40-Plus Things in Your House That Are Toxic to Your Dog

“Dogs are naturally curious and love to explore their environment. This means that they sometimes get into things that they shouldn’t,” says Laura Stern, DVM, the associate medical director at ASPCA Poison Control.  

With that in mind, don’t assume that your pet won’t nibble, lick, or gulp down items that could be harmful.  

Here’s a list of more than 40 common things that are poisonous to dogs.  

Even if your dog stares at you with puppy eyes, there are certain foods you should never give them.  

Dogs are drawn to sweet or savory smells, so keep the following items sealed and out of reach, says Michael Hyder, DVM, the medical director at VEG in Palo Alto, California.  

Dogs are very sensitive to grapes and raisins, which can cause kidney failure, says Dr. Stern. 

A sweet treat for humans, chocolate is a no-go for dogs because it contains theobromine and caffeine. High doses can cause an elevated heart rate, hyperactivity, and seizures, according to Dr. Stern.  

Similar to the compounds found in chocolate, caffeine can interfere with your dog’s heart and nervous system. Keep coffee, tea, and energy drinks away from your dog. 

Whether raw, cooked, or powdered, onions and garlic can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia, says Dr. Hyder. 

Watch out for xylitol in everyday food items—it’s often hidden in the ingredients. The low-calorie sweetener can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure if ingested, says Dr. Stern.  

Xylitol might show up in candy, sugar-free gum, peanut butter, flavored medications, and other items.   

Fuzzy, forgotten leftovers would never land on your plate, and you wouldn’t feed them to your dog either—but that doesn’t mean your dog wouldn’t try on their own.   

Depending on the type of mold, it could cause tremors and seizures, Dr. Stern says.  

“Macadamia nuts are one of the less commonly known food toxins,” Dr. Stern says, noting that they can cause tremors as well as weakness in your dog’s rear end.  

Even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and collapse.  

Homebrew enthusiasts should also keep hops away from dogs. “If eaten, the hops can rapidly cause malignant hyperthermia, which is a life-threatening fever in dogs,” says Dr. Stern. 

Dough fermented with yeast produces alcohol as a byproduct, which can cause intoxication and bloat. Keep rising bread and other yeasted dough off the counter where dogs might reach it. 

These common human medications are especially dangerous: 

• Acetaminophen  
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)  
• Decongestants 
• Antidepressants 
• Sleep medications 
• Blood pressure medications 

Never give your dog medicine without your veterinarian’s guidance.  

Marijuana and THC edibles (like gummies or brownies) and sources of nicotine, like cigarettes and vapes, are some of the most common recreational drugs that are toxic to dogs.  

They can cause your dog to vomit or have urinary incontinence, Dr. Hyder says. Your pet might also become disoriented, have a low heart rate, or experience neurological symptoms, like tremors, seizures, or a coma.  

The problem can easily be compounded if the substances include other ingredients that are harmful for dogs, like chocolate or xylitol. In severe cases, ingesting recreational drugs can lead to death. 

Many everyday items—such as cleaning supplies, batteries, and paint—are useful to humans but toxic to dogs. And even non-toxic but small items can be a choking hazard for your dog.  

This list isn’t exhaustive, but it contains the most common items you’re likely to want to keep away from your pup.  

Household cleaning supplies often contain ingredients or chemicals that can cause internal burns or poisoning if ingested, says Dr. Hyder. 

These include:  

• Bleach 
• Ammonia 
• Toilet bowl tablets 
• Floor cleaners 
• Drain cleaners 
• Disinfectants 
• Laundry detergent 
• Dryer sheets 

Batteries pose a choking hazard and the risk of corrosive burns or metal toxicity, so keep them away from dogs. This includes household objects powered by batteries, like a remote control. 

With supervision, it’s generally fine to burn a candle—if it’s in a spot that is far from being knocked over by your dog (or their tail). But avoid scents and oils that are toxic to dogs, like products containing tea tree or eucalyptus fragrances or oils.  

Whether it’s for arts and crafts or DIY projects, keep any type of glue or adhesive locked away. Certain craft or wood glues can expand in the stomach, according to Dr. Hyder, and that would be a medical emergency. 

The fumes from paints, solvents, or varnishes can be toxic if inhaled.  

The poison in insect baits or rodenticides can be fatal if ingested by your dog, even if they only get into a small quantity. This is always a medical emergency.  

Because pennies have high levels of zinc, they’re toxic to dogs—and a choking risk. When ingested in large quantities, zinc can cause severe damage to your dog’s supply of red blood cells, says Dr. Stern.  

Some common household plants and flowers are beautiful to look at but toxic to pets. It’s easy to choose pet-safe houseplants or to plant a dog-friendly garden with just a little bit of planning.  

If you’re not sure if a houseplant is safe, keep it out of reach, since dogs can be tempted to nibble on leaves or stems.  

“Even nontoxic plants can cause mild stomach upset if chewed in large amounts,” warns Dr. Hyder.  

If your dog ingests something toxic—or that you think might be toxic—take action immediately.  

Here’s what to do: 

• Remove remaining material from their mouth, if safe to do so 
• Quickly prevent further access to the item 
• Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 immediately  
• Collect any packaging or ingredient info while you do this  
• Do not administer anything at home, including food, water, hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting, or human medications, unless directed by a veterinarian   
• Follow the expert’s advice on what to do next 

As with most things, it’s best to be proactive. Put dangerous items out of your dog’s reach, and pup-proof your home to avoid a potential medical emergency.   

To be doubly safe, you can block your dog from anything dangerous by using a dog gate, such as the Pawland Freestanding Foldable Wooden Dog Gate or MyPet Wide Deco EasyPass Pet Gate.  

Make sure all your electrical cords are chew-resistant, and lock cabinets so pets can’t accidentally get into something they shouldn’t.  

What scent is poisonous to dogs?  

Tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon, pine, citrus oils, ylang-ylang, and wintergreen are all toxic to dogs when inhaled or absorbed through the skin, says Dr. Hyder. The risk increases with diffusers because they can spread the oils into the air or land on your dog’s fur.  

How long does it take for a dog to show signs of toxicity? 

Experts say that a dog might show signs of toxicity almost immediately or it could take hours, days, or even weeks for signs to appear. It’s best to get help as soon as you realize your dog may have ingested something toxic.  

What can I give a dog at home naturally?  

Never give your dog a remedy at home unless your veterinarian specifically recommends it. In many cases, your dog will need to be brought to a vet for treatment.  

Should you make a dog who ate something toxic throw up?  

No. Never make your dog throw up unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to do this at home. You will likely need to take your dog to a veterinarian for treatment.