The Most Common Pet Toxins: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Every year, pet poison control hotlines handle hundreds of thousands of cases, with numbers steadily increasing. In 2023 alone, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled more than 400,000 pet poisoning cases.

The reality? Pet poisoning is alarmingly common, and a handful of toxin categories account for the vast majority of cases.

The Most Common Pet Toxin Categories

Each year, the ASPCA releases a list of the most frequently reported pet toxins based on emergency calls. Here's the breakdown:

1. Human Medications – 29.8% of Cases

Human medications cause the most pet poisonings, making up nearly one-third of all cases.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications (16.8%)

These are the most common culprits for pet poisoning:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – Causes stomach ulcers and kidney damage
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Extremely toxic to cats; damages liver in dogs
• Cold & Allergy Medications – Some contain pseudoephedrine, which can be fatal

Prescription Medications (13%)

While prescribed for humans, these can be deadly to pets if ingested:

• Antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor) – Can cause agitation, tremors, or seizures
• ADHD Medications (Adderall, Ritalin) – Can trigger severe heart problems
• Blood Pressure & Heart Medications – Even small amounts can be dangerous

2. Human Foods (Including Chocolate) – 29.2% of Cases

Not all table scraps are safe. Chocolate alone makes up 13% of poisoning cases, while other toxic foods account for 16.2%.

Chocolate: The #1 Food Toxin

Other Commonly Reported Toxic Foods

• Grapes & Raisins – Can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts
• Xylitol (sugar substitute) – Found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and mints; causes liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar
• Onions & Garlic – Can destroy red blood cells and cause anemia

3. Veterinary Medications – 8.3% of Cases

Ironically, medications meant for pets can also be a leading source of poisoning.

• Flavored chewable meds (calming chews, joint supplements, heartworm preventatives) taste like treats
• If pets gain access, they may consume an entire bottle
• Overdosing, even on safe pet medications, can cause liver or kidney damage

4. Plants & Fungi – 8.1% of Cases

Plants and flowers can look beautiful but be deadly for pets, especially cats.

5. Household Products – 7.1% of Cases

Everyday cleaning products and household chemicals are a major hazard. Even silica packets or oxygen absorbers from snack bags can be toxic.

6. Rodenticides (Rat & Mouse Poison) – 6.5% of Cases

Rodent poisons work because they're lethal, but they're just as dangerous for pets. These are designed to be attractive to animals, making them a serious risk.

7. Insecticides – 3.5% of Cases

Bug sprays, lawn treatments, and ant baits may seem harmless, but some insecticides can be fatal, especially to cats.

8. Recreational Drugs – 2.3% of Cases

With legalized marijuana, THC-related pet poisoning cases have increased 430% since 2019.

Most Common Offenders

• THC Edibles (Brownies, Gummies, Butter) – Dogs love the sweet taste, but THC can cause severe intoxication
• Hallucinogenic Mushrooms – Cases rose 74% in 2023

Venomous Reptile Bites: A Separate but Serious Risk

Snake and lizard bites are not considered toxins but fall under "envenomation." Each year, an estimated 150,000 dogs and cats are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S.

Common Venomous Reptiles

• Snakes: Rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, coral snakes
• Lizards: Gila monsters, Mexican beaded lizards

Emergency Contacts

Protect Your Pet Today

Understanding the most common sources of pet poisoning is the first step in prevention. Remember:

• Nearly 60% of all cases come from just two categories: human medications and human foods
• Chocolate alone accounts for 13% of all poisoning cases
• THC poisoning has increased 430% since 2019
• Even pet medications can be dangerous if overdosed

Use ToxiPets to instantly check if any product, food, or plant is safe for your pet. With over 700,000 items in our database, you'll always have the information you need at your fingertips.