Items in the home and garden that are poisonous to dogs

As your dog’s companion, you know that keeping them safe and well is a priority. So, you need to be aware of what could be dangerous or harmful to them in and around your house and garden.  

We’re taking a look at the plants, foods and household items that could be hazardous to your pup.  

Know when to take action. If you think your curious companion might’ve eaten something poisonous, speak to your vet right away. 

Home is where you should feel safe and relaxed. And the same goes for that four-legged shadow you share it with. So, it’s important to know which household items should be kept away from them.  

In the kitchen

This guide is concerned with household items, but you can read our advice on foods that are toxic to your dog.

In the cleaning cupboard

Most cleaning products can be poisonous to dogs. So, it’s a good idea to pooch-proof your cleaning cupboard. Don’t take risks. You could look at installing some child locks or storing your cleaning items where your dog can’t reach. 

Bleach

Bleach is poisonous to both dogs and humans. Make sure your bleach is locked away somewhere your dog can’t access.  

Other poisonous items from the cleaning cupboard include dishwasher tablets, salt, kettle descaler, metal polish, detergent, and metal or drain cleaners. This is the same for most cleaning items. So, it’s a good idea as a rule to keep all of them away from your dog. 

Speak to a vet right away if you think your dog has eaten or chewed anything from your cleaning cupboard.

In the medicine cabinet

Many human medicines, and even dog medicines in the wrong quantities, can be poisonous to dogs. Again, it’s sensible keep any medicines locked away from them, or somewhere they can’t get to.  

You might keep some medicines in handbags or pockets, so be extra careful if you do.  

Medicines to always keep away from your dog, unless specifically prescribed by a vet, include:  

• Ibuprofen and similar drugs (including Nurofen, Advil and diclofenac sodium)
• Human oral contraceptives or birth control
• Ventolin inhalers (particularly those with salbutamol)
• Aspirin
• Anti-diarrhoea drugs (particularly loperamide)
• Psoriasis creams (particularly those containing calcipotriene)
• Temazepam
• NSAIDs (e.g. Advil, Aleve, and Motrin)
• Paracetamol / Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)
• Cholesterol lowering agents (e.g. Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor)
• Antidepressants (e.g. Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro)
• ADD / ADHD Medications (e.g. Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin)
• Beta-blockers (e.g. Tenormin, Toprel, Coreg)
• Benzodiazepines and sleep aids (e.g. Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta)
• ACE Inhibitors (e.g. Zestril, Altace)
• Thyroid hormones (e.g. Armour desiccated thyroid, Synthroid).

Indoor plants and flowers

Indoor plants and flowers are great for brightening up the home and giving us an extra oxygen boost. But many of them can be poisonous to your curious canine if they do decide to sample the local flora.  

It’s best to keep any indoor plants out of your pup’s reach. If you think your dog may have eaten or chewed part of a poisonous plant, call your vet right away.

• Devil’s Ivy
• English Ivy
• Laurel
• Mistletoe
• Lavender
• Snake plant / Mother-in-Law Tongue
• Eucalyptus
• Euphorbia
• Geranium
• Aloe Vera
• Peace Lillies
• Dracaena
• Flamingo Plant
• Weeping Fig
• Sago Palm
• Poinsettia
• Swiss Cheese Plant
• Oxalis
• Desert Rose
• Foxtail Fern. 

Elsewhere in the house

Speak to your vet right away if you think your best pal has consumed any of these other poisonous household items: 

• Cannabis
• Batteries
• Wallpaper paste
• Antifreeze.

Some plants found in our gardens are also poisonous to our furry friends. It’s best to avoid planting them or find a way of keeping your dog away. You could install a secure, separating fence that your curious canine can’t get over or under, for example.  

If you think your dog has eaten or chewed a poisonous plant or flower, speak to your vet urgently. 

Garden plants and flowers that could be toxic to your dog include:  

• Ivy
• Chrysanthemums
• Daffodils, especially the bulbs
• Foxgloves
• Hydrangea
• Larkspur
• Tomato plants (green fruit, stems and leaves)
• Wisteria
• Yew
• Aloe vera
• Lantana
• Eucalyptus
• Jasmine*

*(true Jasmine isn’t poisonous, but some plants that are commonly called Jasmine, e.g. Yellow Jessamine and Night-blooming Jessamine).  

• Clematis
• Ragwort
• Conkers and acorns

Check out our advice on the risks of conkers and acorns.  

• Laurel
• Mistletoe
• Lavender
• Rhododendron
• Bamboo (non-true species)
• Iris
• Dianthus
• Delphinium
• Juniper
• Elderberry
• Mother-in-Law Tongue / Snake Plant
• Oxalis
• Desert Rose
• Foxtail Fern.

If you think your dog has eaten anything poisonous from your garden, speak to your vet right away. Your vet will be able to advise whether the amount they’ve eaten is harmful and needs treatment.

The bottom line

Your home is a place of safety and sanctuary for you and your pup. So, it’s important to know which common household or garden items might be harmful to them. 

If you think your dog has eaten or chewed anything poisonous, speak to your vet right away.