The Most Common Pet Toxin Categories—And How to Keep Your Pet Safe

Written by ToxiPets for Odie Pet Insurance

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. More than 96% of all poisoning cases fall into these major categories:

1. (29.8%) Human Medications (OTC & Prescription)
   • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications – 16.8%
   • Prescription Medications – 13%
2. (29.2%) Human Foods (Including Chocolate)
   • Chocolate alone accounts for 13% of all cases, nearly half of this category.
3. (8.3%) Veterinary Products
4. (8.1%) Plants and Fungi
5. (7.1%) Household Products
6. (6.5%) Rodenticides (Rat & Mouse Poison)
7. (3.5%) Insecticides
8. (2.3%) Recreational Drugs (Marijuana, Mushrooms, etc.)

1. Human Medications (OTC & Prescription) – 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. Examples include:

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

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 in pets.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Medications – Even small amounts can be dangerous.

How to prevent it:

• Keep all medications (human and pet) locked away.
• Never leave pills on counters, nightstands, or in purses.
• If you drop a pill, pick it up immediately.

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%.

Commonly Reported Toxic Foods:

• Chocolate – Contains theobromine & caffeine, which dogs can’t metabolize.
  • Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
  • APCC receives 103 chocolate poisoning calls per day.
  • Cases spike around holidays (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day).
• Grapes & Raisins – Can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts.
• Xylitol (sugar substitute) – Found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and mints; can cause liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar.
• Onions & Garlic – Can destroy red blood cells and cause anemia.

How to prevent it:

• Keep toxic foods out of reach.
• Never assume a “small bite” is safe.
• Teach family members (especially kids) to avoid feeding pets from their plates.

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.

How to prevent it:

• Store all pet meds securely, just like human meds.
• Measure doses carefully and never estimate.

4. Plants & Fungi – 8.1% of Cases

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

• Lilies – Extremely toxic to cats, even small amounts can cause kidney failure.
• Sago Palms – Deadly to both dogs and cats; seeds are the most toxic part.
• Tulips & Daffodil Bulbs – Can cause vomiting, drooling, and even heart issues.

How to prevent it:

• Research pet-safe plants before bringing them home.
• Keep toxic plants out of reach or choose non-toxic alternatives.

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.

How to prevent it:

• Store cleaning supplies securely.
• Keep batteries out of reach, as they can cause severe burns.

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

Rodent poisons work because they’re lethal, but they’re just as dangerous for pets.

How to prevent it:

• Keep all rodenticides out of reach of pets.
• If a pet ingests rodenticide, seek immediate veterinary help.

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.

How to prevent it:

• Use pet-safe pest control products whenever possible.
• Keep pets off freshly treated lawns until dry.

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.

How to prevent it:

• Keep all edibles locked away.
• Be mindful of guest belongings, as a friend’s bag might contain THC gummies.

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

Prevention:

• Avoid tall grass and rocky areas where snakes may hide.
• Train dogs with snake avoidance programs in high-risk regions.

The Bottom Line: Prevention is Key

While many potential toxins exist, these major categories account for over 96% of poison control calls. The good news? Most pet poisonings are preventable.

Looking for an easy way to check if something is toxic for your pet? Download the ToxiPets app!  Our scanner helps you identify pet toxins instantly so you can protect your furry friend with confidence.