Just like there’s a human poison control hotline, the ASPCA maintains an Animal Poison Control Center.
It’s staffed 24 hours per day, 365 days per year with experts to help owners keep their pets safe. The number to call is (888) 426-4435. Keep reading for some commonly ingested items and what to do.
Plants
Any plant can make your pet sick. But there are some that are not good for any pet to have. If you believe your pet has ingested a poisonous plant, call your vet or the poison control number right away.
Some common toxic plants are:
For dogs: Alocasia (elephant’s ear), amaryllis, American holly, arum lily (calla lily, trumpet lily), begonias, boxwood, caladium, carnations, chrysanthemum, daisies, dracaena, foxgloves, gardenia, garlic, Hawaiian ti (snake plant), hosta, irises, jade plant, kalanchoe (mother-in-law plant), lavender, lemongrass, macadamia nut, marjoram, morning glory, moss rose (wild portulaca, purslane), oleander, oregano, paper whites, peace lily, philodendron, pothos, running myrtle (periwinkle, vinca), sago palm, schefflera (umbrella tree), tarragon, tomato plants, tulip, yucca.
For cats: Alocasia (elephant’s ear), aloe, amaryllis, azalea, bay laurel (sweet bay), begonias, bird of paradise, caladiums, cape jasmine (gardenia), carnations, chamomile, chives, clematis, coleus, coontie palms, daffodils, dahlias, desert rose, dock (sorrel), foxglove, garlic, geranium, heavenly bamboo (nandina), hosta, hydrangea, irises, lavender, lilies, maidens breath (baby’s breath), mint, nasturtium, parsley, peonies, poinsettia, privet, shamrock plant (good luck plant, sorrel), St. John’s wort, tulips, wisteria, yarrow, yew.
These are not comprehensive lists. Visit the ASPCA.org for more information, call your veterinarian or call the poison control hotline.
Household Products
Pets can be harmed by cleaning products, human medications and cosmetics. These include:
Bleach: Clean pet enclosures and habitats with properly diluted bleach solutions, then rinse them and air thoroughly. Follow all label directions for any cleaning products and properly dispose of unused or dirty cleaning solutions and put away rags, mops or other implements out of pets’ reach.
Carpet fresheners and cleaners: These should be OK in pet-friendly households so long as you keep your pet out of contact with these products. Carpet freshener powder may cause sneezing or coughing. Shampoos may irritate skin.
Essential oils: Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils, the ASPCA says, with effects including gastrointestinal upset, nervous system depression or liver damage. Inhalation could lead to aspiration pneumonia in any animal. The ASPCA says it cannot recommend using essential oils in any pet-friendly area.