These Normal Household Items Are Dangerous for Dogs

In this article:

• What are signs my dog has eaten something toxic?
• Can insecticides harm my dog?
• Can rodenticides harm my dog?
• How can fertilizer affect my dog?
• What do I do if my dog ingests antifreeze?
• What happens if my dog eats detergent?
• Which heavy metals are dangerous for my dog?
• How do I protect my dog from de-icers when it snows?
• Which plants are dangerous for my dog?
• What do I do if my dog eats my medication?

This article was updated in January 2025.

While pet owners are savvy, sometimes our dogs can outsmart us. You know to keep the chocolate and grapes out of reach, but do you know about the other unsafe items that may be lurking in your house? Read on for information about items that are often just lying around our homes, and are dangerous to dogs.

What are signs my dog has eaten something toxic?

A dog’s physical response to eating something toxic, like pesticide or detergent, depends on the substance ingested. Generally, signs may include vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, excessive thirst or peeing, and bloody stool and urine.

If you think your dog has eaten something dangerous, immediately call your veterinarian, or reach the Pet Poison Helpline or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Can insecticides harm my dog?

Keep chemicals and traps away from your dog, as they can cause serious health issues and even death. Ant or roach traps, for instance, can be swallowed and cause choking, while fly, slug, or snail poisons are also dangerous for dogs.

Can rodenticides harm my dog?

Rodenticides (a.k.a. rat poison) and anticoagulants or phosphorus are extremely harmful to pets. Watch your dog carefully if you’re trying to trap rats, as rodenticides use deadly attractants that can also entice your dog.

How can fertilizer affect my dog?

Fertilizers sprayed in your backyard usually contain phosphorus and nitrogen, which are both harmful for dogs. Chemicals used for insect or weed issues can also be highly toxic to dogs.

What do I do if my dog ingests antifreeze?

The toxin ethylene glycol that is present in antifreeze makes it lethal for dogs. Antifreeze poisoning affects the brain, liver, and kidneys, so always keep containers securely closed and store them out of your dog’s reach. If you believe your dog has consumed antifreeze, treat it as an emergency and go directly to your vet.

What happens if my dog eats detergent?

Many household laundry detergents contain chemicals that can be dangerous or even fatal to dogs. When ingested in smaller amounts, these chemicals can also cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea. For that reason, if you believe your dog has eaten detergent, go directly to your vet.

Which heavy metals are dangerous for my dog?

Some heavy metals, like iron, are essential to a dog’s nutrition in a complete and balanced diet—but higher-than-recommended doses can be dangerous. Others, like cadmium, lead, and arsenic, serve no nutritional purpose and can cause health issues if consumed in large quantities all at once or consistently over time.

Keep in mind that dogs who swallow paint chips or pennies, which contain an amount of zinc that’s unsafe for dogs if swallowed, should be watched closely and may have to make an emergency trip to the veterinarian.

How do I protect my dog from de-icers when it snows?

Winter with a dog means paying special attention to their paws, as de-icers like road salt and chemical melting agents can hurt their pads. If ingested directly or from licking paws after walking on a sidewalk laden with de-icers, these substances can poison them. Always wipe paws clean post-walk in snowier months to keep your dog safe.

Which plants are dangerous for my dog?

Got a green thumb? Garden with caution; there are a surprising number of flowers that can be dangerous for your dog. The list includes lilies, tulips, azaleas, rhododendrons, and more. Much more information on which plants can hurt your dog, and signs to look for, can be found here.

What do I do if my dog eats my medication?

If your dog likes to climb or counter-surf, keep those medicine cabinets locked. Pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil can wreak havoc on your dog’s oxygen flow and liver functions. If these, or any other medicines not intended for your dog, are ingested, seek out veterinary care immediately.

A little strategic organizing around the house can help prevent your dog from getting into trouble when you’re not around. Worried your dog has gotten into something dangerous? The ASPCA’s Poison Control Center answers calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 1-888-426-4435.