Staying Informed Matters
Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month is a perfect reminder that danger for our pets is often hiding in plain sight. Many of the items we use every day can be toxic to dogs and cats, even when they seem harmless. Raising awareness helps families protect their pets and reduces the number of emergency visits that could have been prevented. It also supports the mission of organizations like TCAP, which works to keep pets safe, healthy, and with the families who love them.
3 First Steps if Your Pet Eats Something Toxic
- Move your pet away from the toxin and check for symptoms like vomiting, drooling, shaking, or trouble walking. Keep your hands clear if they are panicking.
- Call a veterinarian or emergency clinic right away and tell them what your pet ate. Keep the product packaging with you.
- Follow their instructions and be ready to go in, since quick treatment makes a big difference with fast acting poisons.
Over the Counter Medications
Over the counter human medications have been the top pet toxin for five years running, due to how easily pets access purses, backpacks, and counters. Vitamins and supplements are also a major contributor to accidental poisonings because dropped pills are easy for pets to grab.
- Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin — can cause stomach ulcers and kidney damage.
- Acetaminophen — especially dangerous for cats; affects the liver and red blood cells.
- Antidepressants — can cause agitation, tremors, and seizures.
- ADHD medications — stimulants can cause heart problems and seizures.
- Sleep aids — sedatives can depress the nervous system.
- Vitamins and supplements — iron, vitamin D, and herbal blends can be toxic.
- Topical flea treatments for the wrong species — cat exposure to dog flea products is a common emergency. After you purchase your dog flea and tick prevention medicine at TCAP, make sure to keep it away from the cat!
More than 451,000 pet poisoning cases were reported in 2024, a nearly 4% increase from the previous year.
For the Plant Parents
If you have a green thumb when it comes to plants, you should also know that some of the most dangerous toxins for pets come from common houseplants and landscaping.
- Lilies (all true lilies) — extremely toxic to cats; even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure.
- Sago palms — every part is poisonous, especially the seeds; causes liver failure in dogs and cats.
- Aloe vera — safe for humans, irritating for pets.
- Pothos and philodendron — cause mouth and throat irritation.
- Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) — causes swelling, drooling, and difficulty swallowing.
- Oleander — highly toxic; affects the heart.
- Tulips and daffodils — bulbs are the most dangerous part.
Other Household Dangers
Household cleaners like detergents, soaps, shampoos, and bleaches are consistently among the most common causes of toxic reactions in pets.
- Batteries — cause chemical burns and heavy metal poisoning if punctured.
- Essential oils — tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, clove, and citrus oils are especially toxic to cats.
- Nicotine products — vapes, nicotine gum, and cigarette butts can cause seizures and heart issues.
- Rodent poisons — anticoagulant and neurotoxic baits are extremely dangerous even in tiny amounts.
- Glow sticks — the liquid irritates the mouth and stomach, especially in cats.
- Fabric softener sheets — contain detergents that can burn the mouth and throat.
- Antifreeze — tastes sweet to pets and can cause kidney failure with just a lick.
TCAP Tips for Keeping Pets Safe
Keeping pets safe from these hidden dangers starts with a few simple habits that make your home a safer place without adding stress to your routine. Store medications, cleaners, and chemicals in cabinets that pets cannot reach, and keep purses, backpacks, and food items off the floor and counters where curious noses tend to explore. Check plants before bringing them home, and avoid lilies, sago palms, and other high‑risk varieties if you have pets. Use pet safe pest control and avoid leaving rodent bait or antifreeze where animals can access them. Most importantly, act quickly if you think your pet has eaten or touched something dangerous, since early care makes a big difference in outcomes.
