What is Poisonous to Dogs? [10+ Food, Household Items, & More]

What is poisonous to dogs? The answers might surprise you. From common household items to houseplants and food, here is a list by Sploot Vets, talking about things to keep away from your canine companion. 

I. Foods Poisonous to Dogs

1. Are Candies & Sweets Poisonous to Dogs?

The high sugar content in most candy can upset a dog’s stomach. However, certain ingredients in candy are poisonous to dogs, such as:

• Xylitol – this artificial sweetener is commonly found in certain candies (especially sugar-free ones) as well as some peanut butter—which is why we always recommend checking the ingredients first. Xylitol can cause rapid blood sugar drops, seizures, and liver failure in dogs. Xylitol is highly toxic for dogs, even in small amounts.
• Chocolate – the darker the chocolate, the more poisonous it is to dogs. Chocolate can cause vomiting, rapid heart rate, seizures, and even fatal toxicity in dogs.

→ Learn more - What to Do If Your Dog or Cat Eats Halloween Candy [Ask a Vet]

2. Are Spices Poisonous to Dogs?

In our article about the healthiest human foods for dogs, we talked about homemade dog treats, and we always recommended keeping them unseasoned. This is because most spices are not healthy for dogs. There are also some that are downright poisonous to dogs, including the following:

• Onions, garlic, and leeks – These plants belonging to the ‘Allium’ genus contain N-propyl disulfides and thiosulfates, which can cause anemia by destroying the dog’s red blood cells.
• Nutmeg – This spice contains myristicin, which can cause nervous system issues in dogs, even in small amounts.

3. Are Nuts Poisonous to Dogs?

Plain peanuts and hazelnuts are safe for dogs in moderation. Organic peanut butter (with NO XYLITOL) is also safe for dogs in small amounts. However, it is important to remember that most nuts have a high fat content, which can trigger or worsen pancreatitis in dogs. 

In addition, some nuts are poisonous to dogs. These include:

• Macadamia Nuts – Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and hindlimb paralysis even in small amounts. 
• Black Walnuts & Pecans – These contain juglone, a toxin that can cause tremors and seizures in dogs. Moldy walnuts and pecans are especially dangerous due to mycotoxins that can also contribute to neurological issues in dogs.

4. Are Drinks Poisonous to Dogs?

While any sweet drink can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, there are also certain drinks that can lead to poisoning in dogs; these include:

• Coffee or Tea – The caffeine can cause restlessness, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, and potentially fatal toxicity in dogs.
• Alcohol – Even small amounts can cause vomiting, disorientation, difficulty breathing, coma, or death in dogs. 

5. What Other Foods Are Poisonous to Dogs?

Other foods that have poisonous effects on dogs include the following:

• Raw dough – The yeast from raw dough ferments in the dog’s stomach, producing alcohol and leading to alcohol poisoning—as well as extremely uncomfortable gas formation.
• Grapes and raisins – Can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.

→ Learn more - Safe vs. Toxic Foods For Dogs - Can My Dog Eat... [Ask a Vet]

II. Poisonous Plants for Dogs

1. Are Houseplants Poisonous to Dogs?

While all plants can potentially cause digestive upset, some are highly toxic to dogs. Common dangerous houseplants include lilies, pothos, lavender, aloe vera, and sago palm. Symptoms can range from severe gastrointestinal issues to life-threatening symptoms like organ damage. 

→ Learn more - Toxic Plants for Dogs to Avoid [Vet-Approved]

Note: Before getting a new plant, we recommend also checking the extensive databases of toxic vs safe plants for dogs provided by the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline.

2. Is Marijuana Poisonous to Dogs?

Marijuana (cannabis) is one of the most poisonous plants for dogs. This can cause disorientation, tremors, low blood pressure, and even coma in dogs. Even small amounts, including edibles, can be toxic and require emergency veterinary care.

→ Learn more - Cannabis Toxicity in Dogs – What to Do if Your Dog Ate Marijuana

III. Medications Poisonous to Dogs

Since human medications are generally dangerous for dogs, make sure to securely store medications. In addition, only give medication to your dog that’s prescribed by a trusted veterinarian. 

Here are just some examples of how human medications can be poisonous to dogs:

• Over-the-Counter Medications – Pain relievers (like ibuprofen), cold medicine, and supplements can cause severe toxicity in dogs—potentially causing rapid heart rate, organ damage, and neurological issues, depending on the medication.
• Antidepressants & ADD/ADHD Medications – Accidental ingestion may lead to sedation, agitation, and neurological issues in dogs.
• Blood Pressure Medications – When ingested by dogs, they can experience life-threatening drops or spikes in blood pressure.

IV. Household Chemicals Poisonous to Dogs

1. Are Winter Chemicals Poisonous to Dogs?

During winter, dogs are not only at risk due to the elements. Some risks come from chemical compounds, such as the following:

• Antifreeze – Contains ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic and can cause kidney failure and death, even in small amounts.‍
• Ice Melting Products – These don’t only cause paw burns and irritations, accidental ingestion (i.e. by licking the ice melt from irritated paws) can lead to vomiting, bloody stool, or seizures.

→ Learn more - 9 Essential Winter Safety Tips for Dogs & Cats

2. Are Gardening Supplies Poisonous to Dogs?

Many gardening chemicals are toxic to dogs. A few examples include insecticides, fertilizers, and cocoa mulch. When ingested, these can cause life-threatening symptoms ranging from severe gastrointestinal upset to neurological issues or organ damage. 

3. What Other Chemicals Are Poisonous to Dogs?

Bleach, detergent, and many household cleaners are toxic to dogs—causing vomiting, drooling, or worse. Ingesting or inhaling certain toxic cleaners can lead to respiratory burns, breathing issues, or organ damage.

Any rat poison or rodenticide is also highly poisonous to dogs, potentially causing internal bleeding, paralysis, neurological issues, and death.

V. What to Do In Case of Dog Poisoning

If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned, you can take the following steps:

1. Call a helpline for immediate assistance over the phone. You can try the Pet Poison Helpline or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 
2. In case of extended wait times in either or both helplines, seek guidance from an urgent care veterinarian or emergency vet for prompt assistance.
3. When bringing your dog to an emergency vet, try to bring the packaging of the poisonous chemical that they ingested—especially if it’s candy, peanut butter, insecticide, rodenticide, or commercial compound. This helps speed up diagnosis and treatment, which makes all the difference.

Emergency Vet Services for Dogs at Sploot Veterinary Care

Sploot Vets provides all-in-one vet care, including urgent care and emergency vet services. Our conveniently located Denver, Chicago and Colorado Springs vet clinics are open 365 days a year with extended vet clinic hours. 

Looking for urgent care or emergency vet care? Call our team, available daily, from 6 am to 10 pm (MST).