Household Items Toxic to Puppies: What to Remove

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20264 min read

Puppies explore with their mouths, and their small bodies make them especially vulnerable to poisons. Many items that are harmless to people can make a puppy seriously ill. Knowing the main culprits helps you put them out of reach before there is a crisis.

Foods

Some everyday foods are dangerous for puppies.

• Chocolate and cocoa. Contain theobromine and caffeine. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. See our guide to whether chocolate is toxic to dogs.
• Grapes and raisins. Can cause kidney failure in some dogs, even in small amounts.
• Xylitol. An artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods and peanut butter. It can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage.
• Onions, garlic and chives. Can damage red blood cells.
• Macadamia nuts. Can cause weakness, vomiting and tremors.
• Alcohol and raw yeast dough. Both can be dangerous.
• Caffeine. Found in coffee, tea and energy products.
• Cooked bones. Can splinter and cause blockages or injuries.

Medications

• Human painkillers such as ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen are dangerous to dogs.
• Antidepressants, ADHD medications and sleeping pills can cause serious effects.
• Vitamins and supplements, especially those with iron or xylitol.
• Veterinary medications meant for other animals or the wrong dose.

Keep all medications in closed cabinets or containers, and pick up dropped pills immediately.

Cleaning products and chemicals

• Bleach, drain cleaner and oven cleaner can cause burns.
• Laundry and dishwasher pods are concentrated and hazardous.
• Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which tastes sweet and is extremely toxic.
• Pesticides, rodent poison and slug bait can be fatal.
• Paints, solvents and fuel are hazardous.

Store everything in locked cabinets or high shelves.

Plants

Many common houseplants and garden plants are toxic.

• Lilies are especially dangerous to cats but can also affect dogs in some cases.
• Sago palm is highly toxic to dogs.
• Azaleas, oleander and foxglove can cause serious heart problems.
• Philodendron, dieffenbachia and pothos can irritate the mouth and gut.
• Bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils and autumn crocus, are especially toxic.

Check any plant you own against a reliable list, and consider removing risky ones.

Other hazards

• Batteries, especially button batteries, which can cause severe burns if swallowed
• Coins, which may contain zinc
• Cigarettes, nicotine products and e-cigarette liquid
• Cannabis products, including edibles
• Fertilizers, compost and mulch
• Fabric softener sheets and potpourri
• Small toys, hair ties and string that cause blockages rather than poisoning

Signs of poisoning

Symptoms depend on the toxin but may include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Drooling
• Lethargy or weakness
• Tremors or seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Pale or bright red gums
• Collapse

Some poisons produce delayed signs, so do not wait for symptoms before calling for help.

What to do in an emergency

1. Remove your puppy from the source and any remaining poison.
2. Call your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately. Have the product name, packaging and estimate of the amount ready, along with your puppy's weight.
3. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional, since some substances cause more damage coming up.
4. Follow instructions and go to the clinic if told to.
5. Bring the packaging or a sample of the substance with you.

Our guide to what to do in dog poisoning explains the steps in more detail.

Prevention tips

• Store all hazardous items in locked or closed cabinets.
• Keep handbags and bags out of reach, since they often contain medications, gum and sweets.
• Use covered trash cans.
• Teach family members and visitors to keep food and medicines away from puppy level.
• Learn the toxic plants in your area.
• Teach "leave it" early. Our guide to first commands can help.

See our room-by-room puppy-proofing guide for more.

Hidden hazards people forget

Some of the most dangerous items are not obvious. Handbags and backpacks often contain gum, pills, lip balm and sweets, and puppies find them quickly. Guests' luggage is a common source of accidental poisonings, so ask visitors to keep bags off the floor. Fallen medication, a dropped pill organizer and the contents of a purse are all risks. Seasonal items matter too: holiday chocolates, decorative plants such as poinsettia and mistletoe, glow sticks, and de-icing products can all cause trouble. Take a minute each season to scan your home for new risks.

The takeaway

Many dangers lurk in ordinary homes, but most are easy to remove once you know them. Put hazards out of reach, know what to do in an emergency and keep the poison helpline number handy.