Some household products that are harmless to humans can actually be very dangerous for dogs. Due to differences in a dog’s metabolism, genetics, and digestive enzymes, ordinary things like chocolate or toothpaste can be poisonous. Other things like medications, flowers, household cleaners, and batteries can also warrant a trip to the emergency vet if your dog ends up swallowing them.
We aren’t trying to scare you, but having an idea of which items around your home can be harmful will help you keep your dog safe.
Six Things Around the House That Dogs Should Never Eat
1: Some Types of Food
Quite a few common foods (like onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, and sugar-free candy) can be harmful. And drinks containing caffeine or alcohol can be dangerous as well. These things can cause vomiting and diarrhea or even an allergic response. This is why it is important to only feed your dog food that is meant for them and avoid table scraps.
2: Toothpaste and Gum
It is extremely important to keep anything with xylitol far away from your dog. This artificial sweetener is usually found in toothpaste, candy, and gum. It’s perfectly safe for people, but it can be deadly for dogs because it makes their blood sugar drop so quickly.
3: Medications
Never give your dog any medications meant for people. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), NSAIDs (Advil), antidepressants and ADHD medications might ease your pain or get through the day, but they can kill your dog. Dogs lack the enzymes necessary to break down and metabolize these drugs. Ingesting them can cause problems like liver failure, irregular heart rates, gastrointestinal damage, and even death.
4: Cannabis or Nicotine
Marijuana toxicity in dogs is rarely fatal but can be extremely dangerous depending on the amount they ingest. Because of dogs’ high sensitivity to THC, feeling high can be extremely distressing to them and their systems. Because dogs have more of THC receptors in their brains than we do, their symptoms could last days, and they may need interventions like breathing support or seizure prevention. Failure to seek help could lead to lasting damage or even death.
Nicotine can be even more dangerous. It can make their heart rate and blood pressure so high that they have difficulty breathing and even collapse. Many of the symptoms can become fatal within hours.
5: Cleaners and Household Chemicals
Many common cleaners like bleach, laundry detergent, bathroom sprays, etc. contain ingredients that are deadly to dogs. Look for pet-safe varieties when you’re shopping, and keep cleaning supplies shut in a closet or cupboard that your pet can’t open.
Some of the things in your garage (like antifreeze, pesticides, insecticides and rodent poisons) can be deadly as well. Always keep these items locked away and well out of reach of children and pets.
6: Garden Plants
Before planting gardens that your dog has access to, make sure none of the plants are toxic. Flowers like lilies, hyacinths, tulips, and many others can be dangerous. This is also why it is important to keep your dog out of other people’s gardens. Besides being a good neighbor, keeping your dog away from flower gardens will keep them from tasting something dangerous.
How to Prevent Pet Poisoning
While throwing out everything that might be toxic isn’t a reasonable option, keeping everything out of reach of digging paws and curious chewers is.
Here are some tips for storing these items safely:
- Remove dangerous items from counters and surfaces.
- Get cabinet locks if you have a particularly smart pup.
- Use trash cans with lids (or even locks) for garbage diggers.
- Switch cleaning products to pet-safe alternatives.
- Avoid feeding table scraps to dogs, and don’t let your guests feed them, either.
- Train your dog to “drop” items on command.
- Keep your dog leashed on walks (which is a law in Maricopa County) to keep them out of alley trash and other people’s gardens.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something They Shouldn’t
If your dog eats something that is dangerous, the first thing you should do is contact your veterinarian. They will let you know what to do next.
Be sure to have some basic information ready, like:
- What your dog ate
- How much they ate
- When they ate it
- How much your dog weighs
- Any medical issues they may have
Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we’ll take the very best care of your pet, no matter what. If you think your dog ate something they shouldn’t have, call us to ask our advice. We’ll let you know if you need to bring them in for an urgent appointment. But if it’s after hours, please call the Pet Poison Helpline or go to the nearest emergency vet.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/14/2026). Photo by fatty corgi on Unsplash.