Substance index — A–Z reference for dogs

    This index brings together references for foods, drinks, medicines, plants and household products that dogs may swallow. Browse by category when you know the kind of product, or use the A–Z list when you know its name. Each reference explains the relevant hazards, possible symptoms and the information a veterinarian needs. A product may contain several substances, so check the full ingredient list rather than relying only on its front label.

    If your dog has already eaten something concerning, contact your veterinarian promptly. Call an emergency clinic immediately for collapse, seizures, difficulty breathing, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, bleeding or a swollen painful abdomen. Do not wait for symptoms after a known xylitol, raisin, sago palm, rat-poison or unidentified mushroom exposure. Some effects, including kidney injury, liver injury, anemia and internal bleeding, are delayed even when a dog initially seems normal.

    Have your dog's weight, the product name, the maximum amount missing and the time of ingestion ready. Keep packaging, tablet strengths and active-ingredient details. For plants or mushrooms, take clear photographs and save a sample when safe, without delaying care. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available at (888) 426-4435; Pet Poison Helpline is available at (855) 764-7661. These services may charge a consultation fee.

    Dose tables are educational references, not safe feeding allowances or a reason to postpone a call. Several substances have no established safe dose, and mixed products need ingredient-by-ingredient assessment. Do not induce vomiting, give human medicine or try salt, oil or charcoal unless a veterinary professional specifically advises you. The information lookup can organize exposure details, but it does not replace emergency care. Sources reviewed 14 Oct 2026 is an editorial source check, not clinical approval.

    Browse by category

    Medications & supplements

    Human painkillers, prescription medicines and supplements can harm dogs at ingredient-specific doses. Keep the strength per tablet, formulation and maximum number missing ready for the veterinarian; never give a human medicine as a poisoning remedy.

    Which medications are most dangerous?

    • NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, naproxen) cause kidney failure and stomach ulcers — highly toxic.
    • Acetaminophen (Tylenol, paracetamol) destroys red blood cells and damages the liver in dogs.
    • ADHD meds, antidepressants, and sleep aids can cause seizures and dangerous heart rhythms.
    • Even pet medications can be fatal if the wrong dose is taken — dose-per-pound is everything.

    Medication poisoning symptoms in dogs

    • Seizures or tremors
    • Collapsed or unresponsive
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Pale gums or yellow gums
    • Bloody vomit or stool
    • Vomiting or diarrhea
    • Lethargy, weakness
    • Loss of appetite
    • Wobbliness or confusion
    • Excessive panting
    What if I don't know how many pills my dog ate?

    Estimate the maximum possible. The 90-second check uses worst-case dose against your dog's weight to give you an honest risk level. Then call your vet immediately.

    Should I make my dog vomit?

    Don't induce vomiting without veterinary guidance — for some medications it makes things worse. Run the check, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline.

    My dog ate one pill of my medication — is that really dangerous?

    It can be. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and many prescription drugs are toxic to dogs at doses that are harmless to humans. Run the check to find out.

    What information should I have ready for the vet?

    The drug name and strength (mg), how many pills, when it happened, and your dog's weight. The 90-second check report packages all of this for you.

    Foods & drinks

    Foods can cause chemical poisoning, stomach upset, pancreatitis or obstruction. Identify the whole recipe: raisins, caffeine, alcohol, alliums and raw yeast dough need different assessments, and several hazards may be present in one snack.

    Plants & mushrooms

    Plant species and the part eaten matter. Sago palm can cause liver failure, while unidentified mushrooms have different gastrointestinal, neurological and liver-toxic syndromes. Photograph the plant or mushroom and keep a sample when safe, without delaying care.

    Household & garden

    Cleaners, batteries, antifreeze, fertilizers and rodenticides have distinct risks. Bring the original label and active ingredient; bait color alone cannot identify rat poison. Do not induce vomiting after a household exposure without professional advice.

    Sweeteners

    Xylitol, sometimes labeled birch sugar, can cause low blood sugar and liver injury in dogs. Check gum, dental products, supplements and sugar-free foods. Other sweeteners are not automatically equivalent; the exact ingredient and concentration matter.

    Recreational drugs

    Cannabis and other recreational products can affect coordination, alertness, temperature and breathing. Edibles may also contain chocolate or xylitol. Give the veterinarian an accurate product history so treatment is based on all possible ingredients.

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