ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Household-food and substance toxicity guidance from a national poison-control resource.
How we work
From published source to species-specific verdict.
Each answer follows the same visible route: authoritative evidence, separate dog and cat review, a conservative verdict, and a source trail beside the result.
Revised July 20, 2026
Open the authority
Start with a veterinary or peer-reviewed source.
Review each species
Dogs and cats receive separate answers.
Choose the clearest verdict
Use the safety level the evidence supports.
Publish the trail
Show sources, review dates, and the next action.
The source shelf
Authorities with a defined job.
Every published dog and cat answer includes at least one authoritative source link.
Pet Poison Helpline
Species-specific toxicity guidance from a veterinary-staffed poison-control service.
Merck Veterinary Manual
Peer-reviewed clinical reference material used by veterinary professionals.
Veterinary literature
Peer-reviewed toxicology papers and veterinary-school resources for questions requiring more depth.
Four verdicts
Four levels, each with a different job.
Dogs and cats are reviewed separately. When reliable sources differ, the page uses the more conservative supported verdict and explains the disagreement.
Safe
Generally suitable in small amounts as an occasional treat. Serving guidance stays general and non-therapeutic.
Caution
Carries a named risk that depends on the food, form, or individual animal. The page explains that specific condition.
Toxic
Known to be harmful. The page leads with the hazard and the action the owner should take.
Emergency
Can cause severe or life-threatening reactions. The ASPCA number and veterinarian action appear immediately.
Review dates
The date moves only when the evidence is checked.
Each verdict carries a review date. Sources are rechecked on a recurring cadence and after relevant updates from the ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, Merck, or the literature. The visible date changes only after the underlying sources are reviewed again.
Before publication
Every food answer must meet the same safety rules.
- Dog and cat verdicts require sources and review dates.
- Toxic and Emergency answers name the hazard and urgent action.
- Safety pages cannot receive a retail handoff.
The clinical handoff
Individual decisions belong with the veterinary team.
House Pet Authority helps an owner find the published evidence, recognize urgency, and prepare better questions. A licensed veterinarian can consider the animal's history, examination, amount consumed, and current condition.
Dosing
Medication and substance amounts depend on the individual animal and clinical situation.
Diagnosis
An examination connects general signs to the animal in front of the veterinarian.
Treatment
A veterinary team determines the appropriate plan and follow-up.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
Other decision methods