Toxicities

This page contains lists of commonly ingested substances/objects.  If you cannot find the item you are looking for, please call your regular veterinary clinic or an emergency clinic for advice ASAP.

Here is a list of common household items that are considered NON-TOXIC to cats and dogs:

• antacids
• bath oils
• birth control pills
• bubble bath
• calamine lotion
• candles
• chalk
• cologne
• cosmetics
• childrens crayons
• deoderants
• Elmers glue
• fabric softener
• glow sticks
• hand lotion/creams
• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• incense
• ink
• iodine
• laxatives
• lubricants
• magic markers
• markers (permanent)
• mineral oil
• modelling clay
• newspaper
• pencil (lead and coloring)
• perfume
• petroleum jelly
• play dough (not homemade)
• rubber cement
• shampoo/conditioner
• shaving cream/lotion
• silica gel packets
• soaps
• suntan lotion
• wallpaper paste
• watercolors

If you have witnessed a toxic substance being ingested, or the substance is suspected to have been ingested within the hour, you may attempt to induce vomiting for dogs (see following list).  Inducing vomiting in cats is extremely difficult and should be done by a veterinary professional.  For all other species, please contact a veterinary clinic that is familiar with that species.  If you notice any of the signs or symptoms provided for the corresponding toxic substance, it is too late to induce vomiting.  See your veterinarian immediately for treatment.

From the following list of substances in which vomiting may be induced, choose which your pet may have ingested and follow the directions:

• Advil (ibuprofen)
• Aleve (naproxen)
• Ant Bait
• Antifreeze
• Aspirin (ASA)
• Chocolate
• Cocaine
• Fertilizers
• Garbage/Mold
• Grapes/Raisins
• Macadamia Nuts
• Marijuana
• Mouse/Rat Bait
• Mushrooms
• Nicotine
• Onion/Garlic
• Plants
• Prescription Medications
• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Xylitol

The following is a list of toxic substances in which inducing vomiting is not recommended.  Vomiting of these substances can cause burns or irritation to the esophagus and mouth:

• acids/alkalis
• bleach
• boric acid
• laundry/dishwasher detergents
• organic solvents/fuels

The following is a list of objects in which inducing vomiting is not recommended. These objects if vomited can become lodged in the esophagus or throat and become a choking hazard:

• any sharp object (glass, metal, plastic)
• batteries
• bones
• diapers
• fabric
• fish hooks
• golf balls
• large dog/kids toys
• needles
• rawhide chews
• razor blades
• string
• super balls
• tennis balls