The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has important safety information for pet parents: Laundry detergent pods pose serious dangers to pets if ingested. These small, often brightly colored pods are branded as a convenient alternative to traditional liquid or powder detergents. Unfortunately, they may be tempting to our furry friends—each year, APCC receives multiple reports of serious pet illness and death as a result of animals eating laundry detergent pods.

These pods contain detergents that can cause significant stomach upset and irritation to an animal’s upper airway if ingested. If an animal vomits after eating a detergent pod, she may inhale the detergent into her lungs, causing severe pneumonia. If your pet eats laundry detergent, please contact your veterinarian or APCC immediately, even if he or she is not exhibiting any symptoms.

For a full list of cleaning supplies, human medications and cosmetics to keep out of your pet’s reach, please visit our Poisonous Household Products page.

APCC is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency—24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.