The More You Know: Top Toxins for Pets in Ohio

Be Aware of the Top Toxic Substances for Dogs & Cats

March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month, and we’re seeking to reduce the number of pets affected by toxic substances. Things that are safe for humans can often be dangerous, even deadly, for pets. Last year, we shared “Pet Poison Helpline Shares Top 20 Toxins for Dogs & Cats in Ohio.” For 2025, we’ve analyzed updated data from Pet Poison Helpline to help Ohio dogs and cats stay safe and healthy.

The Pet Poison Helpline is a 24/7 animal poison control call center, and they have processed over two million animal poisoning cases. Helpfully, they compile their case data into a searchable database.

Top 20 Toxins for Ohio Cats

For the most recent 12-month period (June 2023 – June 2024), almost 11% of Pet Poison Helpline’s calls were related to cats.

Lilies and Antidepressant/anti-anxiety medications remain the top-two toxins for Ohio cats. Rising to third place, though are Vitamin D3 supplements. Pet MD describes the concern:

“Vitamin D poisoning occurs when a cat takes in too much calcium and phosphorus, and it accumulates in the body. This can lead to liver and kidney failure. It can also trigger toxic effects on your cat’s heart, including a lowered heart rate and an abnormal heart rhythm.”

Several toxins claimed higher places on the list, and even more were introduced to the top 20 that didn’t make an appearance the previous year:

• Ibuprofen: This common human pain-relief medication is an NSAID, often sold under the brand name Advil. NSAIDs are dangerous for cats, and ingesting ibuprofen could result in severe stomach ulcers and worse.
• Onions: A member of the Allium family, all species in this family are toxic to pets. Exposure can damage red blood cells in cats and dogs.
• Alstromeria, Peruvian lily: Many plants are toxic to cats, including all kinds of lily. Alstromeria climbed to the top 20 list just this year.
• Garlic: This ingredient is also new to the top 20 list. It’s considered five times as toxic as an onion. Also toxic are chives and leeks.
• Bromethalin: This rat poison is particularly toxic to cats. Unfortunately, there’s no antidote to it.
• Acetaminophen: Otherwise known by the brand name Tylenol, this medication is common in over-the-counter cold, flu and allergy drugs.
• Pyriproxyfen: This chemical is a common topical pesticide used on dogs to prevent flea and tick infestations. Never use dog-specific medication on cats.
• Pothos/ Devil’s Ivy: A common houseplant that can cause irritation of a cat’s mouth and GI tract. Ingestion can possibly result in upper airway swelling.
• Essential oils: Many popular essential oils are toxic to cats. It’s recommended to discontinue use if cats are in your household.
• Fipronil + (s)-Methoprene: Another common flea preventative for dogs that is not for use in cats. Again, never use dog-specific medication on cats.
• Laundry detergent liquid: Cleaning chemicals are toxic to cats, dogs and humans alike. Especially keep any laundry detergent pods in a closed container and away from your cat’s reach.
• Amoxicillin/Clavulanate: This common antibiotic is not meant for use in cats. Try not to take a medication while your cat is present, in case you drop it on the floor or counter.

Top 20 Toxins for Ohio Dogs

In the same time period, over 88% of calls involved dogs. We see some changes from the previous year. Here’s the chart.

While chocolate remains the top toxin for Ohio dogs, grapes and raisins have claimed the second spot. Ingestion of grapes, raisins or currants can result in kidney failure, so it’s important to keep any food containing these ingredients away from your pets.

Other toxins rising up the list are:

• Anticoagulant rodenticides: This potent rat poison works by thinning the blood and affects all mammals. Sadly, if it kills rats, it’s highly toxic to pets, too.
• Acetaminophen: Otherwise known by the brand name Tylenol, this medication is common in over-the-counter cold, flu and allergy drugs.
• Onions: A member of the Allium family, all species in this family are toxic to pets. Exposure can damage red blood cells in cats and dogs.
• Mushrooms: New to the top 20 list, there are thousands of mushroom varieties. And some of them are toxic to dogs. Never let your dog eat a mushroom growing wild.
• Melatonin: A common sleep aid for humans, toxic exposure to melatonin has been on the rise. This is possibly due to the supplement increasingly being available in gummy form. Keep all medications safely away from pets, and try not to take a medication while your dog is present, in case you drop it on the floor.
• Garlic: This ingredient is also new to the top 20 list. It’s considered five times as toxic as an onion. Also toxic are chives and leeks.
• Magnesium: This supplement is another new toxin on the top 20 list, probably as it grows in popularity with humans. Magnesium is a mineral, but too much can cause kidney failure. Human doses are considered much higher than a smaller animal can tolerate.