Foods, plants, and household items that poison dogs
Searchable safety database covering 41 common toxins. Color-coded by severity — tap any item for the full emergency guide.
Browse all toxic foods, plants, and household items
FatalPlantCastor bean
Ricinus communis
Contains ricin, one of the most potent natural toxins known. Inhibits protein synthesis in cells.
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FatalPlantSago palm
Cycas revoluta
Cycasin (via its aglycone methylazoxymethanol) causes acute liver failure. Even with aggressive treatment, mortality rate is around 50%.
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FatalPlantYew
Taxus spp.
Contains taxine alkaloids that disrupt heart rhythm. Death can occur within hours, sometimes with no warning symptoms.
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SevereFoodAlcohol
Rapid central-nervous-system depression and drop in blood sugar.
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SeverePlantAzalea
Rhododendron spp.
Contains grayanotoxins that disrupt sodium channels in nerve and muscle tissue, including the heart.
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SevereFoodCherry
Pits contain amygdalin which breaks down to cyanide. The pit itself is a choking hazard.
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SevereFoodChocolate
Contains theobromine. Dogs metabolize it very slowly, so it builds up to toxic levels.
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SevereFoodCoffee
Similar to theobromine — cardiac and nervous-system stimulant.
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SeverePlantFoxglove
Digitalis purpurea
Contains cardiac glycosides (digitoxin and related compounds) that disrupt heart rhythm. The plant family is the source of digoxin used medicinally in humans; in pets, the raw plant compounds are lethal at small doses.
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SevereFoodGrape
The exact toxic agent is still being researched (likely tartaric acid). Reactions vary wildly between individuals.
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SeverePlantLily of the valley
Convallaria majalis
Contains cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin) that disrupt heart rhythm.
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SevereFoodMacadamia
Unknown toxin causes weakness and tremors. Not usually fatal but very unpleasant.
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SevereFoodMushroom
Many yard and woodland species cause liver/kidney failure or neurological signs.
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SevereFoodNutmeg
Myristicin causes tremors and seizures in large doses. A sprinkle in cooking is low-risk.
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SeverePlantOleander
Nerium oleander
Contains cardiac glycosides (oleandrin) that disrupt heart rhythm. Effects similar to digitalis poisoning.
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SevereFoodOnion
Allium species damage red blood cells, causing anemia. Garlic is ~5× more potent than onion.
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SevereFoodRaw dough
Yeast continues fermenting in the warm stomach — produces ethanol and painful gas distension.
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SevereFoodXylitol
Triggers massive insulin release in dogs, dropping blood sugar; higher doses cause liver failure.
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ModerateFoodAvocado
Contains persin — more concern in birds and horses than dogs. Pit is the real danger.
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ModerateFoodCooked bone
Cooking makes bones brittle and likely to splinter — causing mouth, throat or gut injury.
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ModeratePlantLily
Lilium spp., Hemerocallis spp.
GI irritation. Dogs lack the kidney-specific sensitivity that cats have.
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ModerateFoodMilk
Variable lactose tolerance. Ice cream also has too much sugar.
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ModerateFoodPeanut butter
Plain peanut butter is safe — but many "sugar-free" brands contain xylitol which is deadly to dogs.
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ModerateFoodRaw egg
Salmonella risk (to pet and family); avidin binds biotin if fed long-term.
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ModerateFoodRaw fish
Parasitic risk; thiaminase as with cats.
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ModerateFoodSalt
Excess salt shifts water out of brain cells; also worsens heart and kidney conditions.
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MildPlantAloe
Aloe barbadensis
Saponins and anthraquinones cause GI irritation; rarely fatal.
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MildPlantPeace lily
Spathiphyllum spp.
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
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MildPlantPhilodendron
Philodendron spp.
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
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MildPlantPothos
Epipremnum aureum
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals embed in oral tissue, causing intense irritation and swelling.
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SafeFoodApple
Good fibre and vitamin C. Seeds contain cyanide — small amounts are harmless but remove for safety.
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SafeFoodBanana
High in potassium and vitamin B6. High in sugar — don't overdo it.
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SafeFoodBlueberry
Low calorie, high in antioxidants. Most dogs love them.
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SafeFoodCarrot
Low calorie, good for teeth, high in fibre and beta-carotene.
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SafeFoodChicken
Lean protein. Avoid bones, skin, and heavy seasoning.
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SafeFoodGreen bean
Low calorie, high fibre — great for weight management.
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SafeFoodPumpkin
Fibre helps with constipation and mild diarrhea. Avoid pie filling (spices + sugar).
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SafeFoodRice
Easy to digest, low fibre. Combines well with plain chicken for bland-diet days.
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SafeFoodTuna
Occasional tuna in water (not brine) is fine for dogs.
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SafeFoodWatermelon
90% water — great summer hydration.
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SafeFoodYogurt
Probiotics can support gut health. Avoid flavoured varieties (sugar, xylitol).
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If your dog has eaten something toxic
- Don't wait for symptoms. Many poisonings are far easier to treat in the first 1–2 hours.
- Don't induce vomiting at home unless a vet tells you to — some substances cause more damage coming back up.
- Bring a sample. For foods: the wrapper, packet, or bottle. For plants: a piece of leaf or stem in a paper bag (not plastic). Your vet needs to know the exact item and dose.
- Call before you drive. The vet can prep emergency treatment and may direct you to the nearest out-of-hours clinic.
This database is a reference, not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control — the call fee is far cheaper than treatment for a missed case.