Care & training
If you share your home with a pet, you already know how curious they can be. Dogs follow their noses everywhere. Cats investigate new objects like it’s their personal mission. They sniff, lick, paw, chew, and sometimes taste-test things as they explore and learn more about the world.
It’s part of what makes them so lovable.
But while our homes feel safe and familiar to us, they can hide everyday items that aren’t so safe for curious paws. From the kitchen to the laundry room, there are common products that can cause real harm if pets get into them.
That’s why it helps to know what to look out for.
In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the most common household dangers found in Australian homes, how they can affect pets, and what you can do to reduce the risks. We’ll also touch on how being prepared can make unexpected vet bills a little less stressful. Because when it comes to our pets, a little awareness goes a long way.
Table of contents
The most common household dangers for pets
A lot of the things that can make pets sick are items we use every day without thinking twice: A painkiller left on the bedside table, a tube of toothpaste left open, a battery within easy reach. Harmless to us, but potentially very dangerous for them.
Some of the most common household dangers for pets include:
- Human medications
- Artificial sweeteners like xylitol
- Toothpaste and dental products
- Cleaning products and disinfectants
- Batteries and magnets
- Essential oils
Even small amounts can cause serious illness, depending on your pet’s weight, size, age and overall health.
Why these everyday items can be harmful
Because we use these items every day, it’s easy to see them as completely harmless. But pets experience the world differently. What we handle safely, they explore with their noses, mouths and paws. And more importantly, their bodies don’t process many substances the same way we do.
Here’s a closer look at why these everyday items can be risky for pets.
Human medications
Human medications are one of the most common causes of pet poisoning. Pain relief, antidepressants, contraceptive pills, and blood pressure tablets are just some of the medications that can harm your pet, even if ingested in small amounts. Tablets dropped on the floor or left within reach are common culprits.
Pets process medications very differently to humans, which means even a single tablet can lead to serious health issues.
Some common signs your pet may have ingested medication include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Changes in appetite
- Unusual behaviour like excessive drooling, restlessness, or disorientation
If you think your pet may has ingested medication, contact your vet immediately.
Tip: Keep medications stored securely out of reach and always check the floor after taking tablets.
Artificial sweeteners like xylitol
Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs. Found in sugar-free gum, lollies, baked goods and even some peanut butters, it can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and, in some cases, liver failure. What makes xylitol particularly risky is how quickly it can act, with symptoms sometimes even appearing within minutes.
Early signs can include weakness, vomiting, tremors, weakness or wobbliness, and can escalate quickly without treatment. If you think your pet has ingested xylitol, contact your vet immediately.
Tip: Check ingredient labels carefully and keep handbags, lunchboxes, and snack packs safely out of reach.
Toothpaste and dental products
Toothpaste might not seem like a risk, but many contain xylitol or ingredients like fluoride, which aren’t suitable for pets and can cause liver failure, a fatal drop in blood sugar levels, gastrointestinal problems, or kidney issues. A curious lick or a chewed tube can quickly become a problem, particularly if swallowed in large amounts.
Depending on the ingredients and amounts ingested, some of the early signs include drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or diarrhoea.
If you suspect that your pet ingested human toothpaste or has come into contact with other dental products, contact your vet immediately.
Tip: Store human dental products out of reach and use pet-specific toothpaste (formulated to be safe when swallowed) when brushing your pet’s teeth.
Cleaning products and disinfectants
Cleaning sprays, wipes and disinfectants can all irritate your pet’s skin, mouth, or stomach. Pets (and especially cats) may walk through recently cleaned areas and later ingest residue off their paws when grooming.
Signs of exposure can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, coughing, sneezing, or irritation such as burns, ulcers or redness around your pet’s mouth, skin, or paws. If you suspect that your pet has ingested cleaning products, contact your vet immediately.
Tip: Use pet-safe cleaning products and let any surfaces dry fully before pets return to the area, and store cleaning products securely after use.
Batteries and magnets
Batteries and magnets are small, easy to swallow, and surprisingly dangerous.
- Batteries can cause burns or internal injury if chewed or swallowed
- Magnets can cause serious internal damage if more than one is ingested
Because they’re often found in remotes, toys (including some pet toys), and household gadgets, they’re easy for pets to come across. Once consumed, you may notice drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and a reluctance to eat or move.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested magnets or batteries, contact your vet immediately.
Tip: Check that battery compartments are secure and keep spare batteries stored safely.
Essential oils
While they may smell pleasant to us, some essential oils can be harmful to pets. Cats, in particular, are extremely sensitive to these scents, especially when oils are diffused or applied to surfaces they come into contact with. Common culprits include tea tree, peppermint, citrus, eucalyptus, wintergreen, pine, pennyroyal, bergamote, yalang-yalang, cinnamon, and clove oil, which can be poisonous via skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation.
Pets (especially cats) can’t process many essential oils due to a lack of certain liver enzymes, leading to toxic build-up. Even low-concentration diffusers can cause respiratory irritation or toxic absorption in confined spaces.
Some of the early signs that your pet may have come into contact with essential oils include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, lethargy, or difficulty walking. If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to essential oils, contact your vet immediately.
Tip: Avoid using essential oil diffusers around pets (or, if this isn’t possible, limit use to short periods in a well‑ventilated room your pet can leave), store all oils securely out of reach, and never apply them to your pet’s skin or fur. Ensure that pets can’t access diffusers, oils or treated surfaces.
Signs your pet has eaten something harmful and what to do
Pet poisoning symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Tremors or seizures
- Pale gums
- Unusual behaviour like disorientation, refusing to move, and restlessness
In some cases, the onset of symptoms may be delayed, which is why it’s always safest to act quickly.
If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic:
- Contact your vet immediately
- Don’t wait for symptoms to appear
- Call the Animal Poisons Helpline for urgent advice
- Keep any packaging or details about the product or substance your pet ingested (sharing this information with your vet can help them assess the situation faster and ensure the most effective care for your pet)
When it comes to your pet consuming something harmful, acting quickly can make a real difference to their recovery.
How pet insurance can help if things go wrong
Even the most attentive pet parent can’t prevent every accident. A tablet slips off the kitchen counter. Someone leaves the cleaning cabinet open. Life moves quickly, and so do curious pets.
Treatment for toxin exposure can involve hospital stays, blood tests, IV fluids and close monitoring. It can also mean unexpected vet bills at an already worrying time.
That’s when having pet insurance can help provide some extra peace of mind. With RSPCA Pet Insurance, your pet’s covered for eligible vet bills related to accidental ingestion (subject to the terms and conditions of your policy), giving you some breathing room to focus on your pet’s recovery. Plus, when you take out an RSPCA Pet insurance policy, it helps support the RSPCA’s animal welfare initiatives, giving animals in need the second chance they deserve.
To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.
Disclaimer
As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
References
[1] RSPCA Australia. What are common household dangers for pets? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/what-are-common-household-dangers-for-pets
[2] RSPCA Australia. Are lilies toxic to cats? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/are-lilies-toxic-to-cats
[3] RSPCA Australia. What are the risks to my cat or dog from rat bait? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/what-are-the-risks-to-my-cat-or-dog-from-rat-bait
[4] Animal Poisons Helpline. Common poisons. Available from: https://www.animalpoisons.com.au/common-poisons/
[5] RSPCA Australia. What garden dangers must I protect my pet from? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/what-garden-dangers-must-i-protect-my-pet-from
FAQs
Some of the most common household dangers for pets include human medications, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, toothpaste and dental products, cleaning products and disinfectants, batteries and magnets, and essential oils. Even small amounts can cause serious illness, depending on your pet’s weight, size and overall health. Keeping these items securely stored and out of reach is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.
Pet-proofing your home starts with thinking like a curious pet. Keep everyday items like medications, cleaning products, and food stored securely out of reach. Check floors and surfaces regularly and ensure cupboards and bins are properly closed. It also helps to be mindful of what’s left within paw’s reach, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms. A few small changes can go a long way in reducing the risk of your pet encountering common household dangers.
Pet poisoning symptoms can vary depending on the individual pet and substance that was consumed. However, the most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, drooling, pale gums, tremors, seizures or unusual behaviour. In some cases, symptoms may be delayed. If your pet is acting out of character or you suspect exposure to something toxic, contact your vet straight away.
If your pet eats something they shouldn’t, contact your vet immediately. Acting quickly can make a significant difference in treatment success and recovery, so don’t wait for symptoms to appear. You can also try and contact the Animal Poisons Helpline for urgent advice.
Yes, many pet insurance policies may help cover treatment if your pet accidentally eats something harmful. Exactly what’s covered, and to what extent, depends on the cover you’ve chosen, so it’s always best to check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand what is and isn’t covered, including any cover exclusions or exclusion periods.
