Everyday Dangers for Your Pets

At HodgePaws, we’re all about safety for our furry companions, and today I want to share a personal story that reminded me just how quickly things can go wrong.

A few months ago, my stepdaughter was home from college for Spring Break. She had received a bouquet of lilies from her significant other and kept them in her bedroom, which stays closed off from our pets.

As she was preparing to head back to school, she started staging her belongings in the living room while loading her car. At some point, she placed the lilies on the living room table and stepped outside with some of her things.

I went to work and returned the next morning to find yellow stains on Pierre’s white fur. After some conversation, we realized there was a chance she had been exposed to the lilies.

I rushed her to the emergency vet, where she stayed for the day before being transferred to another emergency clinic for several more days.

She was only around the lilies for a very short time, yet this turned into one of the most expensive vet visits I’ve ever experienced. A few minutes of exposure cost several thousand dollars—and could have cost Pierre her life, luckily she was fine. 

We at HodgePaws want to remind you how important it is to be aware of the everyday items that can be harmful to our pets. If your furry companions come into contact with any of the following, please seek veterinary care immediately—safety first.

🪴 Toxic Plants for Pets

• Lilies – Extremely toxic to cats; can cause kidney failure.

• Sago Palm – All parts are toxic; may lead to vomiting, liver failure, or death.

• Aloe Vera – Causes vomiting and lethargy in pets.

• Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) – Irritates mouth and stomach; causes drooling and vomiting.

• Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – Can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Philodendron – Causes oral irritation, pain, drooling, and vomiting.

• Oleander – Highly toxic; can affect the heart and cause death.

• Azalea (Rhododendron) – May cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and heart failure.

• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) – Causes intense oral irritation, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

• Tulips and Hyacinths – Bulbs are especially toxic; cause vomiting and increased heart rate.

🍽️ Toxic Foods for Pets

• Chocolate – Contains theobromine; can cause seizures and death.

• Grapes & Raisins – Can lead to acute kidney failure in dogs.

• Onions & Garlic – Toxic in all forms; cause anemia by damaging red blood cells.

• Xylitol (artificial sweetener) – Triggers insulin spikes; can cause liver failure.

• Alcohol – Even small amounts can be fatal; causes vomiting, disorientation, and death.

• Caffeine – Found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks; toxic to the heart and nervous system.

• Macadamia Nuts – Cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.

• Avocado – Contains persin; toxic to birds, rabbits, and some dogs.

• Raw Dough (yeast) – Expands in the stomach and produces alcohol; can be deadly.

• Cooked Bones – Can splinter and cause choking, internal injuries, or blockages.

Our pets trust us to protect them. Taking a few extra moments to double-check your home and keep these harmful items out of reach can make all the difference—for their safety, and your peace of mind.