Is Drain cleaner Toxic to Pets?
Yes — drain cleaner is toxic to cats. Yes — drain cleaner is 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
- Sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid
- Toxic parts
- All products
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Mouth or throat burns
- Vomiting
- Refusing food
- Trouble breathing
Dogs (toxic)
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Mouth or throat burns
- Vomiting
- Refusing food
- Trouble breathing
What to do
If your cat ate drain cleaner
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate drain cleaner
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Drain cleaners are strongly alkaline or acidic and cause serious burns on contact. This is an emergency.
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Frequently asked questions
Is drain cleaner toxic to cats?
Yes — drain cleaner is toxic to cats. Common signs include drooling, pawing at the mouth, mouth or throat burns.
Is drain cleaner toxic to dogs?
Yes — drain cleaner is toxic to dogs. Common signs include drooling, pawing at the mouth, mouth or throat burns.
Which parts of drain cleaner are toxic?
All products.
What makes drain cleaner toxic?
Sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid.