Common Toxins and Senior Pets

If you think your pet has ingested a toxin please call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Help Line at (888)426-4435.

Although your senior pet is no longer a mischievous puppy or kitten, they still investigate their environment with their nose and mouth and may encounter a pet toxin that is too tempting to pass up. Toxicity in your senior pet can be devastating, as they may not recover like younger ones. Knowing which household items can be dangerous for your pet is key to preventing a toxin emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) received more than 232,000 calls regarding pet toxicity in 2019 and reported the following toxins as some of the most frequent offenders.

1. Human prescription medications

Prescription medications are at the top of the list, with heart, thyroid, antidepressant, and ADHD medications causing a significant portion of cases. Never leave medications in your pet's reach, such as on a bedside table or in a purse.

2. Toxic foods

Many foods that are safe for people can cause significant toxicity in pets. Foods to keep away from your senior pet include:

Garlic, onions, shallots, and chives
Grapes, raisins, and currants
Xylitol, an artificial sweetener
Macadamia nuts
Uncooked yeast dough
Alcoholic or caffeinated drinks

3. Chocolate

Although chocolate is a food, the significant number of toxicity cases—an average of 67 calls per day to the ASPCA APCC—warrants a separate mention. Dogs especially love chocolate and will typically eat the sweet treat if they can get their paws on it. Dark and baking chocolate contain a higher concentration of toxins than milk chocolate and can be more dangerous. Toxicity is also dependent on your dog's weight. Any amount of chocolate to a smaller dog is more dangerous than the same amount to a larger one. To be safe, call your local animal hospital or family veterinarian for help.

4. Veterinary products

Pet medications are often flavored to increase palatability and make them easier to administer. However, your senior pet may think their heartworm prevention or pain medication is a treat and gobble up the entire package. To avoid this scenario, keep your pet's medications safely out of reach.

5. Household products

Household items, such as paint, spackle, and adhesives, account for almost 8% of toxicity cases. Although these items may seem unappetizing, dogs are often intrigued by odd textures and will eat surprising things. Keep all household products stored in locked cabinets or on high garage shelves.

6. Rodenticides

Rat, mouse, and gopher baits are designed to kill rodents and can be lethal to pets. Rodenticides are grouped according to their active ingredient, which includes:

Anticoagulants, which interfere with blood clotting and cause internal bleeding
Vitamin D3, which causes acute kidney failure
Bromethalin, which causes acute brain swelling
Zinc phosphide, which produces toxic phosphine gas after ingestion

Your senior pet can become poisoned by eating bait left out for rodents or by eating a rodent that has consumed the bait.

7. Toxic plants

Before bringing a plant into your home or adding new varieties to your flower garden, check the ASPCA's toxic and non-toxic plant list. Many common plants are toxic to pets, with lilies topping the list. Lilies are particularly toxic to cats, and any part of the plant, including the pollen, can cause acute kidney failure.

8. Insecticides

Ant baits, insect sprays, and other insecticides can affect your senior pet. Formaldehyde-containing snails and slug baits are particularly concerning, which can cause severe toxicity. Store these chemicals safely out of paws' reach, and never place insect baits where your senior pet can find them.

9. Garden products

Some garden fertilizers are made from bone or blood meal, which are particularly tempting to pets. These products typically come in powdered or granular form, and their smell may cause your senior pet to eat a large amount from the container or the ground. Although organic fertilizers are not extremely toxic, they can clump in your pet's stomach and cause a blockage.