Household Items Toxicity Guide for Dogs and Cats

Causes severe chemical burns to mouth, esophagus, and stomach. Fumes damage respiratory tract.

Extremely toxic. Sweet taste attracts. Teaspoon fatal to cat.

Chemical burns and obstruction. Button batteries very dangerous.

Nicotine is highly toxic. Even cigarette butts can poison a pet.

Nicotine highly toxic. Even cigarette butts can be fatal. Vape liquid extremely concentrated.

Cocoa mulch contains theobromine like chocolate. Highly toxic.

Contains sodium hydroxide (lye) or sulfuric acid - extremely caustic. Deep tissue burns.

Dry ice causes frostbite to mouth and can cause internal injury from gas expansion.

Construction glues expand in stomach causing blockages.

Expands dramatically on stomach moisture forming large solid mass. Life-threatening obstruction.

Hand sanitizer contains high concentration of alcohol. Can cause alcohol poisoning.

Highly concentrated and corrosive. Pods attractive to pets, cause severe chemical burns.

Petroleum hydrocarbon. Severe aspiration pneumonia if even tiny amounts enter lungs.

Contains bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds. Highly corrosive to GI and respiratory tract.

Naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both highly toxic.

Contains sodium hydroxide (lye) - extremely caustic. Immediate severe chemical burns.

Contain polyethylene glycol. Sweet taste attracts dogs. Severe hypernatremia and neurological effects.

Homemade play dough contains high salt. Can cause fatal hypernatremia.

Internal bleeding or neurological symptoms.

Metaldehyde is extremely toxic. Causes severe neurological signs. Even small amounts fatal.

Metaldehyde extremely toxic. Severe neuro symptoms.

Highly toxic even in small amounts or applied to skin. Contains terpenes causing neurological signs.

Chemical burns and respiratory issues.

Contains surfactants and solvents. Wet carpet residue licked off paws.

Contain quaternary ammonium compounds and alcohol. Wipe itself can cause GI obstruction.

Contains salts causing GI irritation, electrolyte imbalances, and paw pad burns.

Contain cationic detergents causing GI ulcers. Sheet can cause intestinal obstruction.

Can be toxic to cats who lack enzymes to metabolize phenols. Birds especially sensitive.

Many essential oils toxic, especially to cats.

Contains cationic detergents causing severe GI irritation and ulcers.

Contains petroleum distillates. Aspiration pneumonia risk. GI irritation if ingested.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium causing GI upset.

Contains aromatic amines, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia. Oral/GI irritation and systemic toxicity.

Contain iron powder. Causes oxidative damage, GI corrosion, and iron toxicity.

Pods especially dangerous. Concentrated chemicals.

Contains solvents (acetone, toluene). Dried polish less dangerous. Liquid polish concerning.

Nail polish remover is not safe for pets to ingest or use on fur. Formulas vary; contact a veterinarian after swallowed liquid, a spill on your pet, or symptoms.

VOCs and chemicals toxic if ingested or inhaled.

Liquid potpourri contains cationic detergents and essential oils. Cats especially sensitive.

Contains petroleum distillates, dyes, and solvents. Can cause GI irritation and aspiration pneumonia.

Most cause mild GI upset if ingested. Essential oil-based more toxic to cats. Sprays irritate respiratory tract.

Dry chemical residue (monoammonium phosphate) minimally toxic. Mild mouth/GI irritation possible.

Glow stick liquid causes mouth irritation but is not highly toxic.

Avoid burning incense around dogs and cats. Smoke can irritate airways, especially in cats with asthma. Swallowed sticks and ash need separate assessment.

Pine resin. Generally non-toxic. Can cause mechanical GI upset. Sticky texture may cause oral discomfort.

Bonds rapidly with moisture. Can glue lips/tongue. Generally passes GI but obstruction risk.

Non-toxic. Risk = choking or blockage.