Common Pet Toxins

Toxins are often not the first thing on your mind when bringing a pet into your home, but there are many more than you may expect!  It is important to know the common pet toxins that can be present so you can take special care to keep them out of your pet’s reach. If you believe your pet has ingested or come into contact with any of these toxins, or if you are unsure, please contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency clinic immediately! Accurate and timely identification of the suspected toxin is very important— TIP: have the container, package, or label in hand; this can save valuable time!

Common CANINE Toxins

• Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
• Mouse and Rat Poisons (rodenticides)
• Vitamins and Minerals (e.g. Vitamin D3, iron, etc.)
• NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen/Advil, naproxen/Aleve, aspirin, etc.)
• Cardiac Medications (e.g. Amlodipine/calcium-blockers, Atenolol/beta-blockers, Aspirin and other blood thinners, etc.)
• Cold/Allergy Medications (e.g. Sudafed/pseudoephedrine/decongestants, phenylephrine)
• Antidepressants (e.g. Prozac, Paxil, Lexipro, etc.)
• Xylitol (e.g. gum, some peanut butters, etc).
• Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)
• Anti-freeze

Common FELINE Toxins

• Topical spot-on insecticides (be cautious not to use canine products on kitties!)
• Household Cleaners
• Antidepressants (e.g. Prozac, Paxil, Lexipro, etc.)
• Lilies (EXTREMELY TOXIC – can cause acute kidney failure with just a lick!)
• NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen/Advil, naproxen/Aleve, aspirin, etc.)
• Cold and Flu Medication (e.g. TYLENOL!)
• ADD/ADHD Medications (e.g. Adderall, etc).
• Mouse and Rat Poison (rodenticides)
• Anti-freeze
• String, yarn, sewing needles, (gift) ribbon, hair ties (foreign bodies)

Common FOOD Toxins (Primarily Dogs)

• Chocolate, coffee
• Macadamia nuts, walnuts
• Grapes & raisins
• Raw yeast bread dough
• Brewing hops
• Products containing xylitol (gum, some peanut butters, etc).
• Onions, garlic (Dogs and Cats)

Don’t hesitate to ask us for a more complete, detailed list of common pet toxins. And remember, we are always here to help! Here is a list of important numbers you may need if your pet comes into contact with a toxin:

Hampton Veterinary Hospital (603) 926-7978

Port City Veterinary Referral Center (603) 433-0056

ASPCA Pet Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435