Toxic Food and Plants: What Have You Got In Your Mouth?!
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common foods and plants that are toxic for dogs and cats.
For a more comprehensive list and free advice regarding toxicity, visit the Australian Animal Poisons Hotline
What To Do If They Eat Something Toxic
The required treatment or preventative measures will depend on what and when they ate a potentially toxic food or plant. If they have eaten it recently, they may be given medication to induce vomiting.
Treatment also depends on the symptoms they are displaying. Symptoms can vary in severity, ranging from a rash, vomiting, and diarrhoea to death.
If you notice that they have eaten something they shouldn’t, or if they seem unwell, contact your vet for further instructions. Visit Emergency Vets to find your closest emergency vet in Adelaide.
Emergency App
We recommend downloading the ‘First Aid for Pets’ app. It provides a comprehensive list of toxic substances and guidance on how to respond if you suspect your pet has ingested them.
The app also offers first aid advice for various illnesses and injuries, as well as links to 24/7 emergency vet clinics.
Toxic Food & Human Products
- Alcohol
- Avocado
- Anti-Inflammatories (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen)
- Caffeine
- Citrus fruits
- Chocolate
- Cows milk
- Grapes (which include sultanas, currants, raisins & fruit cake)
- Macadamia nuts
- Marijuana
- Nicotine (including vapes/e-cigarettes)
- Wild mushrooms
- Stone fruit pips
- Onion and garlic
- Chives and leeks
- Xylitol (sweetener)
- Yeast dough
Toxic Plants
- Aloe vera
- Angels Trumpet
- Asparagus Fern
- Azalea
- Baby’s breath
- Begonia
- Buttercup (Ranunculus)
- Carnations
- Chrysanthemum
- Cycads
- Cyclamen
- Daffodil
- Dumbcane and Elephant’s Ear
- Gladiola
- Ivy
- Lilies
- Milkweed
- Monstera deliciosa
- Oleander
- Paspalum
- Poinsettia
- Sago Palm/Japanese fern
- Tomato plant
- Wandering Jew
- Wild mushrooms
- White Ced
- Wisteria
Be Prepared
- Keep all toxic foods out of reach: Store chocolate, grapes, raisins, hot cross buns, xylitol products, and macadamia nuts in secure containers and out of reach of dogs and cats
- Remove toxic plants: Get rid of toxic plants or fence them off
- Educate your family and guests: Inform visitors about the dangers of feeding pets potentially toxic foods
- Know who can help: Keep the contact details and opening times of an urgent veterinary clinic handy. We created a list of the designated emergency veterinary clinics in Adelaide. Visit Emergency Vets to find your closest location.