Pet Poison Prevention Month: 10 Common Toxins in Aussie Homes (and What to Do)

March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, which makes it the perfect time for a quick home safety reset. Pets explore with their mouths, their paws, and their noses… and that curiosity can turn risky fast.

This guide covers 10 common toxins found in many Australian homes, the symptoms to watch for, when to call for help, and a few easy prevention habits that keep everyone safer.

Important note: This article is general education, not a substitute for veterinary care. If you think your pet has ingested something toxic, call your vet or an emergency service immediately.

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First: what to do if you suspect poisoning

If you suspect your pet has eaten or licked something harmful:

1. Remove access to the toxin immediately (take it away, block the area).

2. Do not “wait and see.” Time matters.

3. Call your vet or an emergency vet straight away.

4. If you need extra guidance, Australia has a 24/7 Animal Poisons Helpline: 1300 869 738 (fees may apply).

5. Gather details while you’re on the phone:

• your pet’s weight, age, and any health conditions

• what they ate/licked, how much, and when

• bring packaging, a photo, or a sample (if safe)

Avoid inducing vomiting unless a vet or poisons service tells you to. Some substances can cause more harm coming back up.

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10 common toxins in Aussie homes

1) Chocolate (and cocoa products)

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine-like compounds that dogs struggle to process. Even “a little bit” can be serious for small dogs, and dark chocolate is generally more dangerous than milk chocolate. If your pet eats chocolate, contact your vet quickly.

Watch for: vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, trembling, increased heart rate, seizures.

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2) Xylitol (often in sugar-free products)

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free gums, lollies, baked goods, and dental products. In dogs, it can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and can be life-threatening.

Watch for: weakness, wobbliness, vomiting, tremors, collapse.

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3) Grapes and raisins

These are a classic “surprise toxin” for many owners. Grapes and raisins can trigger kidney injury in some dogs, and the risky dose can be unpredictable.

Watch for: vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, reduced urination.

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4) Onion, garlic, and related foods

Onion and garlic (including powders) can damage red blood cells and lead to anaemia, especially with repeated exposure. This can include scraps, stocks, sauces, and seasoned meats.

Watch for: weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, vomiting.

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5) Human medications (pain relief is a big one)

Human medicines are among the most common poisoning culprits. Pain relief tablets in handbags, bedside drawers, and kitchen counters are a frequent issue. Never give your pet human medication unless your vet has prescribed it.

Watch for: vomiting, ulcers/black stools, abdominal pain, tremors, lethargy, seizures.

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6) Rat and mouse baits (rodenticides)

Rodent baits can cause severe bleeding disorders, neurological signs, or kidney damage depending on the active ingredient. Pets can also be exposed by eating a poisoned rodent.

Watch for: weakness, coughing, bleeding gums/nose, collapse, seizures.

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7) Snail and slug bait

Some snail/slug baits can be highly toxic to dogs, and incidents can happen quickly in backyards and gardens.

Watch for: drooling, tremors, unsteady walking, seizures, high temperature.

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8) Toxic plants (especially lilies for cats)

Many common house and garden plants can be toxic. Lilies are a major concern for cats — even small exposure can be serious.

Watch for: vomiting, drooling, lethargy, appetite loss, tummy pain.

Tip: If you bring flowers into the house, check they’re pet-safe before they hit the bench.

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9) Essential oils (diffusers and “natural” products)

Essential oils can be risky when ingested or absorbed through skin, and some pets are more sensitive than others. Diffusers, oil spills, and “natural flea” DIY mixes are common sources. Make sure you choose animal friendly options and avoid known stressors such as eucalyptus.

Watch for: drooling, vomiting, tremors, breathing changes, weakness.

10) Household cleaners + laundry products (especially pods)

Many everyday cleaning products can irritate or burn the mouth, throat, stomach, skin, or eyes. Concentrated products are a bigger risk, and laundry pods are a common culprit because they’re colourful, squishy, and easy for pets to grab.

Common sources:

• bleach and chlorine cleaners

• disinfectants and spray cleaners

• drain cleaner

• oven cleaner

• dishwashing tablets/powders

• laundry detergents and laundry pods

• carpet and mould cleaners

Watch for: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, coughing/gagging, difficulty breathing, redness or burns around the mouth, eye irritation, lethargy.

What to do:

• Rinse the mouth/paws with water if advised and safe to do so (avoid forcing water if your pet is distressed).

• Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline straight away.

• Bring the product container/label or take a clear photo of the ingredients.

Prevention tip: Store detergents and cleaning products up high or behind a child lock, and never leave an open bucket, mop water, or product-soaked cloth where pets can access it.

Quick prevention habits that make a big difference

A home “poison-proof” reset does not need to be perfect to be effective. These small changes help reduce risk fast:

• Keep a pet-safe “no access” zone for bags, medicines, vitamins, gum, and snacks.

• Use a lidded bin (or put the bin behind a door) if your dog is a counter-surfer.

• Store baits, fertilisers, and garden chemicals in a locked area.

• Skip DIY “natural flea” mixes and keep essential oils out of reach.

• Check indoor plants before you bring them home, and be cautious with flowers (especially lilies around cats).

• Save these emergency contacts in your phone:
  

• your vet

• nearest after-hours emergency clinic

• Animal Poisons Helpline: 1300 869 738 (24/7, fees may apply)

When to treat it as an emergency

Call your vet or an emergency service immediately if you see:

• collapse, seizures, severe tremors

• difficulty breathing

• uncontrolled vomiting

• pale gums, bleeding, or extreme weakness

• suspected bait ingestion (rodent/snail)

• lily exposure in cats

Time matters, and early treatment can change outcomes.

A My Pet Life note

Pet wellness is more than what goes into the bowl. It’s also the environment our pets live in every day.

At My Pet Life, we’re big believers in small, consistent choices that support health — from human-grade, functional treats to everyday habits that make homes safer for curious noses and paws. We choose products that are safe for animals, in safe quantities and are ingredients you easily recognise on the back of the pack.

If this checklist helped, share it with a fellow pet parent. It could genuinely save a life. 🐾

#PetPoisonPreventionMonth #PetSafety #PetWellness #AussiePets #DogParentsAustralia #CatParentsAustralia #PetCareTips #MyPetLife #WellnessInEveryBite