17 Household Items That Are Poisonous to Dogs

Dogs are famous for their sense of smell, and they’re happy to use this superpower to investigate everything in your home. Unfortunately, many common items we have around the house and out in the garden can be poisonous to dogs. 

Below, we’ll take a look at common household items that are poisonous to dogs. But in the meantime, call a pet poison hotline or take your dog to an emergency animal hospital right away if you think they ate something poisonous.

1. Antifreeze

Antifreeze — also called coolant — helps your car’s radiator run well. But it’s incredibly toxic to dogs (and cats). It takes only 3 to 4 tsp of antifreeze to kill a dog. 

Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste. Be on the lookout for ethylene glycol in some other car products, such as transmission or brake fluids.

Dogs who consume antifreeze will develop symptoms right away. These symptoms can include:

• Vomiting

• Drinking more than usual

• Increased urination

• Depression

• Lack of coordination

• Loss of appetite

• Seizures

Within 36 to 72 hours, dogs who ingest antifreeze will develop kidney failure. So if you suspect your dog got into antifreeze, get them emergency help right away. 

2. Pesticides and insecticides

Household pesticides and insecticides are poisonous to dogs, including:

• Insect traps and bait

• Bug sprays

• Pest fogs

• Snail and slug baits

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Skip these foods: Your pup may love to taste what you’re having for dinner. But keep them away from these foods, which are poisonous to dogs.

• Pet poison hotlines: Bookmark this link, which includes the phone numbers for two pet poison hotlines you can call if your dog ate something toxic.

• Scented candle safety: Scented candles make your house smell nice, but they can be a safety hazard to dogs. Learn safe candle practices for dog owners.

Products designed to get rid of pests contain chemicals such as metaldehyde, carbamate, or organophosphates such as disulfoton. These chemicals can lead to serious illness in dogs. 

For example, metaldehyde poisoning can cause:

• Anxiety

• Wobbly gait

• Panting

• Salivating more than usual

• Increased heart rate

• Rapid eye movements

• Dilated pupils

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Severe hyperthermia (overheating)

If you need to get rid of pests or bugs, check for products that are labeled as pet-safe. You can also use the Pet Poison Helpline’s searchable poison database to check the ingredients of a product before using it.

3. Mosquito repellent

Be careful which mosquito repellent you use on your dog. Repellents that aren’t made specifically for dogs can be poisonous to them. 

For example, DEET is a common ingredient in insect and bug sprays for people. But DEET is toxic to dogs and can lead to: 

• Vomiting

• Disorientation

• Drunken or wobbly gait

• Tremors

• Seizures

If your dog gets DEET in their eyes, it can cause conjunctivitis, ulcers on their corneas, and eye inflammation. When dogs inhale DEET, it causes their airways to become inflamed, and your pup may feel like they can’t get enough air in their lungs.

4. Rat poison

Rats are a problem pest, but most rat poisons will also poison your dog (or any mammal). There are three common types of rat poisons, also called rodenticides, and all of them are dangerous. 

Rodenticide poisoning can damage your dog’s central nervous system and lead to other serious or life-threatening symptoms. If your dog has ingested or come into contact with rat poison, it’s an emergency. Get your pup to an emergency veterinary clinic and call a pet poison hotline as soon as possible.

5. Fertilizer

Dogs may find fertilizers tasty, because they can contain bits of food such as corn or bone meal. But it’s best to keep your pup out of the fertilizer. Fertilizer may contain substances such as iron or nitrogen, as well as other harmful chemicals that are toxic to dogs.

Signs of fertilizer poisoning include:

• Vomiting

• Upset stomach

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Drooling

• Trouble breathing

6. Laundry detergent

Laundry detergent and laundry pods are poisonous to dogs because of the chemicals they contain. Laundry detergent can cause uncomfortable symptoms for your pup, including:

• Upset stomach

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

If your dog eats a laundry pod, they can also experience irritation in their mouth and throat.

7. Fabric softener sheets

Dryer or fabric softener sheets can also harm dogs. Fabric softener sheets may contain cationic detergents. These chemicals can burn your dog’s mouth, throat, and stomach. They can also cause ulcers.

8. Bleach

It may come as no surprise that bleach is toxic to dogs. When diluted or a lower pH concentration, bleach causes milder symptoms such as:

• Eye irritation

• Skin irritation

• Burns in the mouth or throat

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Weight loss

• Lack of energy

• Salivating more than usual

But undiluted bleach or bleach with a pH over 11 can severely damage your dog’s digestive system. And if inhaled, bleach can make your dog:

• Cough

• Sneeze

• Retch

• Gag

Keep in mind that bleach isn’t just found in your laundry room. Pool sanitizers often contain chlorine bleach. Some household cleaners, especially for the bathroom, also contain bleach.

9. Mothballs

Mothballs contain chemicals designed to release slowly, which helps keep moths away. However, mothballs in any form should be kept far away from your dog. The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to dogs and, when ingested, can lead to:

• Vomiting

• Weakness

• Trouble breathing

• Lack of energy

• Brown or light-colored gums

• Breath that smells like mothballs

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Liver failure

• Kidney failure

10. OTC and prescription medications

Medications for humans — both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications — are toxic to dogs. For example, popular OTC painkillers such as ibuprofen and Tylenol can cause serious harm to dogs. Human antidepressants are another common medication that leads to poisoning in dogs.

Every medication will cause different poisoning symptoms in dogs. But as an example, symptoms of OTC painkiller poisoning in dogs include:

• Diarrhea that may be bloody

• Vomiting 

• Weight loss

• Lack of energy

• Liver failure

• Kidney failure

Human OTC and prescription medications rank among the top reasons for calls to the ASPCA pet poison hotline. Do not give your dog any medication made for humans. Always talk to your veterinarian first to keep your dog safe.

11. Products containing xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many food products, from chocolate to some peanut butters. It can also be found in a surprising number of other household items. And it’s highly toxic to dogs. 

The following products may contain xylitol and should be kept out of paw’s reach:

• Toothpaste

• Mouthwash

• OTC medications

• Cough syrup

• Vitamins

• Supplements

• Chewing gum

• Breath mints

12. Makeup

Think twice before treating your dog to a makeover. Many makeup products can trigger mild digestive upset in dogs. This is especially true of products with moisturizers, which act as laxatives to dogs. 

Examples of cosmetics that can cause these symptoms include:

• Lipstick

• Lip gloss

• Eye shadow

• Mascara

• Blush 

• Foundation

Any of these items can also get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract if eaten. So it’s best to store makeup where your dog can’t reach it.

13. Essential oils

Many essential oils are poisonous to dogs. Tea tree oil is one of the most dangerous for dogs. Just 7 to 8 drops of 100% concentrated tea tree oil on a dog’s skin can kill them. 

Other essential oils that are toxic to dogs include: 

• Cinnamon

• Eucalyptus

• Pine

• Sweet birch

• Pennyroyal

• Wintergreen

• Oregano

• Tarragon

• Ylang ylang

Keep in mind that essential oils can be found in a variety of products. These can include:

• Scented candles

• Soaps, shampoos, and other scented bath products

• Bug repellents 

• Cleaning products

14. Cannabis containing THC

Keep your cannabis away from your pup, because cannabis with THC is poisonous to dogs. Signs of THC poisoning in dogs include:

• Salivating more than usual

• Vomiting

• Being unable to hold their pee

• Depression

• Dilated pupils

• Tremors

• Hypothermia (low body temperature)

• Low heart rate

Higher doses of cannabis with THC can cause additional, more severe symptoms. In a few cases, dogs who consumed THC have died.

Some cannabis products are safe for dogs, as long as they don’t contain THC. If you want to try giving your dog CBD, look for products labeled specifically for dogs. It’s also best to speak with your dog’s veterinarian before trying CBD.

15. Tobacco and nicotine

Cigarettes, vapes, and other products that contain tobacco or nicotine are toxic to dogs. Nicotine is very poisonous to dogs, and dogs who ingest it can die without treatment. Keep in mind that all tobacco has nicotine in it. Nicotine comes in many forms other than cigarettes, including vapes, patches, and gums. 

Dogs who ingest nicotine will usually show poisoning symptoms within 1 hour. Signs of nicotine poisoning in dogs include:

• Hallucinations

• Excitability

• Tremors

• Salivating more than usual

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Rapid and shallow breathing

16. Playdough

Playdough — whether bought from a store (Play-Doh) or made at home — is no fun for dogs. In fact, playdough is toxic to dogs. Playdough is a salt-based dough, and dogs who eat it may develop salt poisoning. It takes less than 1 oz of playdough to cause symptoms in a 20-lb dog. 

Symptoms of salt poisoning in dogs include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Coma

• Death

17. Firestarter logs

Firestarter logs may make it easier to get a warm fire started. But if you have a dog, it’s best to be cautious about keeping these items in your home, because they are toxic to dogs. 

Sold under common names such as Duraflame, firestarter logs are made of wax and compressed sawdust. They can also contain heavy metals that will make your dog sick. The log can also be a choking hazard if your dog tries to eat it.

What should you do if you think your dog has been poisoned?

If you think your dog consumed something poisonous, call a pet poison hotline or take them to an emergency animal clinic right away. 

There are two pet poison hotlines you can call. Both charge a consultation fee for advice. Here are their phone numbers:

• Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435

Do not try to make your dog throw up or try to treat them at home. A veterinarian can give you the correct guidance on how to keep your pet safe. 

Frequently asked questions

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts