🐾 PawSafe Check

Are Glow Sticks Toxic to Pets?

Yes — glow sticks are mildly toxic to cats. Yes — glow sticks are mildly toxic to dogs.

CatsMildly toxicAre glow sticks toxic to cats? →DogsMildly toxicAre glow sticks toxic to dogs? →

PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.

Toxic compound
Dibutyl phthalate
Toxic parts
Liquid inside the stick
Also known as
glow stick

Symptoms

Cats (mildly toxic)

  • Skin or mouth irritation
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting

Dogs (mildly toxic)

  • Skin or mouth irritation
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting

What to do

If your cat ate glow sticks

  • Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
  • Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
  • Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.

If your dog ate glow sticks

  • Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
  • Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
  • Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.

Good to know

The liquid tastes terrible and causes dramatic drooling, but serious poisoning is rare.

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Frequently asked questions

Are glow sticks toxic to cats?

Yes — glow sticks are mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include skin or mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.

Are glow sticks toxic to dogs?

Yes — glow sticks are mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include skin or mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.

Which parts of glow sticks are toxic?

Liquid inside the stick.

What makes glow sticks toxic?

Dibutyl phthalate.

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