What Are The Signs Of Poisoning From Household Products?

Household comfort can hide real danger for dogs and cats, and the biggest risks are often the ones we overlook. We sat down with Dr. Mike LoSasso, Chief of Staff at Frisco Emergency Pet Care, to break down the pet toxins most likely to strike at home and what fast, effective response looks like. From raw yeast dough that ferments into alcohol to dark chocolate with concentrated stimulants, we unpack how dose, body weight, and product type determine risk—and why timing is everything.

We look closely at lily toxicity in cats, where even a light dusting of pollen can damage the kidneys, and we explain how early fluids can be lifesaving. For dogs, grapes and raisins pose a similar kidney threat, but outcomes improve when owners witness ingestion and seek decontamination quickly. We also spotlight xylitol, the sugar-free sweetener that can crash a dog’s blood sugar and, at higher levels, harm the liver. Since xylitol content varies widely across chewing gum and “sugar-free” products, we share when to call poison control and why bringing the packaging speeds accurate treatment.

Medications deserve a special warning: dropped human pills, weekly pill organizers, and highly palatable pet meds can all trigger overdoses. We talk about NSAIDs like carprofen—safe at prescribed doses but harmful in large amounts—and why human medications often require toxicologist guidance. You’ll learn symptom timelines, from rapid THC effects to delayed NSAID complications, and get practical prevention tips: secure storage, countersurfing awareness, and the habit that helps ER teams most—always bring the product packaging.

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To learn more about Frisco Emergency Pet Care visit:
https://www.FriscoEmergencyPetCare.com
Frisco Emergency Pet Care
11201 Preston Road
Frisco, Texas 75033
469-287-6767