K-State veterinarian warns of common pet poisons

Susan Nelson, K-State clinical professor and veterinarian, shares tips to keep pets safe during National Poison Prevention Week. | Download this photo.

By Rylee Coy
College of Veterinary Medicine

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

 

MANHATTAN — Not all household items are as harmless as they seem — some can unexpectedly impact pet health. In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, Kansas State University's Susan Nelson, clinical professor and veterinarian in the Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center, highlights everyday items pet owners should be mindful of to keep their animals safe.

Medications — both human and veterinary — pose serious risks to pets, Nelson said. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including vitamins, ibuprofen and naproxen, are common culprits for accidental ingestion, either from dropped pills or chewed-up bottles. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug overdoses can lead to kidney and liver failure.

"ADHD meds, heart medications, inhalers and, most recently, GLP-1 injectable medications can be deadly if ingested or injected in some cases," Nelson said. "There have now been several cases of diabetic pets being accidentally injected with GLP-1 medications instead of their insulin due to the similar look of the injection devices. This results in severe vomiting, diarrhea and life-threatening low blood sugar levels."

Veterinary medications can also be dangerous, especially flavored chewable prescriptions that may encourage accidental overdoses.

"It is common for pet parents to accidentally apply canine flea and tick products containing permethrins to their cats, which can lead to death for our feline friends," Nelson said.

She added that many common foods are toxic to pets, including chocolate, xylitol-sweetened products, grapes, raisins, yeast bread dough, protein bars, onions and garlic. Beverages such as protein shakes and alcohol can also be harmful.

"Beverages can be lapped up when spilled, ingested when the container is chewed up or intentionally given by people," Nelson said. "The protein shakes contain more vitamins than your pet needs and often include milk and xylitol for sweetening — the latter can cause life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure."

Cleaning supplies and everyday household products also pose risks to pets.

"Pets are often harmed by household cleaners when they lick the liquid off their feet after walking through wet areas or when the cleaner spills onto their fur," Nelson said. "Many of these products are very corrosive and can damage the mouth, esophagus or gastrointestinal tract. Others can cause organ damage when ingested. Some can cause respiratory and eye irritation when pets are exposed to the fumes."

Rat poison can be fatal to pets if ingested. If used in the home, it should be placed in areas completely inaccessible to animals.

"Gorilla Glue can also be problematic if ingested," Nelson said. "When this type of glue mixes with stomach fluid or acid, it rapidly expands into a very large, firm foreign body obstruction in the stomach that, if not surgically removed, can be life threatening."

If a pet encounters a harmful substance and a veterinarian is unavailable or unfamiliar with the specific toxin, Nelson recommends contacting the Pet Poison Helpline from the 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center at 855-764-7661 or the Animal Poison Control hotline from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 888-426-4435.

###