Veterinary-Reviewed Pet Safety Resource
Pet Toxin Guide
The 20 most common toxic substances for dogs and cats — symptoms, first aid, and a free AI toxin checker.
20
Toxins Covered
9
Critical Severity
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DVM
Veterinarian Reviewed
All 20 Pet Toxins
Click any toxin for a detailed guide including symptoms, first aid, and when to see the vet.
Chocolate
Affects: Dogs
Chocolate is one of the most common causes of poisoning in dogs.
Grapes & Raisins
Affects: Dogs
Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants are highly toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure.
Xylitol (Birch Sugar)
Affects: Dogs
Xylitol (also labeled as birch sugar or E967) is an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs.
Lilies
Affects: Cats
True lilies of the Lilium and Hemerocallis genera are one of the most dangerous toxins for cats.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Affects: Dogs
Ibuprofen (sold as Advil, Motrin, and generics) is one of the most common over-the-counter medications that poison dogs.
Rat Poison (Rodenticides)
Affects: Dogs
Rat poison (rodenticide) is one of the most dangerous toxins dogs encounter.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Affects: Dogs & Cats
Acetaminophen (sold as Tylenol, Paracetamol) is extremely toxic to cats and can be dangerous to dogs at moderate doses.
Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol)
Affects: Dogs & Cats
Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol is one of the deadliest toxins for dogs and cats.
Marijuana / THC
Affects: Dogs
Marijuana (cannabis) toxicity in dogs has increased dramatically with legalization.
Onions & Garlic
Affects: Dogs & Cats
All members of the allium family — onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives, and scallions — are toxic to dogs and cats.
Macadamia Nuts
Affects: Dogs
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, though the exact toxic compound is unknown.
Avocado
Affects: Dogs
Avocado has a complicated reputation in pet toxicology.
Alcohol
Affects: Dogs
Alcohol (ethanol) is significantly more toxic to dogs than to humans because dogs are much smaller and metabolize ethanol differently.
Caffeine
Affects: Dogs
Caffeine is a methylxanthine stimulant closely related to theobromine (the toxin in chocolate).
Essential Oils
Affects: Cats
Cats are uniquely sensitive to essential oils because they lack key liver enzymes (glucuronyl transferase) needed to metabolize phenols and terpenes.
Poinsettia
Affects: Dogs & Cats
Poinsettias have a reputation as deadly holiday plants, but this is largely a myth.
Human Medications
Affects: Dogs & Cats
Human medications are the number one cause of pet poisoning in the United States, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Sugar-Free Gum
Affects: Dogs
Sugar-free gum is one of the most common causes of xylitol poisoning in dogs.
Wild Mushrooms
Affects: Dogs
Wild mushroom toxicity is a serious concern for dogs that spend time outdoors.
Sago Palm
Affects: Dogs
Sago palms (Cycas revoluta) are among the most toxic plants for dogs.
Toxins by Species
🐶 Toxic to Dogs
- ChocolateHigh
- Grapes & RaisinsSevere
- Xylitol (Birch Sugar)Severe
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)High
- Rat Poison (Rodenticides)Severe
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)Severe
- Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol)Severe
- Marijuana / THCModerate
- Onions & GarlicModerate
- Macadamia NutsModerate
- AvocadoModerate
- AlcoholHigh
- CaffeineHigh
- PoinsettiaModerate
- Human MedicationsHigh
- Sugar-Free GumSevere
- Wild MushroomsSevere
- Sago PalmSevere
Think Your Pet Ate Something Toxic?
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Reviewed by Dr. Christopher Tiller, DVM — Emergency Veterinarian & VetGeni Founder. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary care.