Be aware of substances and symptoms
March is National Pet Poison Awareness Month. Many common household items are toxic to your pets, and awareness is the first step to keeping your pets safe.
Did You Know…
Nearly 50% of pet poisonings managed by
Pet Poison Helpline involve human medications.
Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can
be lethal to pets, so keep them safely tucked away where
pets can’t access them.
Be on the lookout for symptoms including:
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Refusal of food and/or water
- Increased heartrate
- Unusual weakness
- Lethargy
- Black or tarry stool
Top 10 Household Items
That Are Poisonous to Pets
Plants
Marijuana, Azaleas,
Rhododendrons, Poinsettias,
Tulips, Daffodils, Lilies, Sago
Palms & certain mushrooms
Foods & Beverages
Alcohol, avocado, macadamia
nuts, grapes or raisins,
caffeinated food and drinks,
onions & mustard
Pet Medication Overdose
Pet pain medications
(Carprofen, Derramax, and
Previcox), cardiac medication,
blood pressure medication,
insulin & diabetes medication
Chocolate
All chocolate is toxic to pets,
but dark and purer forms
contain more of the toxin
theobromine & are more likely
to cause severe symptoms
Over-the-Counter Medications
Acetaminophen, ibuprofen,
naproxen, some herbal &
nutraceuticals
Artificial Sweetener
(Xylitol)
Xylitol is found in many chewing
gums, liquid human medications,
& some peanut butters
Prescription Medications
Anticonvulsants, blood pressure
regulators, heart medications
like Atenolol & Enalapril
Household Cleaners
Bleach, paint thinner,
anti-freeze, pool chemicals,
polishes & detergents
Lawn & Garden
Products
Fertilizers, sprays &
weed killer
Pesticides
Rat and mouse poison,
bug spray, snail bait, topical
flea & tick products
Bear Creek Corgis 