Poison Control: Okay or No Way?

Have you heard that a specific product or substance could be dangerous to your pets? Our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center set the record straight on a variety of substances, from cleaning products to popular houseplants.

As the premier animal poison control center in North America, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, make the call that can make all the difference: (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

Our APCC experts not accepting questions online at this time. Please browse our archived Q&As for solutions to many of your pressing pet questions or call the number listed above. In case of emergency, please contact your local veterinarian or animal clinic.

Most Recent Question

My nine-month-old Yorkie snapped up a piece of zucchini recently, and she loved it. I now allow her to have tiny treats when I cook with this vegetable. Could this be a problem?

- Vera C.

Not that we know of, Vera. There is currently no data indicating that zucchini is potentially toxic to pets. However, it is important to keep in mind that even vegetables and plants considered to be non-toxic can produce minor stomach upset. Therefore, if you choose to offer your Yorkie a bit of zucchini now and then, be sure to keep an eye out for signs of gastrointestinal upset; if any occur, discontinue giving this veggie to her.

I see that regular yucca is on the poisonous plants list, but what about the plant yucca cane?

- Crystal G.

Crystal, all parts of the Yucca species?including Y. elephantipes (yucca cane)?are indeed considered to be toxic. However, the concentration of toxins can vary from one part of a plant to another, depending on soil conditions and other environmental factors.  As our website indicates, Yucca spp. has the potential to produce gastrointestinal irritation, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. It can also cause depression and, in severe cases, seizures. Based on this information, we advise you to keep all parts of the plant out of your pet’s reach.

I am making treats for my dogs and would like to color the white yogurt coating I'm going to use to decorate them. Are yogurt and food coloring that’s made for human consumption safe for pets?

- Elizabeth K.

Dipping your treats in white yogurt coating should not pose a problem for pets, Elizabeth—though minor stomach upset could occur in some sensitive animals. Food colorings approved for human consumption are also safe to be used in foods for pets. We do have to point out that using large amounts of food colorings can sometimes cause changes in the color of the pet's urine, however, but this would not affect the pet's health.