Protect Your Pets From the Most Common Dangers
Some are more obvious than others, but having awareness of the common pet dangers out there will help towards keeping your pets as safe as possible.

Adders
Adders are the only venomous snake in the UK. They become active in the warmer months, following a winter hibernating. Pets are usually bitten on the legs, head or neck.
Adder bites can result in rapid, painful swelling and bruising. You may also be able to identify two small puncture holes in the centre of the swelling. If your pet has been bitten on their leg, they may also become lame. Bites can be ‘dry’ (no venom injected) or venomous. If the bite is venomous, additional signs may be experienced; lethargy, vomiting, panting, collapse, pale gums, drooling, bleeding, abnormal heart rhythm and kidney problems.
Most dogs will make a quick and complete recovery, provided they are treated promptly, so don’t delay in seeking veterinary advice!

Alcohol
Cats and dogs are much more sensitive to alcohol than humans are, and can be readily poisoned by ingesting alcoholic drinks or liquor chocolates. Pets can even suffer alcohol poisoning by ingestion of unfermented yeast products (commonly unbaked bread dough) – as the yeast ferments in the warm environment of their stomach, the alcohol created by the process passes quickly into their blood stream resulting in alcohol poisoning.
Always consult your vet as soon as possible if you think your pet has ingested anything that they shouldn’t have.

Anti-freeze
Antifreeze contains the substance Ethylene glycol. The same substance is also found in radiator coolant, motor oils, hydraulic brake fluid, paints, solvents and photography developing solutions.
As little as 1 tablespoon is enough to cause kidney failure in a dog or as little as 1 teaspoon is enough to kill a cat.
You must take your pet to the vet immediately if you think they might have ingested anti-freeze. If you leave it too long, it may be too late.
Your vet only has a short, limited time frame to try to minimise the absorption of poisons before they can cause harm and so an immediate appointment is essential and potentially life-saving.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Batteries
Batteries can pose a risk to pets in a number of ways. Pets may be attracted to their shiny nature and chew or even swallow them. If swallowed without being chewed they may pass through without causing harm if small enough, however larger batteries may be enough to cause gastrointestinal obstruction in smaller pets.
Depending on the type of battery, severe burns and gastrointestinal damage can occur very rapidly.
If you suspect a battery has been ingested by your pet you must seek veterinary attention immediately and note down the type of battery involved (take in an example if possible).
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Bulbs (plant bulbs)
Did you know that spring bulbs can be harmful to our pets? Plants to look out for include; snowdrops, bluebells, daffodils (narcissus), hyacinths, tulips, irises and crocuses.
Plant bulbs contain irritant chemicals called alkaloids, which can be toxic to your pet. The chemicals are most concentrated in the bulb of the plant, however particularly for some plants (such as daffodils), ingesting any part of the plant can be harmful.
The severity of toxicity depends on both the type of plant ingested and the quantity, therefore it is useful to identify what plant your pet may have eaten and how much. This is why it is reccomended to take photos or samples along to your vet.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Cannabis
Cannabinoid Toxicity can occur via ingestion or inhalation – with common sources including supplements, vape oils, smoke, dried plant goods or baked goods.
The risk with baked goods is further increased as they often contain other toxins such as chocolate, xylitol or raisins.
You might be reluctant to tell your vet what you think your dog might have eaten – but they really need to know exactly what it was in order to treat them promtly and properly!
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Chocolate
The higher the cocoa content, the more toxic the chocolate. Therefore darker chocolate and better quality chocolate are most toxic.
Did you know that some good quality milk chocolate can be up to 65% cocoa? That’s higher than some dark chocolate!
Chocolate contains substances called methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine), which are extremely toxic to our pets. Their bodies can’t deal with them the same as ours can which is why you should never give your pet access to chocolate.
Always consult your vet as soon as possible if you think your pet has ingested anything that they shouldn’t have.
Your vet only has a short, limited time frame to try to minimise the absorption of poisons before they can cause harm and so an immediate appointment is essential and potentially life-saving.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Christmas decorations
Whilst Christmas decorations are pretty to look at they can pose a risk for inquisitive pets wanting to play. The common festive culprits to watch out for are:
- Tinsel – shiny and attractive to pets, especially cats! If ingested it can cause severe blockages and damage in the intestine, requiring surgical removal.
- Baubles – dogs and cats may think they are fun toys to play with, however if they smash in their mouths they can cause severe cuts. Ingested whole they can cause gastrointestinal blockage
- Fairy lights – if chewed can cause electrocution. House rabbits and puppies in particular are often inquisitive and active chewers so keep fairly lights out of reach
- Pine cones – can cause damage to the mouth if chewed and gastrointestinal obstruction
- Christmas plants – see Plants & flower section.

Cigarettes and vapes
Cigarettes, E-cigarettes and vapes and their refills contain nicotine (which is toxic to pets) and can cause nicotine poisoning in pets if chewed and/or eaten.
One e-cig can contain as much nicotine as more than one pack of cigarettes and the variety of flavours they are now available in make them even more interesting to our inquisitive pets.
As the popularity of these devices has increased, unfortunately so has the reported incidence of accidental poisoning in our pets.
Always consult your vet as soon as possible if you think your pet has ingested anything that they shouldn’t have.
Your vet only has a short, limited time frame to try to minimise the absorption of poisons before they can cause harm and so an immediate appointment is essential and potentially life-saving.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Fertilisers, weed and moss killers
Before reaching for lawn fertilisers, weed and moss killers, it is important to consider the safety of using these products around our pets.
There are lots different chemicals used in herbicides which can be harmful to your pet. Common compounds include; glyphosate, surfactants, fatty acids and ferrous sulphate. In order to provide a convenient, multipurpose product, some manufacturers will often include several active ingredients.
Your pet could be exposed through ingestion (eating treated grass or licking paws after walking on treated areas), inhalation (if sprays used) or through contact with their skin.
Always consult your vet as soon as possible if you think your pet has ingested anything that they shouldn’t have.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas
No one has yet discovered the specific mechanism of poisoning but we do know that they can cause acute kidney failure in some dogs.
The toxic ‘dose’ has not been determined as it is unpredictable – for those dogs affected some may need to eat only a few grapes (or their dried fruits) to be affected, whereas some dogs have a higher tolerance. Also, just because your dog may have once eaten grapes before and been fine, if they ingest them again in the future this may not be the case so it is always best to act with caution and seek veterinary attention whenever ingestion occurs.
Contact your vet immediately and make an emergency appointment, no matter what time of day.
Your vet only has a short, limited time frame to try to minimise the absorption of poisons before they can cause harm and so an immediate appointment is essential and potentially life-saving.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Homemade playdough or salt dough
The main ingredients are salt and food colouring. If a dog or cat accidentally eats it, they can suffer from salt poisoning.
Symptoms can range from vomiting through to seizures, coma and death.
Always consult your vet as soon as possible if you think your pet has ingested anything that they shouldn’t have.
Your vet only has a short, limited time frame to try to minimise the absorption of poisons before they can cause harm and so an immediate appointment is essential and potentially life-saving.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Household cleaners
Keep all cleaning products out of the reach and sight of small hands and paws.
Kinds of products to look out for include:
- Laundry cleaning liquids and pods
- Dishwasher liquids and pods
- Toilet, drain, oven cleaners
- Bleach
- Spray cleaners
- Disinfectants
- Limescale removers
Always consult your vet as soon as possible if you think your pet has ingested anything that they shouldn’t have.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Human medication
Human medication is the biggest reported cause of accidental poisoning in dogs and cats.
Dogs and cats are much smaller than us, so an overdose is easier. Dogs can also often chew ‘whole packets’ of medication, absorbing dangerously high doses. In addition, many medicines which may help us, are actually toxic to dogs and cats to begin with. For example did you know that paracetamol is deadly to cats?
Never give your pet human medication on purpose as their body systems are very different to ours, whilst you may be trying to help, you could actually cause serious harm. Medicines for pets are very specific and unlike ours, the dose is tailored very accurately to their weight in Kg.
If you suspect your pet has ingested any you must take your pet to the vet immediately and bring the medical packaging with you, so that the vet can give appropriate treatment.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Mouldy food
Mouldy food can be toxic and even deadly to dogs and cats. When eaten, mouldy food can poison your pet due to mycotoxins that are present in mould.
Always keep bins secured and compost heaps out of the way of your pets. If your dog is a scavenger take extra care on walks in case of discarded food or overturned bins. Even licking the inside of bins that have a coating of mould is dangerous and has led to deaths.
If you think your pet has eaten mouldby food, contact your vet immediately and make an emergency appointment, no matter what time of day.
Your vet only has a short, limited time frame to try to minimise the absorption of poisons before they can cause harm and so an immediate appointment is essential and potentially life-saving.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Onions and garlic
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives are actually poisonous to dogs and cats. When eaten in moderate amounts or routinely, these foods actually cause problems with blood cells and anaemia (low red blood cells).
If your pet gets to a pan cooking these substances it could result in poisoning. Garlic pills and powders should be avoided for the same reason, and specialist pet poison centres recommend that you not give these products. Certain breeds of dogs (e.g. Japanese breeds such as the Akita, Shiba Inu etc) and cats are EVEN MORE susceptible to onion and garlic poisoning.
Always consult your vet as soon as possible if you think your pet has ingested anything that they shouldn’t have.
Your vet only has a short, limited time frame to try to minimise the absorption of poisons before they can cause harm and so an immediate appointment is essential and potentially life-saving.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Plants and flowers
Many indoor and outdoor plants can be poisonous to pets if eaten. Inquisitive pets can chew or swallow flowers, pollen, leaves, roots or bulbs and then become poisoned. Please see a list of plants and flowers that may be toxic to dogs and cats below. It is always a good idea to check with your garden centre or florist before purchasing plants or flowers to check that they are pet safe.
Lilies, in particular, are extremely toxic to cats. They often become poisoned by grooming the pollen from their coat if they accidentally brush against the flowers. However, any part of the plant if ingested can cause rapid and fatal kidney failure so it is not worth the risk of having them in your home if you own cats.
Always consult your vet as soon as possible if you think your pet has ingested anything that they shouldn’t have.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Mouse and rat poison
The most commonly used class of rat poison in the UK is what is called an ‘anticoagulant’ poison (this article refers to this type of poison only). It stops the blood from clotting and causes the rat to bleed to death. Unfortunately, the same symptoms can occur in any animal that eats it.
Rat poisoning can be treated – but you must act immediately!
If you get to the vet quick enough, there is an antidote- which will need to be given for as long as the poison remains in the body.
If you get to the vet very quickly he or she may even be able to make your dog vomit as much of the poison out as possible, before it can all be absorbed.
Success depends on prompt treatment, as if an animal is bleeding severely there is only so much that can be done to save them.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Slug pellets
Slug bait is highly poisonous to dogs and cats.
Slug bait is commonly found as pellets, liquid or powder and contains the toxic ingredient ‘metaldehyde’. It is often also sweetened which makes it attractive to our pets.
Metaldehyde is converted to a product in the body called acetaldehyde which has effects on the nervous system.
Symptoms can occur within minutes to hours after ingestion.
Always consult your vet as soon as possible if you think your pet has ingested anything that they shouldn’t have.
Your vet only has a short, limited time frame to try to minimise the absorption of poisons before they can cause harm and so an immediate appointment is essential and potentially life-saving.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.

Xylitol
Xylitol (also known as E number E967) is highly poisonous to dogs.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many substances.
Smaller doses can cause a sudden, life threatening drop in blood sugar within minutes of ingestion.
Larger dose can cause severe damage to the liver and liver failure.
Always consult your vet as soon as possible if you think your pet has ingested anything that they shouldn’t have.
Your vet only has a short, limited time frame to try to minimise the absorption of poisons before they can cause harm and so an immediate appointment is essential and potentially life-saving.
Find out what to do if you suspect your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have here.