4 min read • By Wyatt West, Timberdog Staff Writer & Outdoor Fiend
We love our dogs like family—because they are family. They’re the first ones to greet us when we walk through the door, the last ones to judge us when we eat ice cream straight from the carton, and the best adventure buddies we could ask for. But for all their loyalty, love, and hilariously bad decision-making skills (like rolling in who-knows-what on your walks), dogs aren’t always the best at knowing what’s safe to eat.
The truth is, our world is filled with things that are harmless to us but dangerously toxic to them. Some are obvious—like antifreeze or rat poison—but others? Not so much. Some of the most common household foods, plants, and medications can pose a serious risk to your dog, and it’s our job to keep them safe.
So, let’s talk about what’s out there, how to recognize the signs of poisoning, and what to do if your pup gets into something they shouldn’t.
Household Foods That Can Harm Your Dog
It’s hard to resist those pleading eyes when you’re snacking on the couch, but not everything on your plate is safe to share. Some foods can make your dog mildly sick, while others can be downright deadly.
- Chocolate – Most people know this one, but it’s worth repeating. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, seizures, or worse.
- Grapes & Raisins – No one really knows why these are toxic to dogs, but they can cause kidney failure—even in tiny amounts.
- Onions & Garlic – These might add flavor to your dinner, but they destroy a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Xylitol – This sneaky sweetener is found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and even some toothpaste. It can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure.
- Alcohol & Caffeine – Dogs don’t need a morning latte or a nightcap. Both can cause serious health issues, from tremors to heart failure.
Dangerous Household & Outdoor Plants
Whether you have a houseplant obsession or a backyard full of greenery, you might be unknowingly keeping plants that are poisonous to dogs.
- Lilies – While they’re mostly dangerous for cats, some lilies can also be harmful to dogs. Better safe than sorry.
- Azaleas & Rhododendrons – Beautiful but toxic, these can cause vomiting, weakness, and even heart issues.
- Sago Palms – Every part of this plant is poisonous, but the seeds are the most dangerous. Even a small amount can cause liver failure.
- Mushrooms – While some wild mushrooms are harmless, others can be extremely toxic. Unless you're a mushroom expert, it's best to keep your pup away from them entirely.
Medications: Good for You, Bad for Them
Most of us keep some kind of medication in the house—pain relievers, antidepressants, allergy meds, the works. But what helps us feel better can be extremely dangerous for dogs.
- Ibuprofen & Acetaminophen – These common pain relievers can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and liver damage in dogs.
- Antidepressants – Some can cause tremors, lethargy, or even serotonin syndrome, which is life-threatening.
- Sleep Aids & Anxiety Meds – What helps you relax could cause extreme sedation or agitation in your dog.
Even dog-safe medications should only be given under a vet’s guidance. Never assume a human dose translates to a dog-friendly one.
Signs Your Dog Might Have Been Poisoned
Dogs don’t always let us know when something’s wrong, but there are some telltale signs that they’ve eaten something toxic:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Seizures or tremors
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of coordination
- Pale or yellow gums
If you notice any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately. Time is critical when it comes to poisoning, and early intervention could save your dog’s life.
Here is a more in-depth blog post on how to tell when your dog is sick.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Poisonous
First off, don’t panic—but don’t wait, either.
- Identify what they ate. If you can, figure out exactly what and how much your dog ingested. This will help your vet determine the best course of action.
- Call your vet or a pet poison hotline. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) are available 24/7.
- Follow their advice. You might be told to bring your dog in immediately, induce vomiting, or monitor them at home. But never try home remedies without guidance—some can make things worse.
Keeping Your Dog Safe
We can’t control everything our dogs get into, but we can be proactive.
- Store food and medications out of reach. A sealed container on a high shelf is safer than a loosely closed bag on the counter.
- Be mindful of plants in your home and yard. If in doubt, check the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants before bringing new greenery into your space.
- Watch out on walks. Keep an eye out for dropped food, toxic mushrooms, or anything suspicious your dog might try to eat.
- Train a strong “leave it” command. This can be a lifesaver if your pup goes for something dangerous.
- Keep a hawk eye on your dog when he's off-leash. Dogs are opportunistic creatures and will try to get away with eating what they want - even if they know you don't approve. If they don't have strong recall or "leave it" skills, do not let them go far when they're off leash.
At the end of the day, our dogs rely on us to keep them safe. They trust us with everything—from belly rubs to meal times—and in return, they give us their whole hearts. The least we can do is make sure they live the happiest, healthiest lives possible.
Because let’s be real—life without their goofy grins, wagging tails, and unconditional love wouldn’t be half as good.
Photo credit: Helena Lopes