What’s Toxic to Pets in Summer? Common Plants, Foods, and Chemicals to Avoid

28 May 2026

Summer means sunshine, outdoor adventures, and more time enjoying life with our pets. But alongside the fun comes a set of seasonal hazards that aren’t always top of mind. From plants and foods to household chemicals and human medications, many common summertime items can pose a danger if curious pets get into them. Here’s a quick guide to help you keep your pets safe and avoid an emergency vet visit this summer.

Summer Garden Hazards

This time of year is full of beautiful blooms, but some of the most common plants can be toxic to pets:

Oleander: A highly toxic flowering shrub that can cause serious heart problems if ingested.
Lily of the Valley: Often blooming in early summer, this plant contains cardiac glycosides that can severely affect heart function.
Foxglove: A striking summer bloom that is dangerous if eaten due to its heart-toxic compounds.
Rhododendron and Azaleas: Common in Pacific Northwest landscaping, these plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and in severe cases, heart issues.
English Ivy: Frequently found in shaded gardens and public spaces. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, and excessive drooling.

If your pet tends to nibble on plants or likes to explore with their mouth, take extra care during walks and time spent in the yard.

Foods to Keep Pets Away From

Barbecues, picnics, and backyard meals are staples of the season, but some popular summer treats are dangerous for pets:

Corn on the Cob: The kernels themselves are okay, but the cob can easily become lodged in the throat or intestinal tract, leading to choking or life-threatening blockages.
Cooked Bones: Ribs, chicken, and other cooked bones are a hazard. They can splinter easily, causing mouth injuries, choking, or dangerous obstructions.
Grapes and Raisins: Even small amounts can lead to sudden kidney failure in dogs, and sensitivity varies widely between pets.
Onions and Garlic: Common in marinades, side dishes, and seasonings, these ingredients can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia.
Chocolate: A well-known year-round risk, chocolate contains theobromine, which affects the heart and nervous system and can be toxic even in small amounts, depending on type and quantity.
Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, and overheating in dogs.
Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener): Found in sugar-free gum, baked goods, and some condiments, xylitol can trigger a rapid drop in blood sugar and potentially severe liver failure.
Alcohol & Alcohol-Containing Foods: From desserts and sauces to unattended drinks, alcohol can cause vomiting, disorientation, tremors, and in severe cases, coma.

Keep pets away from the grill area, and never leave food or drink unattended on low tables or picnic blankets.

Summer Chemicals and Lawn Care Risks

With summer comes more time spent on lawn care, pool maintenance, and pest control—and with it, increased exposure to household chemicals that can be harmful to pets.

Fertilizers & Pesticides: Commonly used to keep lawns and gardens healthy, these products can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or more severe illness if ingested or absorbed after being licked off paws or fur.
Antifreeze & Engine Coolants: Even in warmer months, these toxic substances may be present in garages, driveways, or stored containers. They are extremely dangerous, and even small amounts can lead to life-threatening kidney failure.
Pool Chemicals (Chlorine & Algaecides): Used to keep pools clean, these chemicals can irritate the mouth, skin, and gastrointestinal tract if pets drink pool water or come into contact with concentrated forms.
Insect Repellents & Flea/Tick Products: Some human insect repellents and incorrectly used parasite preventatives can be harmful to pets. Always use pet-specific products and follow label instructions carefully.
Rodenticides (Rat Poison): Warmer weather often increases rodent activity—and the use of traps and poisons. These products are highly toxic to pets and can cause internal bleeding, neurologic signs, seizures, or death.

Keep all chemical products locked away and prevent pets from walking or rolling on recently treated areas.

Medications to Keep Out of Reach

Summer routines often mean travel, seasonal allergies, and increased use of skincare or over-the-counter medications. With that comes a higher risk of accidental pet exposure to human medications and topical products.

Ibuprofen & Acetaminophen: These common pain relievers can be extremely toxic to pets. Even small doses can lead to severe liver damage (acetaminophen) or kidney injury and gastrointestinal ulcers (ibuprofen).
Antidepressants: Medications like this can cause neurologic and cardiovascular signs in pets, including agitation, tremors, lethargy, elevated heart rate, or seizures.
Allergy & Cold Medications: Many over-the-counter products contain ingredients like pseudoephedrine or antihistamines, which can be dangerous and lead to rapid heart rate, hyperactivity, tremors, or more severe neurologic effects.
Topical Ointments & Sunscreens: Human products may contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or salicylates that are unsafe if licked or absorbed by pets. Even small exposures can cause gastrointestinal upset or more serious toxicity.

Store all medications securely out of reach, including those you have in your purses, backpacks, and travel bags, and never apply human products to pets unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.

What to Do if You Suspect Toxin Exposure

If you suspect your pet has ingested or been exposed to a toxin, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or head to an emergency animal hospital immediately. DoveLewis is open 24/7 when your pet needs it most.

You can also contact the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435 for expert guidance on potential toxic exposures.