Acetaminophen, Paracetamol	Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause Heinz body anemia when ingested by dogs or cats. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the active ingredients in many common pain relievers, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause gastric ulcers, liver damage, kidney failure and sometimes death. Tradenames in the U.S. (partial list): Tylenol, Anacin-3, Tempra, and Datril. / See Note on Medicines and drugs human
Advantage	Needs to be species appropriate. You can read up on this on their web site and/or get the information from your vet.
Advantage, counterfeit	A client's cat died recently from counterfeit Advantage sold over the net. Here is a link from Bayer / Advantage about this issue. http://www.nofleas.com/Press-Release.asp. A link for more info on identifying the counterfeits, go to www.epa.gov/pesticides. Read up and spread the word!
African Violet	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Alcoholic beverages	Can cause intoxication, coma, and death - and it can take much less to do so than with humans as pets are much smaller in body size. (Plus, anyone who would intentionally give their pet a mind-altering drug is themselves crazy.)
Alfalfa seedlings	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Allergy, cold and sinus medications	See "pseudoephedrine". See also Note on Medicines and drugs human
Anti-cancer drugs (for humans)	See Note on Medicines and drugs (human)
Amaryllis	Any of several chiefly tropical American bulbous plants of the genus Hippeastrum grown as ornamentals for their large, showy, funnel-shaped, variously colored flowers that are grouped in umbels. Also called belladonna lily. Toxic to pets; a Christmastime danger.
Antidepressents	See Note on Medicines and drugs (human)
Antifreeze	Renowned toxin to pets. They love the sweet taste and will sometimes use their teeth to open containers. Beware driveways, in your and others' garage floors, etc. Remeber also people use it when the cold weather starts back up. More on this on my Aunt Julie Pet Communicator - I'M NOT A VET, BUT... page Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that attracts animals but is deadly if consumed in even small quantities; one teaspoon can kill a seven-pound cat. The Humane Society recommends pet owners use a safe antifreeze in their vehicles. Look for antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which is safe for animals if ingested in small amounts.
Animal and insect toxins	Toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions
Aspirin	See Kaopectate with Pepto-Bismol note. See also Note on Medicines and drugs human
Avian flu	See Bird flu worries?
Avocado	Toxic to birds, mice, rabbits, horses, cattle, and dairy goats. / Per ASPCA, "onions, garlic, chives, avocado, grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts can all cause illness when eaten by pets." / Canines: The fruit, pit and plant are all toxic. They can cause difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen and heart.
Azalea	Azalea is listed as one of the 5 top deadliest plants to pets in the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Lists The Top 5 Deadliest Plants To Pets dated March 14, 2005
Baby food	Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. (Please see onion below.) Also can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.
Bamboo	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Belladonna lily	Any of several chiefly tropical American bulbous plants of the genus Hippeastrum grown as ornamentals for their large, showy, funnel-shaped, variously colored flowers that are grouped in umbels. Also called Amaryllis. Toxic to pets; a Christmastime danger.
Bird flu worries?	Do an internet search using the three words Kimchi bird flu . Some interesting links! Here are two to start you off: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4347443.stm http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/30/AR2005123001431.html?nav=rss_health See also http://www.arcamax.com/technology/s-113079-554969
Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources; marrow; bone shards; hooves. Bones, raw.	Steer clear. Bones are not as healthy and safe as you might think, with poultry bones being especially dangerous. Raw bones can contain harmful bacteria, parasites and cysts, and cooked bones can splinter. They are an obvious choking hazard. Also, bones can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system. Marrow contains bone shards (little known fact) so even ingesting bone marrow can create tiny punctures in the animal's intestines, causing toxic leakage into their body. The stomach does not do the lion's share of the digestion - the intestines do. (The stomach breaks it down enough to get it into the intestines.) When the intestines get these little tears and ulcerations, well, you can imagine. Bones and hooves create this problem all the time. I was giving Fox big frozen beef soup marrow bones and he'd lick the marrow right out and lovingly guard and "work on" the little bits of meat on his "kill" for days. I thought I was so smart, tossing it before he got around to scraping and splintering/eating the bone itself. Turns out - the marrow itself had little bits of bone inside. My vet tipped me off. Hooves are similar in that they create sharp tiny shards which can rip little slices in your pet's intestines. So again, it's not just choking that's the problem! See also Table scraps
Boston fern	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Butterfly iris	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Caffeine	See Chocolate, coffee, tea, caffeine
Caladium	Can be deadly for cats. Check with your vet about dogs.
Candy	See Sugar and Sugary Foods. / Diet? Candy or anything containing Xylitol (a common sweetener found in some diet products) can cause a sudden drop in an animal's blood sugar, loss of coordination and seizures. If left untreated, the animal could die. See Xylitol.
Castor Bean	Castor Bean is listed as one of the 5 top deadliest plants to pets in the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Lists The Top 5 Deadliest Plants To Pets dated March 14, 2005. Note: I called the ASPCA Emergency Poison Line and talked to the vet there who told me that the toxic agent mentioned, ricin, isn't present (enough) in castor oil to be toxic to animals or humans. So if you have castor oil around the house, such as folks use for wam compresses for joints and so on, it's not a danger to pets ~ per him. / 4-06 note: I checked with my vet about castor oil and he said if my dog happened to lick some off of my skin, if it were ingested in that fashion, he might get the runs but that's it.
Cat food fed to dogs	Generally too high in protein and fats for dogs.
Cedar and other soft wood shavings	Cedar and other soft wood shavings, including pine, emit fumes that may be dangerous to small mammals like hamsters and gerbils.
Chives	Per ASPCA, "onions, garlic, chives, avocado, grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts can all cause illness when eaten by pets."
Chlorates; matches	Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing. Chlorates are (simply put) colorless crystalline substances used in matches, fireworks, and explosives.
Chocolate, coffee, tea, caffeine	These contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems. Chocolate, coffee (and coffee grinds), and tea all contain dangerous components called xanthines, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and excess heart muscle stimulation. Chocolate, with theobromine, is especially a problem because dogs love its flavor. With chocolate, Baker's chocolate (pure, unsweetened chocolate or cocoa powder) is the most dangerous.A dog can consume milk chocolate and appear to be fine because it is not as concentrated, but it is still dangerous. Problems from ingestion range from diarrhea to seizures and death, but all chocolate, fudge, and other candy should be placed out of your dog's reach. The following from the British Medical Journal explains why dark chocolate can be fatal if swallowed by a dog:The main components of chocolate that are toxic to dogs are the methylxanthine alkaloids, theobromine and caffeine. Humans can easily digest and excrete these alkaloids in two to three hours, but dogs take a very long time -- 18 hours -- to absorb them, thus the problem. Often, symptoms can take as long as a day to appear, and no specific antidote exists. On the other hand, A dog can consume a whole tray of chocolate in seconds, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Don't assume your "good boy" won't try to sneak some when you've got trays of candies out for guests. Unprocessed chocolate contains the purest, highest and most lethal concentrations of theobromine for dogs, while milk and white chocolate have a fraction of those alkaloids. The size of the dog also determines how damaging chocolate consumption will be, with smaller dogs having more difficulties. ~ British Medical Journal September 17, 2005; 331 (633) ASPCA note Feb '06: In any form ranging from one-ounce baking squares to hand-dipped truffles, chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both methylxanthines that can cause stimulation of the central nervous system, an increase in heart rate and tremors. Clinical signs—vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity, and increased thirst, urination and heart rate—can be seen with the ingestion of as little as two ounces of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog. See also this write-up regarding Cocoa Bean mulch and definitely this article.
Citrus oil extracts	Can cause vomiting.
Cocks comb	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Cocoa bean mulch, cocoa mulch	See this write-up and also Chocolate, coffee, tea, caffeine. Can see also Article at snopes.com about cocoa mulch
Coffee, coffee grounds, coffee beans	See "Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine"
Cold, allergy and sinus medications	See "pseudoephedrine". See also Note on Medicines and drugs human
Coral bells	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Cows' hooves	See "Rawhides, cow hooves, & pigs' ears and skins"
Cyclamen	Can be deadly for cats. Check with your vet about dogs.
Dairy products	See "Milk and other dairy products"
DEET, insect repellent; Sunscreen	See this write-up (on my site, then use the Back button to return back to this chart). See also Fertilizers pesticides and herbicides, in this Toxins Chart.
Dichlorobenzene	See Mothballs
Diet pills	See Note on Medicines and drugs (human)
Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)	Per article "Protect Your Pet from Common Household Dangers" by Animal Attraction & The Humane Society, "Poisonous household plants include azalea, geraniums, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), mistletoe, philodendron, and poinsettia among others." Listed on another list as being deadly for cats. Please check with your vet about dogs.
Dough	See Yeast dough, yeast-based dough. See also this separate write-up from the ASPCA (11/06).
Dumb Cane	See Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
Easter daisy	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
English Ivy	Can be deadly for cats. Check with your vet about dogs.
Eggs, raw	Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
Ethylene glycol	See Antifreeze ingredients
Fat, fat trimmings, fatty foods; fried foods	Don't give your dog rich foods. During the holidays we want to share "goodies" with our dogs -- but the result can be no real treat for your dog. Unfortunately, these "treats" can trigger life-threatening illnesses in the intestines and pancreas of a dog. Pancreatitis is a nasty ailment and can be brought on quite easily with the "wrong" foods, and can kill a dog. These typically include fatty trimmings off the ham or roast, turkey skin, butter-coated potato skins, bread dough, nuts and gravy. See also Table scraps
Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides	It’s not always what’s in your yard that can cause a problem, but what’s on it. The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) experts offer additinal tips to keep your pets safe from fertilizers and pesticides: * If you treat your yard with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides, make sure your pets do not go on your lawn or garden until the time listed on the label by the manufacturer,”* Always store fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides in areas that are inaccessible to pets. Read the label carefully for proper usage and storage. * If you are uncertain about the usage of a product, contact the manufacturer for clarification before using it. * The most dangerous forms of pesticides include snail bait containing metaldehyde, fly bait containing methomyl, systemic insecticides containing disyston and disulfoton, and most forms of rat poisons. SEE ALSO Lawn & Garden
Fish, raw	Can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.
Figleaf palm	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Flea control producs	Check this table, (then return). Also, this note about using flea produ cts incorrectly on cats.
Fried foods	See Fat and fried foods
Fumes	Fumes from nonstick cooking surfaces and self-cleaning ovens can be deadly to birds. Always be cautious when using any pump or aerosol spray around birds. Cedar and other soft wood shavings, including pine, emit fumes that may be dangerous to small mammals like hamsters and gerbils.
Garbage	See "Moldy or spoiled food, garbage"
Garden marigold	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Garlic	See Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder)
Geraniums	Per article "Protect Your Pet from Common Household Dangers" by Animal Attraction & The Humane Society, "Poisonous household plants include azalea, geraniums, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), mistletoe, philodendron, and poinsettia among others."
Golden bells	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Grapes and raisins	Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. Raisin ingestions have been associated with gastrointestinal upset and acute renal failure in some dogs. Affected dogs may initially develop vomiting and drink large amounts of water, then subsequently develop diarrhea and potentially fatal kidney failure. Also, As little as a single serving of raisins can kill them. And the effects are cumulative, which means that even if a dog eats just one or two grapes or raisins regularly, the toxin that builds in his system will eventually kill him.
Grass	Wheat and oat grass are the types of plants sold at pet supply stores for kitties to eat.
Gum, chewing	See Xylitol
Herbicides	See Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides
Honeysuckle fushsia	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Hooves	See Bones and hooves note
Hops	Unknown compound causes panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures, and death.
Human vitamin supplements containing iron	Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.
Hyacinth: Summer Hyacinth and Wild Hyacinth	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Ibuprofen	Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the active ingredients in many common pain relievers, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause gastric ulcers, liver damage, kidney failure and sometimes death. / SEE also Note on Medicines and drugs (human) Tradenames in the U.S.: Advil, Motrin
Ice melting products	Toxic.
Insect and animal toxins	Includes from toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions.
Irish moss	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Insect repellent, DEET; Sunscreen	See this write-up.
Iron ~ Human vitamin supplements containing	Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.
Ivy, English	Can be deadly for cats. Check with your vet about dogs.
Jacob's ladder	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Kaopectate (with a note on Pepto-Bismol)	Some vets say aspirin is ok for dogs (just not cats), some say no. We should at least have the choice. For occasional diarrhea, my vet always had me give Fox Kaopectate. Regular - not peppermint, "for kids", "nighttime" - just good ol' traditional Kao. He'd tell me to steer clear of Pepto-Bismol and similar products as there were too many "other ingredients" (Pepto's label includes the statement "Do not use if you are allergic to salicylates including aspirin"). Yup, it contains aspirin. Now, one time, Fox needed a little help and I had the last time used a generic equivalent to Kaopectate (Walgreens' own brand, exact same ingredients) so went to buy some more of that. I noticed some small letters which announced it was "New and Improved" (which I already know to be the kiss of death for about any product one knows and loves, by the way). Suspicious, I checked the fine print: turns out they added Salicylates (yup, that's aspirin). I checked the label for the name brand version, Kaopectate, as well. They had done so too! (This alone is worth knowing even for human consumption. It's very veiled - salicylates - but read it, you'll see...) I found some Kao that still did not have this added, but it now had "New Improved Flavor". That came home with me but was spit out by Fox. I finally found 2 bottles of the "old stuff" tucked behind the new Nightmare Version at a Walgreens - their own brand, original stuff. That came home and the dose went right down. That was the end of that - I called, emailed, etc., but the formulas are changed and that's that. I informed my vet who did his own inspection while shopping with the wifey at Target, Wal-Mart and Walgreens, and he found the same thing - changed formula, and a couple tucked behind the new version at a Walgreens. Now you can no longer find any version of it without aspirin. He couldn't figure out why they copied Pepto, and had to rethink what he tells his patients. What was once a simple solution becomes a "prescription" matter (he gets a sterile vet's equivalent of original Kaopectate which he can dispense/sell, but has always had the patients save money by using the over-the-counter easy-to-find human version. No more.) Buyer beware. June 2k7 NOTE! I just found a source in Canada which sells the original Kaopectate made with Attapulgite as the active ingredient, not Bismuth Subsalicylate as the American version now has. (This had also changed as well!) I called and confirmed this, then ordered some. They shipped it to me here in Florida and I had it in a few days. The "original" flavor as shown on the photo on their web site, when it arrives, is actually "vanilla" (she told me that over the phone, too); the only other flavor is peppermint (don't get that for your pet!). Now, I've got an old expired bottle of what we in the U.S. used to have, and the ingredients are IDENTICAL (active and inactive). It's the same stuff! Fox has used it once and didn't seem too thrilled about the vanilla flavor but other than that it seemed to work. They are: AmeriCanaMeds.com and the direct link to the Kaopectate is http://americanameds.com/prodinfo.php?func=search&proid=312.
Lawn & Garden	Did you just apply weed killer or insecticide to your lawn or fertilize the plants in the garden? Please always follow label directions for proper application of these products, and do not allow pets access to these areas until the amount of time listed on the label by the manufacturer has passed and the product has dried thoroughly. Your pet could become exposed to these substances by licking her paws after walking through treated areas when wet or before access should be allowed according to label directions. SEE ALSO Fertilizers pesticides and herbicides Always store lawn and garden products in areas that are inaccessible to animals, such as a locked shed or garage. This goes for paint, oil, gasoline and other potentially dangerous chemicals, too. SEE ALSO Mulch cocoa as mulch is applied to outside lawn,yard and garden areas.
Lilies	All lilies are poisonous to cats - including Easter lily, tiger lily, rubrum lily, Japanese show lily and some species of the day lily - and can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Eating just one leaf can prove fatal. Consuming even small amounts can be life-threatening. All parts of the lily are extremely toxic, including pollen (e.g. the cat brushes up against the plant and then licks her coat while grooming or preening herself) and any case of poisoning needs immediate and aggressive veterinary treatment if the cat is to have a chance of surviving. Cats have lived that were treated within six hours of ingesting pollen, but after six hours the chances of survival decrease rapidly and after 18 hours the kidneys have usually completely shut down, followed by death. The initial symptoms of lily poisoning consist of protracted vomiting, anorexia and depression followed by irreversible kidney failure. / See also Belladonna lily
Liver, large amounts of	Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.
Macadamia nuts	Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle. / Can cause weakness, muscle tremor and paralysis. Per ASPCA, "onions, garlic, chives, avocado, grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts can all cause illness when eaten by pets." / Walnuts (see also) and macadamia nuts are especially toxic. Effects can be anything from vomiting to paralysis to death. Within 12 hours of eating the nuts, pets start to develop symptoms such as an inability to stand or walk, vomiting, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), weakness, and an elevated heart rate. These symptoms can be even worse if your dog eats some chocolate with the nuts. The effect can cause kidney failure, often leading to death.
Marijuana	Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate. (Plus, anyone who would intentionally give their pet a mind-altering drugs is themselves crazy.)
Matches; Chlorates	See Chlorates; matches
Meat, misc	A little thought-of danger, neat-soaked strings from rump roasts (turkeys, chickens etc.) are also enticing. Ingestion can cause a surgical emergency called a "linear string foreign body" in the intestines.
Meat, raw	See Raw Meat
Medicines, drugs (human)	The most common cause of pet poisoning is from animals ingesting a medicine or drug normally prescribed for humans. (See medicines by name.) While most exposures to common / human medicines are accidental—such as a pet chewing into a bottle of medication or ingesting pills left unattended—others occur as a result of owners inappropriately medicating their pets. Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include: Pain killers Cold medicines Anti-cancer drugs Antidepressants Vitamins (check with your vet Diet Pills To ensure that your pet is not exposed: Never give your animal any medication without first talking to your pet’s veterinarian. Store all medications in a secure cabinet well out of the reach of animals—even child-proof containers can easily be chewed open. PAIN KILLERS In many cases, pet owners give their feline and canine friends an over-the-counter medication to ease an animal's pain. But acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the active ingredients in many common pain relievers, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause gastric ulcers, liver damage, kidney failure and sometimes death.
Milk and other dairy products	Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets. (My vet says that there is actually no dometicated cat or dog on Earth today which is not "lactose intolerant"
Mistletoe	Per article "Protect Your Pet from Common Household Dangers" by Animal Attraction & The Humane Society, "Poisonous household plants include azalea, geraniums, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), mistletoe, philodendron, and poinsettia among others." On another list as being deadly for cats. Check with your vet about dogs.
Mold	Certain species of molds can produce mycotoxins, which can cause a variety of gastrointestinal, cardiac and neurologic effects in animals. If mold is discovered in your home, visit the Environmental Protection Agency for information on safe cleaning and removal.
Moldy or spoiled food, garbage	Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs.
Mothballs	Per the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). “The ingestion of just one mothball can potentially produce significant illness,” to dogs and cats. Mothballs—particularly those containing an ingredient known as naphthalene—can be toxic to dogs, cats and other animals. If ingested, naphthalene can cause serious illness, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, swelling of the brain tissue, seizures, damage to the liver, kidneys and blood cells, coma and even death. Take care when using mothballs that contain dichlorobenzene, too. This insecticide is somewhat less toxic than naphthalene but it can still cause stomach upset and potentially even neurologic effects if large enough amounts are consumed.
Mulch, cocoa (bean)	See Chocolate coffee tea caffeine
Mushrooms	Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.
Naphthalene	See Mothballs
Nuts	See Macadamia Nuts
Oat grass	Wheat and oat grass are the types of plants sold at pet supply stores for kitties to eat.
Old world orchid	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Oleander	Oleander is listed as one of the 5 top deadliest plants to pets in the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Lists The Top 5 Deadliest Plants To Pets dated March 14, 2005.
Onions, onion powder, and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder)	Onions contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage or destroy red blood cells and inhibit their blood's ability to coagulate. They can cause Heinz body anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Onions are another common food that can be highly toxic to pets. They can destroy an animal's red blood cells and lead to anemia, weakness and breathing difficulties. Their effects are also cumulative over time. Seasonal note: Onions are often found in stuffing and other holiday dishes. Garlic is less toxic than onions. (According to my veterinarian, garlic is not a problem, but I mention it as many are concerned about it so you should do your own research and make your own decision about it.)
Orchids: Old World Orchid and Pansy Orchid	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Pain killers	See Note on Medicines and drugs (human)
Paint	Most water-based latex paints are relatively low in toxicity, but could still cause gastrointestinal upset. Should your pet get paint on her skin or coat, steer 100-percent clear of paint thinner or similar solvents to remove it—instead, bathe Scruffy's skin and fur with a mild pet shampoo or liquid hand dishwashing detergent.
Palm lily	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Palm, Sago	See "Sago Palm"
Pansy orchid
Pepto-Bismol	I've got clients who use this for their pets. I don't due to the aspirin content. This is between you and your vet. Please do see this note. See also Note on Medicines and drugs human
Permethrin	See this write-up(below).
Persimmons	Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.
Pesticides. Pest Control	See Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. For rodent pest control, see Rodent pest control
Philodendren	Per article "Protect Your Pet from Common Household Dangers" by Animal Attraction & The Humane Society, "Poisonous household plants include azalea, geraniums, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), mistletoe, philodendron, and poinsettia among others." On another list as being deadly for cats. Check with your vet about dogs.
Pits from peaches and plums	Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.
Peach pits	Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.
Pigs' ears, skins	See "Rawhides, cow hooves, & pigs' ears and skins"
Plants - general	See these two tables. Toxic (for pets) Plants, and Non-Toxic (for pets) Plants
Plum pits	Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.
Poinsettia	Per article "Protect Your Pet from Common Household Dangers" by Animal Attraction & The Humane Society, "Poisonous household plants include azalea, geraniums, dieffenbachia (dumb cane), mistletoe, philodendron, and poinsettia among others."
Poisons, misc	Includes rat and mouse bait and poisons, Fly baits containing methomyl - Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde,
Pollen, lily	See Lilies
Polyurethane glues	Per the ASPCA's Poison Center article on the matter, "A dog consuming even small amounts of adhesive containing diphenylmethane diisocyanate can experience serious problems as the product expands in the warm, moist environment of the stomach, forming a porous mass of glue. This mass can block the gastrointestinal tract and cause a life-threatening surgical emergency."
Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves	Potato and tomato stems contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. This is more of a problem in livestock.
Potpourri, liquid potpourri	Toxic.
Propylene glycol	Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that attracts animals but is deadly if consumed in even small quantities; one teaspoon can kill a seven-pound cat. The Humane Society recommends pet owners use a safe antifreeze in their vehicles. Look for antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which is safe for animals if ingested in small amounts.
Pseudoephedrine	According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, pseudoephedrine—an ingredient commonly found in certain cold, allergy and sinus medications—can be extremely dangerous to companion animals. “Pseudoephedrine has a very narrow margin of safety in dogs, cats and other animals,” says veterinary toxicologist Dr. Steven Hansen, APCC senior vice president. “This means that it does not take as much of the drug to cause a serious problem.” As little as one tablet containing 30 milligrams of pseudoephedrine could produce clinical signs in a 20-pound dog, including nervousness, hyperactivity and elevated heart rate; a dose as small as three 30-milligram tablets could be lethal to a dog of similar size. See also Note on Medicines and drugs human
Queen's spiderwort	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Raisins	See Grapes and raisins
Raw bones	See Bones and hooves note Also Uncooked red meat and bones. Uncooked meats may contain harmful bacteria, parasites, and cysts, which may make your dog sick. Bones may be dangerous because they can splinter and puncture your dog's gastrointestinal tract.
Raw eggs	See Eggs, raw
Rawhides, cow hooves, & pigs' ears and skin	Rawhide chews are digested quite slowly and, if consumed rapidly, can cause either vomiting or diarrhea from the many pieces still sitting undigested in the GI tract. If the treats are swallowed whole or in large chunks, they can lodge in the throat and cause choking, or a large piece may be swallowed, scraping and irritating the throat and esophagus on the way down. Once in the stomach or intestinal tract, a large piece of rawhide can also create a physical obstruction. An additional danger that is less widely known is the practice, in some countries, of using an arsenic-based preservative in the processing of rawhide toys. If you do purchase these products, stick to brands processed in the U.S. There has also been a recent FDA alert about the risk of Salmonella accociated with dog chew products made from pork or beef-derived materials: refer to the FDA advisory or call 1-888-INFO-FDA. See below (discussion on pigs' ears) for more details. Note from a talk with my vet (feel free to double-check with your own): He doesn't advise any dog eating any rawhide ever, but he knows that people will still buy and feed to to them, so he advised the following if one does:, 1. Buy American (so as to avoid koodies such as Mad Cow and other bacteria etc), 2. get them too large for your dog. That's right, too large. "LIke a dinosaur bone compared to the size of your dog". That way, the dog works them and works them and chews them into being gushy and malleable and the pieces ingested pass through easier. The smaller sized little pieces don't get so worked and so can also get choked on more easily. He explained a problem with blockages, too. It's not always whether or not they choke - that danger's obvious. This other danger does not always occur to everyone. He said that sometimes an animal will have a lump or swelling.He does a proper and thorough examination. He tests it for cancer. Negative. There are gastro-intestinal problems occasioned by this, so he treats for this. The dog gets worse and can even die. Autopsy reveals that a little piece has worked its way lower and lower and at some point lodged somewhere, unbeknownst to the vet. It did not show up on x-ray (if the owner even had the doctor do one). So there is a hidden danger not "directly" traceable to the treat your dog could have eaten quite some time ago. Another note: Rawhide doggie chews may be contaminated with salmonella, which can infect pets and humans who come in contact with the chews. These kinds of chews should only be offered to a pet with supervision, as they can pose a choking hazard as well. Cow hooves are even more dangerous than rawhides. They are hard enough that a dog can actually break a tooth on one. They can also be chewed up into sharp fragments which may cause a partial intestinal obstruction. Partial obstructions are often difficult to diagnose until the point at which the fragment is ready to perforate the wall of the bowel from pressure against the sharp edges. If perforation has occured, the infection that ensues from leakage of intestinal contents can be fatal. Cow hooves have another very real danger, copper sulfate toxicity. This substance is used to cauterize bleeding tissue in the area (long story, it's a livestock thing) and later when the hooves end up in your home, your dog can eat this if it's in one of those hooves, and be poisoned by it. Pigs' ears can cause GI upset if overeaten, similar to the situation with rawhides, although obstructions are less common because the ears are not usually shaped into solid chunks. On a more personal note, there are many reasons I've heard to steer clear of pigs ears. I ignored all of them ("They're greasy"...well, that hadn't been my personal experience with them.). I then learned two more and one was the clincher - they all went into the trash. One, they have a lot of cartilage which as my vet so delicately put it, comes out the same way as it went in. The second (clincher) is that my vet used to work with livestock and observed that when hormones and such were injected into the pigs, it was always injected into the ears. When slaughtered, the parts humans eat went one way, and the ears went off to pet supply folks - still containing anything injected into them. Cartilage: A tough, elastic, fibrous connective tissue found in various parts of the body, such as the joints, outer ear, and larynx. A major constituent of the embryonic and young vertebrate skeleton, it is converted largely to bone with maturation
Raw fish	See Fish, raw
Raw meat	The only thing Fox likes in this department was regular steak, so that's the only thing I learned about from my vet visit, but I'll pass it along. When the cow is alive, it's "meat" is, well, sterile (per se). When it is slaughtered, the knife cutting through the meat exposes the meat to air/bacteria, meat handler's hands, etc. Yes, I know this is graphic but you need to hear this. If you feed your pet "raw" steak, my vet advised me to at least sear the outsides before feeding it to Fox to kill the bacteria, much as they do in a restaurant if you order steak "rare". Also, uncooked meats may contain not only harmful bacteria but also parasites and cysts, which may make your dog sick.
Reed palm	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Rhubarb, leaves	See "Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves"
Raisins	See "Grapes and raisins "
Rich foods	See Fat, fat trimmings, fatty foods
Rodent pest control	Per the ASPCA's newsletter: In 2005, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) managed approximately 7,000 cases involving companion animal exposures to rodenticides-comprising nearly 22 percent of all pesticide-related calls. In an effort to help pet parents keep their animals safe, the APCC is advising owners to use caution when using products to eradicate rats, mice and other rodents. According to the APCC's Dr. Steve Hansen, Senior Vice President, “If a pet ingests a rodenticide, potentially serious or even life-threatening problems can result, which may include bleeding, seizures, or damage to the kidneys or other vital organs. Therefore, when using any rodenticide, it is important to place the product in areas that are completely inaccessible to companion animals.” And what if your cat has caught a mouse? Poisonings resulting from the consumption of rats, mice or other rodents who have ingested rodenticide are not typically a concern of companion animals-unless their staple diet consists mainly of rodents. Says Hansen, “Generally, the greater concern with the ingestion of rodents or other wildlife involves the potential risk of disease transmission or bacterial gastroenteritis. Because of this, we would still advise pet owners to contact their local veterinarian if they suspect their pet may have ingested a rodent or other wild animal.”
Rye seedlings	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Sago Palm	Sago Palm is listed as one of the 5 top deadliest plants to pets in the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Lists The Top 5 Deadliest Plants To Pets dated March 14, 2005.
Salmonella	See Salmonella
Salt	If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.
Scarlet sage	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Shampoos, soaps	Use only those formulated for your pet's species (cat, dog, etc.) Their pH balance is different than ours, and ours also contains chemicals, perfumes, etc., which are not necessary for your pet's life or lifestyle.
Silica	Those little packets of silica gel you find in medications, leather goods, vitamins and even pasta products carry the ominous warning, “DESSICANT-DO NOT EAT,” but according to experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, they're not as dangerous to our pets as they may sound. Silica gel is used to absorb moisture in many different products, and is usually packaged in plastic cylinders or paper packets. It is also used in certain cat litters for the same purpose. “While it is indeed true that silica is not meant for consumption, silica gel ingestions most often produce only mild stomach upset in animal companions, which typically resolves with minimal to no treatment,” says the APCC's Dana Farbman, CVT. However, if very large quantities are eaten-such as multiple packets or mouthfuls of kitty litter that contains silica-intestinal obstruction is a possibility. “Especially,” adds Farbman, “in very small animals.”
Sinus, cold and allergy medications	See "pseudoephedrine"
Spoiled food	See "Moldy or spoiled food, garbage"
Spotted laurel	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Star tulip	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
String	Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body." NOTE: A little thought-of danger, neat-soaked strings from rump roasts (turkeys, chickens etc.) are also enticing. Ingestion can cause a surgical emergency called a "linear string foreign body" in the intestines.
Summer hyacinth	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Sugar and sugary foods	Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.
Sunscreen; insect repellent, DEET	See this write-up.
Swiffer Wet Jet	Purported to be toxic to pets. Supposedly not true... check out these links: ASPCA's official link on the matter, and another relevant link which itself not only has information, but the ASPCA's and other links. Also consult with your own veterinarian.
Table scraps	Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed. See also Fat, fat trimmings, fatty foods
Tea	See Chocolate, coffee, tea, caffeine
Theobromine or theophylline	See Chocolate, coffee, tea, caffeine
Tobacco	Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.
Tomatoes; tomato leaves	Tomatoes: Tomatoes can cause tremors and heart arrhythmias. Tomato plants are the most toxic, but tomatoes themselves are also unsafe. Tomato leaves: See Potato rhubarb and tomato leaves
Toothpaste	Use only toothpaste manufactured for dogs (cats), NOT for humans. / See also Xylitol.
Tulips	Can be deadly for cats.
Tulip, Star	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Tylenol	Tylenol (Acetaminophen) can cause Heinz body anemia when ingested by dogs or cats. See also Note on Medicines and drugs (human)
VARIOUS	See the ASPCA site links. Also " 'People Foods' That Can Kill Your Pet" article of May 9, 2008 from TodayShow.com
Vitamins	See Note on Medicines and drugs (human)
Walnuts	Walnuts and macadamia nuts (see also) are especially toxic. Effects can be anything from vomiting to paralysis to death. Within 12 hours of eating the nuts, pets start to develop symptoms such as an inability to stand or walk, vomiting, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), weakness, and an elevated heart rate. These symptoms can be even worse if your dog eats some chocolate with the nuts. The effect can cause kidney failure, often leading to death.
Wild hyacinth	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Wheat seedlings	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA. Wheat and oat grass are the types of plants sold at pet supply stores for kitties to eat.
Wood, cedar and other soft wood shavings	Cedar and other soft wood shavings, including pine, emit fumes that may be dangerous to small mammals like hamsters and gerbils.
Woolflower	Safe for dogs and cats, per ASPCA.
Yeast dough, yeast-based dough	Yeast-based dough can expand and produce gas in the digestive system / gastrointestinal tract as it rises, causing pain, an obstruction, possible rupture of the stomach or intestines, and the yeast can produce alcohol when it rises, possibly resulting in alcohol poisoning.
Yew	Can be deadly for cats. Check with your vet about dogs.
Xylitol	According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), xylitol--a sugar alcohol (sweetener) found in certain sugar-free chewing gum (such as Trident and Orbit), candies and other products (including some toothpastes)--can potentially cause serious, even life-threatening problems for pets such as seizures and comas in canines.