NHS - Veterinary Poisons Information Service >Substances of low toxicity

The following is a list of some substances that are frequently eaten by pets and described as being of low toxicity. If any of these items are eaten acutely then they are likely to cause only minor clinical effects, i.e. drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.

Baby care products

Baby oil
Baby wipes
Nappies
Nappy rash cream

DIY products

Emulsion paint
PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue
Superglue/ cyanoacrylate glue

Medication

Emollients i.e. E45® preparations, petroleum jelly, aqueous cream (this does not include creams for psoriasis)
Folic acid
HRT (hormone replacement therapy) tablets
Oral contraceptives
Zinc oxide creams/ lotions (Sudocrem®)

Plants

Fuchsia species
Holly (Ilex species)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera species)
Pyracantha species
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

Stationery

Blu-tack® or other similar adhesives
Chalk
Crayons
Graphite pencils
Paper
Rubbers
Wax candles

Miscellaneous

Cut-flower/ houseplant food
Coal (real or artificial)
Expanded polystyrene
Icepacks (methylcellulose)
Lipstick
Matches
Silica gel (found in new handbags, shoe boxes etc)

What to do

No specific management is required. Small amount of oral fulids should be encouraged to ease irritation or to replace fulids lost after minor gastric upset. If worrying symptoms occur animals should be seen by their local veterinarian.

Poisons advice 24 hours a day For poisons advice please call 020 7188 0200 For non urgent admin enquiries please email vpis@gstt.nhs.uk The VPIS is a subscription service for veterinary professionals only. Pet owners should contact their local veterinarian. Don't have a vet? Click here to find your local veterinary practice.	Substances of low toxicity
	The following is a list of some substances that are frequently eaten by pets and described as being of low toxicity. If any of these items are eaten acutely then they are likely to cause only minor clinical effects, i.e. drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Baby care products Baby oil Baby wipes Nappies Nappy rash cream DIY products Emulsion paint PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue Superglue/ cyanoacrylate glue Medication Emollients i.e. E45® preparations, petroleum jelly, aqueous cream (this does not include creams for psoriasis) Folic acid HRT (hormone replacement therapy) tablets Oral contraceptives Zinc oxide creams/ lotions (Sudocrem®) Plants Fuchsia species Holly (Ilex species) Honeysuckle (Lonicera species) Pyracantha species Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) Stationery Blu-tack® or other similar adhesives Chalk Crayons Graphite pencils Paper Rubbers Wax candles Miscellaneous Cut-flower/ houseplant food Coal (real or artificial) Expanded polystyrene Icepacks (methylcellulose) Lipstick Matches Silica gel (found in new handbags, shoe boxes etc) What to do No specific management is required. Small amount of oral fulids should be encouraged to ease irritation or to replace fulids lost after minor gastric upset. If worrying symptoms occur animals should be seen by their local veterinarian.

020 7188 0200

Substances of low toxicity

What to do