Most pet poisonings don’t happen because of negligence — they happen because pets live closely with us. They explore our homes, our kitchens, our medicine cabinets, and our garages with curiosity and speed, often before we realize something is within reach.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) Bellingham, our emergency and specialty teams treat toxin exposures year-round. Some cases are dramatic and immediately life-threatening. Others are more insidious, with clinical signs that may not become apparent for hours or even days after exposure. What these cases share is a narrow margin for error and a strong reliance on early recognition and prompt veterinary intervention — factors that significantly influence outcome in toxicologic emergencies.
This March, in recognition of Pet Poison Prevention Month, we’re sharing an overview of the most common — and most serious — toxic exposures we see, and why awareness plays such a critical role in protecting pets.
When Poisoning Is Suspected in a Pet: Time Matters
If you believe your pet may have been exposed to a toxin:
- Seek veterinary care immediately
- Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinary professional
- Bring any product packaging or information with you if available
During times of veterinary emergencies, our expert team, in collaboration with the knowledgeable team at Animal Emergency Care, works tirelessly to provide 24-hour emergency care. Poisoning emergencies do not require an appointment, and prompt evaluation can be lifesaving.
Pet poison hotlines are also available for immediate guidance:
- Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435
Everyday Sources of Toxic Exposure for Our Pets
Toxic Plants and Seasonal Hazards
Certain plants pose a significant and often underappreciated risk to pets. Easter lilies remain one of the most dangerous — all parts of the plant, including pollen and even vase water, are highly
toxic to cats and can result in acute kidney failure if treatment is not initiated quickly.
Other commonly encountered toxic plants include:
- Tulips and daffodils (bulbs are especially toxic)
- Azaleas and rhododendrons
- Sago palm
- Oleander
- Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
Clinical signs of plant toxicity may include vomiting or diarrhea, excessive drooling or oral irritation, lethargy, decreased appetite or drinking, tremors or weakness, and changes in urination,
particularly when kidney function is affected.
Spring also increases exposure to fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and slug bait, which may cause gastrointestinal, neurologic, or systemic illness depending on the product and dose.
Human Foods That Are Unsafe for Pets
Foods shared intentionally or accessed accidentally remain a frequent cause of toxic exposure.
Common problem foods include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Onions and garlic
- Alcohol
- Certain cheeses, particularly blue cheeses that may contain tremorgenic molds
Exposure to these foods may result in vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy or restlessness, tremors, seizures, weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, anemia, or kidney failure, depending on the substance and amount consumed.
Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, and some peanut butter brands, can cause a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to profound hypoglycemia, neurologic signs such as seizures, and potentially severe acute liver failure. For additional details, please refer to our separate blog on xylitol toxicity.
Medications: One of the Most Common Causes of Poisoning
Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are among the most frequent and serious toxic exposures seen in pets.
OTC medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen can cause gastrointestinal ulceration, kidney failure, liver injury, and, in some cases, death. Acetaminophen is particularly
dangerous for cats, even in very small amounts.
Prescription medications — including antidepressants, cardiac drugs, blood pressure medications, and ADHD medications — can result in significant neurologic, cardiovascular, and systemic effects when ingested by pets.
Clinical signs may include vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy or agitation, tremors or seizures, gastrointestinal bleeding, abnormal heart rate or rhythm, kidney or liver failure, collapse, or coma. Because many medications are highly concentrated, even a single tablet can pose a serious risk depending on the pet’s size and species.
Recreational and Illicit Drug Exposure
According to data from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, recreational and illicit drugs are a common source of exposure in companion animals. Substances reported include marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, opioids (including fentanyl), and hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Many cases involve pets ingesting marijuana-infused baked goods, which may also contain additional toxic ingredients such as chocolate, raisins, or xylitol, contributing to a poorer prognosis.
Common clinical signs include ataxia or incoordination, lethargy or depression, vomiting, urinary incontinence, increased sensitivity to sound or motion, head bobbing or tremors, dilated pupils, and abnormal heart rates.
Household Chemicals and Automotive Products
Household chemicals remain a significant source of accidental poisoning.
Ethylene glycol, found in antifreeze and some de-icing products, is especially dangerous due to its sweet taste and rapid progression to kidney failure. Early signs may include vomiting, lethargy, incoordination, and increased thirst and urination; without prompt treatment, exposure is frequently fatal.
Other hazardous products include rodenticides, insecticides, household cleaners, disinfectants, paints, solvents, and adhesives. Rodenticides in particular can cause life-threatening bleeding disorders or neurologic signs, depending on the formulation. For more information, please see our blog on rodenticide toxicity.
Recognizing Risk, Protecting Pets from Poisoning
Pets encounter potential poisons and toxins in many of the same spaces we move through every day — kitchens, garages, gardens, and medicine cabinets. While not every exposure can be prevented, understanding common risks and recognizing early signs of toxicity can play an important role in protecting pets.
At BBVSH Bellingham, we’re proud to care for pets throughout our community by providing reliable emergency and specialty support when it’s needed. Awareness, prevention, and timely care work together to reduce risk — and knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Poisoning and Toxic Exposures
What are the most common sources of pet poisoning?
Common sources of pet poisoning include human foods, medications, toxic plants, household chemicals, automotive products such as antifreeze, recreational drugs, and rodenticides.
What human foods are toxic to pets?
Foods that can be toxic to pets include chocolate, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, onions and garlic, alcohol, certain cheeses (especially blue cheeses), and products containing xylitol.
Why is xylitol dangerous for dogs?
Xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to dangerously low blood sugar, seizures, and potentially severe acute liver failure. Even small amounts can be life-threatening.
Which household plants are toxic to pets?
Common toxic plants include Easter lilies (especially dangerous for cats), tulips, daffodils, azaleas, rhododendrons, sago palm, oleander, and dieffenbachia.
What medications are dangerous for pets?
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen, as well as prescription medications like antidepressants, heart medications, blood pressure drugs, and ADHD medications, can cause serious illness or death in pets.
What are the signs of poisoning in pets?
Signs of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, agitation, tremors, seizures, weakness, difficulty walking, abnormal heart rate, urinary accidents, changes in appetite or thirst, and collapse. Symptoms may appear immediately or be delayed for hours or days.
Can pets be poisoned by drugs or edibles?
Yes. Pets can be exposed to recreational or illicit drugs such as marijuana, opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, and hallucinogenic mushrooms. Marijuana edibles are especially risky because they often contain additional toxic ingredients like chocolate or xylitol.
Why is antifreeze dangerous to pets?
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste but can cause rapid kidney failure. Without immediate treatment, antifreeze poisoning is frequently fatal.
What should I do if I think my pet has been poisoned?
Seek veterinary care immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinary professional. Bring any product packaging or information with you if possible.
Does BBVSH Bellingham offer emergency care for poisoning?
Yes. During times of veterinary emergencies, the expert team at BBVSH Bellingham, in collaboration with Animal Emergency Care, provides 24-hour emergency care. Poisoning emergencies do not require an appointment.
Are poison helplines available for pets?
Yes. Pet owners can contact Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 for immediate guidance.
