nutmeg contains myristicin, a compound that causes hallucinations, seizures, and potentially fatal nervous system depression in dogs. Even small amoun…

Rhubarb leaves contain extremely high levels of oxalates, which can cause kidney failure in dogs. The stalks are less toxic but can still cause gastro…

Raw or undercooked salmon, trout, and other Pacific Northwest fish can contain a parasite (Nanophyetus salmincola) that carries a deadly rickettsial o…

U.S. pennies minted after 1982 are 97.5% zinc with a copper coating. When a dog swallows pennies, stomach acid dissolves the zinc, releasing toxic lev…

Moldy or spoiled food — especially walnuts, cheese, bread, and compost — contains tremorgenic mycotoxins produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus molds…

Batteries contain corrosive alkaline or acidic chemicals that cause severe burns to the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. Lithium button batteries (watch…

Vitamin D toxicity in dogs causes dangerously high calcium levels, leading to kidney failure, soft tissue mineralization, and potentially death. Sourc…

Tomato plants (leaves, stems, and unripe green tomatoes) contain tomatine and solanine, glycoalkaloids that are toxic to dogs. Ripe red tomatoes conta…

Cooked bones splinter easily and can puncture your dogs digestive tract, causing life-threatening internal bleeding, peritonitis, or intestinal blocka…

Spinach contains high levels of oxalates, which can cause kidney damage in dogs, especially with repeated feeding. While a small amount of cooked spin…

Blue-green algae blooms in ponds, lakes, and stagnant water produce potent neurotoxins and hepatotoxins that can kill a dog within hours. Just a few m…

Silica gel packets found in shoe boxes, food packaging, and medication bottles are generally low toxicity, but can cause gastrointestinal upset. The m…

Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide when chewed and digested. A large quantity could be fatal, but a few seeds from a single apple a…

Cherry pits contain amygdalin which releases cyanide. One or two pits are unlikely to harm a large dog, but multiple crushed pits can be fatal to smal…

Peach pits contain amygdalin which releases cyanide when chewed. They are also a choking and intestinal blockage hazard.…

Apricot pits contain the highest concentration of amygdalin of any stone fruit. Even a few chewed pits can release dangerous amounts of cyanide.…

Laundry and dishwasher detergent pods contain concentrated chemicals that cause severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. They …

Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) causes severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach. Inhalation of fumes can damage the respiratory …

Drain cleaners contain extremely corrosive sodium hydroxide (lye) or sulfuric acid. Even small amounts cause severe chemical burns and can be fatal.…

Decomposing organic matter in compost piles produces tremorgenic mycotoxins and toxic molds that cause seizures, tremors, and potentially fatal neurol…

Eucalyptus contains eucalyptol which is toxic to both dogs and cats. The essential oil is especially dangerous — even a few drops can cause severe poi…

Foxglove contains digitalis, a powerful heart medication that is lethal in overdose. Even small amounts can cause fatal heart arrhythmias in pets.…

Oleander is one of the most toxic garden plants in the world. All parts are poisonous — even water from a vase containing oleander can be lethal.…

Hydrangea contains cyanogenic glycosides, similar to apple seeds and cherry pits. The flower buds and leaves are most toxic and can release cyanide wh…

Jade plants are mildly to moderately toxic to dogs and cats, causing vomiting, depression, and incoordination. The exact toxic principle is not fully …

Amaryllis bulbs contain lycorine and other toxic alkaloids that cause severe gastrointestinal distress, tremors, and potentially fatal seizures in pet…

Poinsettias are only mildly toxic to pets. They contain a milky sap that irritates the mouth and stomach, but serious poisoning is extremely rare.…

Snake plants contain saponins that cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. Symptoms are usually mild but can include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.…

Xylitol gum is extremely dangerous for dogs. Even 1-2 pieces of xylitol-sweetened gum can cause fatal hypoglycemia and liver failure in small dogs.…

Some nut butters are sweetened with xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Always check labels before giving any nut butter to your dog.…

Ice cream can contain xylitol (in sugar-free varieties), chocolate, raisins, or macadamia nuts. Even plain ice cream causes diarrhea from lactose in m…

Marijuana edibles are extremely dangerous for dogs. THC is highly toxic to them, and the chocolate/raisin bases in many edibles add additional toxicit…