The main household hazards for dogs and cats are toxic foods (chocolate, onion, grapes, avocado, coffee, alcohol), human medicines (ibuprofen, paracetamol, aspirin), certain plants (lilies, tulips, azalea, poinsettia), Christmas decorations, batteries and electric cables. Never medicate your pet on your own initiative: only a vet can prescribe.
Key facts:
- Toxic foods: chocolate and anything containing it, onion, grapes, avocado, macadamia nuts, coffee, alcohol, yeast.
- Human medicines: ibuprofen, paracetamol and aspirin — never, not crushed, not diluted.
- Plants: tulips, lilies, poinsettia, sago palm, azalea, begonia, daffodil, dieffenbachia.
- Christmas: glass baubles, lights, tinsel and ribbons (intestinal obstruction, especially in cats).
- Others: batteries, electric cables, plastic bags, washing machines and open windows.
- If poisoned: go to the vet immediately; if you can, phone ahead so they are ready.
Pets are curious, and curiosity plus one careless moment is how emergencies happen. The good news is that most of these hazards are neutralised by common sense and a few precautions.
Which foods are toxic to dogs and cats?
The list starts with chocolate and everything containing it — biscuits, cakes, drinks. It also includes onion, alcohol, yeast dough, coffee, macadamia nuts, avocado and grapes (and raisins), among others. Xylitol, the sweetener found in sugar-free gum and many “diet” products, is extremely dangerous to dogs. The simplest way to avoid poisoning is to feed your pet food made for pets.
Can I give my dog ibuprofen or paracetamol?
No. Never. Human medicines — aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen — must not be given to pets, neither crushed nor diluted in water. Vitamin supplements, diet pills and any other medication can also be toxic: keep them in closed containers and out of reach. Only a vet can decide what medication your pet should take.
Which plants are dangerous?
Several species are harmful if eaten: tulips, lilies, poinsettia, sago palm, azalea, begonia, daffodil and dieffenbachia. Lilies are particularly lethal to cats — even pollen brushed onto the coat and then groomed off can cause kidney failure. As a general rule, do not let pets reach houseplants, or the water that collects in the saucer after watering, which can carry bacteria.
What about Christmas decorations?
They make the house beautiful and they are a genuine hazard. Fairy lights and glass baubles can break and cause cuts, or be swallowed and damage the gastrointestinal tract. Ribbons, tinsel and string look like ideal toys, especially to cats, who swallow them and can suffer an intestinal obstruction — linear foreign bodies are among the most dangerous of all. Essential oils and potpourri contain chemicals absorbed rapidly both orally and through the skin, and puppies and kittens are especially sensitive.
What other hazards are there in the house?
Toys with small parts (plastic eyes, squeakers) that can be swallowed. Batteries: if chewed, the liquid causes severe burns, and if swallowed, an obstruction. Electric cables: puppies, kittens and above all rabbits love to gnaw them. Plastic bags: a suffocation risk. Washing machines and tumble dryers: keep the door shut and always check the drum before switching on — cats sleep in them. Doors and windows: never leave them open; a cat can walk the ledge, slip through the railings and fall.
And outdoors?
Fertilisers smell attractive to pets and can be fatal if eaten. Keep animals away from salts and antifreeze — antifreeze is sweet, and it destroys the kidneys. Do not leave rubbish bags within reach. And be careful with insecticides: ask your vet which are safe to use around animals.
What do I do if my pet is poisoned?
Go to the veterinary clinic immediately. If you can, phone ahead so they are prepared. Do not try to make the animal vomit on your own initiative and do not give home remedies — with some substances, vomiting causes further damage on the way back up. Take the packaging of whatever was eaten with you: knowing the exact substance changes the treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What foods can a dog not eat?
Chocolate, onion, grapes and raisins, avocado, macadamia nuts, coffee, alcohol, yeast dough and xylitol, among others.
Can I give my dog or cat paracetamol or ibuprofen?
No. Human medicines are toxic to them. Only a vet can prescribe their medication.
Which plants are toxic to cats?
Lilies (extremely dangerous), tulips, azalea, poinsettia, sago palm, begonia, daffodil and dieffenbachia, among others.
What should I do if my pet is poisoned?
Go to the vet at once and, if possible, phone ahead. Take the packaging of whatever was eaten.
Poisoning and intestinal obstruction mean emergency care, tests and sometimes surgery. Petplan España (Petplan Ibérica, S.L.) reimburses 100% of the vet bill up to €3,100 a year, with a €45 excess, at any vet you choose. See the policy terms.
