Household products
Is glow sticks toxic to cats and dogs?
Also sold as glow jewellery, light sticks
Cats
Mildly toxicDogs
Mildly toxicThe liquid in glow sticks has a very bitter taste and low toxicity. Pets that bite into one usually drool dramatically and may vomit, but serious poisoning is rare.
By Maya HartIf your pet got into it
- Offer something tasty — a little milk, broth or food — to clear the taste, and rinse glowing liquid from the fur and skin.
- Call your vet if drooling doesn’t settle or plastic pieces were swallowed.
Signs to watch for
- Sudden heavy drooling or foaming
- Pawing at the mouth
- Agitation
- Vomiting
How much is dangerous
Low toxicity; the bitter taste stops most pets from swallowing much.
Keeping it safe
- Keep glow sticks away from cats, who love to chew them
- Supervise at parties and Halloween
The details
A cat foaming at the mouth after biting a glow stick looks frightening, and many owners rush to the vet. The reaction is to the extremely bitter taste rather than poisoning. Giving some food usually stops it within minutes. In a dark room you may see the liquid glowing on the fur — rinse it off so your cat doesn’t lick more.
Questions owners ask
Is glow sticks toxic to cats?
Yes — mildly toxic.
Is glow sticks toxic to dogs?
Yes — mildly toxic.
How much is dangerous?
Low toxicity; the bitter taste stops most pets from swallowing much.
What should I do if my pet got into it?
Offer something tasty — a little milk, broth or food — to clear the taste, and rinse glowing liquid from the fur and skin. Call your vet if drooling doesn’t settle or plastic pieces were swallowed.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts