Safety & toxicology
Toxic substances, risks and red flags — when to call the vet immediately.
25 pages
- Tea tree oil (melaleuca): toxic to dogs and catsTea tree oil (melaleuca) is toxic to dogs and cats, especially undiluted. Symptoms of poisoning, risks and immediate actions required.Strong evidenceToxic — do not use
- Alcohol: toxic to animalsAlcohol is toxic to dogs and cats: symptoms, sources and what to do in case of poisoning.Reasonable evidenceToxic — do not use
- Antifreeze (ethylene glycol): fatally toxic to animalsAntifreeze (ethylene glycol) is fatally toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts cause acute kidney failure. EMERGENCY: go to the vet immediately.Strong evidenceToxic — do not use
- Avocado in animals: which species are at risk?Avocado is toxic to birds and rabbits due to persin; dogs are mainly at risk from the pit. Read which species are at risk and what the symptoms are.Reasonable evidenceToxic — do not use
- Caffeine and coffee: toxic to animalsCaffeine is toxic to dogs and cats. Discover symptoms, dangerous sources and what to do in case of poisoning.Reasonable evidenceToxic — do not use
- Chocolate (theobromine): toxic for dogsChocolate is toxic to dogs due to theobromine. Learn the symptoms, risk factors and when to go to the vet immediately.Strong evidenceToxic — do not use
- Essential oils: toxic to catsEssential oils are severely toxic to cats — even in small amounts and via skin contact or inhalation.Reasonable evidenceToxic — do not use
- Garlic for fleas: myth and dangerGarlic is toxic to dogs and cats and does not repel fleas. Learn the risks, poisoning symptoms and when to see a vet immediately.Strong evidenceToxic — do not use
- Garlic, onion and Allium: toxic to dogs and catsGarlic and onion are toxic to dogs and cats: organosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. Risks, symptoms and immediate actions.Strong evidenceToxic — do not use
- Grapes and raisins: toxic to dogsGrapes and raisins can cause severe kidney failure in dogs. Why they are toxic, which symptoms occur and what to do immediately.Reasonable evidenceToxic — do not use
- Herb and supplement-drug interactions in animalsHerbs and supplements can dangerously affect medicines in animals. Read about CBD interactions, liver risks and what to do in case of poisoning.Reasonable evidenceCaution — conditions and risks
- Human medicines (paracetamol/ibuprofen): toxic to animalsParacetamol and ibuprofen are highly toxic to dogs and cats — even one tablet can be fatal. Read about symptoms, risks and what to do.Strong evidenceToxic — do not use
- Lilies: life-threateningly toxic to catsLilies are life-threateningly toxic to cats: all plant parts, including pollen and vase water, can cause acute kidney failure.Strong evidenceToxic — do not use
- Macadamia nuts: toxic to dogsMacadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. Read about symptoms, onset time and what to do in case of poisoning.Reasonable evidenceRisky
- Natural flea and tick control in dogs: risks and lack of evidenceNatural flea and tick control for dogs seems attractive, but agents like tea tree oil and garlic are toxic and lack proven efficacy.No evidence of effectRisky
- Raw dough and yeast: dangerous for dogsRaw yeast dough is toxic to dogs: fermentation causes alcohol poisoning and gastric distension with risk of life-threatening GDV.Reasonable evidenceRisky
- Raw feeding (BARF) in dogs and cats: risks and evidenceRaw feeding (BARF) in dogs and cats: risks of bacteria, nutritional imbalance and bone obstructions based on scientific evidence.Reasonable evidenceRisky
- Salt poisoning in animalsSalt poisoning in dogs and cats: causes, symptoms of hypernatraemia and what to do if ingestion is suspected.Reasonable evidenceRisky
- Supplements: quality, contamination and heavy metalsSupplements may contain lead, nickel and arsenic. What this means for your animal and when to see a vet immediately.Reasonable evidenceRisky
- Toxic house and garden plants for petsOverview of toxic house and garden plants for dogs and cats: which plants are dangerous, why, symptoms of poisoning and what to do.Strong evidenceToxic — do not use
- Treatment delay: the greatest riskDelaying conventional treatment is the greatest safety risk in complementary veterinary medicine. What the science says.Weak evidenceCaution — conditions and risks
- Vitamin A overdose in cats (excess liver)Vitamin A overdose in cats from excess liver: symptoms, skeletal damage and what to do in hypervitaminosis A.Strong evidenceRisky
- Vitamin D overdose in animalsVitamin D overdose is dangerous for dogs and cats and can lead to hypercalcaemia, organ failure and death.Strong evidenceRisky
- Xylitol (birch sugar): toxic to dogsXylitol is highly toxic to dogs: even small amounts cause hypoglycaemia and liver failure. What the science says and what to do if ingested.Strong evidenceToxic — do not use
- Yew (Taxus): lethal poison for horsesYew (Taxus) is lethal to horses: even small amounts of needles or branches can cause cardiac arrest within hours. There is no...Strong evidenceToxic — do not use