Pets are naturally inquisitive, and will investigate things that are sometimes harmful to them. It is the responsibility of pet owners to create a safe environment for their furry counterparts. Below are three lists of plants, foods, and other common substances that are potentially toxic to pets, most specific to cats and dogs.

Many of the plants in the following list are very common in households. Great care should be taken to keep these plants out of reach of your pets. 

Top five most toxic plants to pets

• Lily
• Azalea
• Oleander
• Sago
• Palm
• Castor Bean

Toxic Plants Listed Alphabetically

• Aloe
• Amaryllis
• Andromeda Japonica
• Asian Lily (Liliaceae)
• Asparagus Fern
• Australian Nut
• Autumn Crocus
• Avocado
• Azalea
• Bird of Paradise
• American Bittersweet
• European Bittersweet
• Branching Ivy
• Buckeye
• Buddist Pine
• Caladium
• Calla Lily
• Castor Bean
• Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron)
• Charming Diffenbachia
• Chinaberry Tree
• Chinese Evergreen
• Christmas Rose
• Clematis
• Cordatum
• Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant)
• Cornstalk Plant (aka Corn Plant)
• Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman)
• Cycads
• Cyclamen 
• Daffodil
• Day Lily
• Devil's Ivy
• Dumb Cane
• Deadly Nightshade
• Death Angel/Destroying Angel Mushroom
• Easter Lily
• Elephant Ears
• Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern)
• Emerald Fern (aka Emerald Feather)
• English Ivy 
• Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron
• Flamingo Plant
• Florida Beauty
• Foxglove
• Fruit Salad Plant
• Glacier Ivy
• Gladiolas
• Glory Lily
• Gold Dieffenbachia
• Gold Dust Dracaena
• Golden Pothos
• Green Gold Nephthysis
• Hahn's self branching English Ivy
• Heartleaf Philodendron
• Heavenly Bamboo
• Holly
• Horsehead Philodendron
• Hurricane Plant
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Iris 
• Japanese Show Lily
• Japanese Yew (aka Yew)
• Jerusalem Cherry
• Kalanchoe 
• Lace Fern
• Lacy Tree
• Lily of the Valley
• Macadamia Nut
• Madagascar Dragon Tree
• Marble Queen
• Marijuana
• Mauna Loa Peace Lily (aka Peace Lily)
• Mexican Breadfruit
• Mistletoe "American"
• Morning Glory
• Mother-in-Law  Note: Guys, you cannot use this as a basis to forbid your wife's mother from visiting.
• Narcissus
• Needlepoint Ivy
• Nephthytis
• Nightshade 
• Oleander
• Onion
• Orange Day Lily
• Panda
• Peace Lily (aka Maana Loa Peace Lily)
• Philodendron Pertusum
• Plumosa Fern
• Precatory Bean 
• Queensland Nut
• Red Emerald
• Red Lily
• Red-Margined Dracaena (aka Straight-Margined Dracaena)
• Red Princess
• Rhododendron
• Ribbon Plant (Dracaena sanderiana)
• Rubrum Lily 
• Saddle Leaf Philodendron
• Sago Palm
• Satin Pothos
• Schefflera
• Spotted Dumb Cane
• Stargazer Lily
• Striped Dracaena
• Sweetheart Ivy
• Swiss Cheese Plant
• Taro Vine
• Tiger Lily
• Tomato Plant
• Tree Philodendron
• Tropic Snow Dumbcane
• Tulip 
• Variable Dieffenbachia
• Variegated Philodendron 
• Warneckei Dracaena
• Wood Lily 
• Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
• Yew (aka Japanese Yew)
• Yucca

Dangerous Foods For Your Pet

We often think of our pets not as an animal, but as a person. After all, they have personalities just like we do, likes and dislikes etc. And just as their human counter-parts, pets will often consume things that are not so good for them. Some people foods are not safe for your pet to eat. While we all probably know someone who has routinely fed their pet one or more of these unhealthy and possibly toxic foods with no apparent adverse affects, most vets agree that you should avoid feeding the following foods to your pet. Below are foods that you should avoid feeding your dog or cat.

• Alcoholic beverages
• Avocado
• Chocolate (all forms of chocolate)
• Coffee (all forms of coffee)
• Fatty foods
• Macadamia nuts
• Moldy or spoiled foods
• Onions, onion powder
• Raisins and grapes
• Salt
• Yeast or any raw bread dough
• Garlic
• Products sweetened with xylitol (used to sweeten some sugar-free candies and gum.)

Other Dangerous Substances To Pets

A good rule of thumb for making your house safe for your pet is to poison-proof it just as you would for a small child. Dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, birds, and most other animals are curious by nature. They like to explore new areas and substances. For your pet's health, as well as the health of any children in the household, please be certain all chemicals are kept out of reach. Common household cleaning products are toxic to animals as well as humans. Animals, just like children, do not recognize the danger these products pose to their health. The following is a list of common products found in most homes that are hazardous to pets.

• Cleaning agents
• Citronella candles
• Compost piles
• Fertilizers
• Flea products
• Outdoor plants and plant bulbs
• Swimming pool treatment supplies
• Pesticides
• Fly baits containing methomyl and slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde
• Rat and mouse bait
• Herbicides
• Prescription medication
• Over the counter medication
• Antifreeze
• Liquid potpourris
• Ice melting products
• Batteries
• Christmas decorations, tinsel, ribbons (choking or intestinal blockage hazard)
• Christmas tree water (may contain fertilizers)

If you suspect your pet has ingested something that may be hazardous, or if your pet suddenly shows any change in behavior, appetite, or overall appearance, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

One key to keeping your pet healthy is by keeping a supply of toys and other items that will hold his/her interest. This can help prevent animals from looking in other places for amusement. Dog toys, Cat toys, and Cat scratchers are great items to help keep your pet occupied and out of mischief.