Pet poisoning: what to do right now
If you think your pet ate something toxic, call now, even if your pet seems fine. Many poisons don't cause symptoms for hours, and treatment works best early.
Step by step
- Move your pet away from the substance and keep other pets out.
- Call an emergency vet or a pet poison hotline. Both are open 24/7:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply)
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 ($99 per incident)
- Have the details ready: what your pet ate, about how much, when it happened, and your pet's weight.
- Bring the packaging or a photo of the label when you go in.
- Don't make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison expert tells you to. Some substances do more damage coming back up, and home remedies like salt or too much hydrogen peroxide can cause harm of their own.
If your pet is having a seizure, collapsing or struggling to breathe, skip the hotline and go straight to the nearest 24/7 emergency animal hospital.
Common pet poisons
Foods
- Xylitol, a sweetener in sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butters and baked goods. Very dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts.
- Chocolate, especially dark and baking chocolate.
- Grapes and raisins, which can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Onions, garlic, chives and leeks in any form.
- Alcohol and raw yeast dough.
Medications
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen
- ADHD medications, antidepressants and sleep aids
- A pet's own medication, if they get into the whole bottle
Around the house and yard
- Lilies (true lilies and daylilies) are extremely toxic to cats. Even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure.
- Rat and mouse poisons
- Antifreeze, which tastes sweet to pets
- Insecticides, slug bait and some fertilizers
- Cannabis edibles
Signs of poisoning
Symptoms depend on the toxin, but watch for vomiting, drooling, shaking, wobbly walking, seizures, unusual sleepiness or excitement, pale gums, bleeding, or a racing heart. No symptoms doesn't mean no problem. Call anyway.
Prevent it next time
- Keep purses, backpacks and pill organizers off the floor and out of reach.
- Store medications, cleaners and garden products in closed cabinets.
- Check labels for xylitol before sharing peanut butter.
- Skip lilies entirely if you have a cat.
- Save both poison hotline numbers in your phone.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my dog ate chocolate?
Call your nearest emergency vet or a pet poison hotline. Have the type of chocolate, amount and your dog's weight ready. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
Should I make my dog throw up if it ate something poisonous?
Only if a veterinarian or poison control expert tells you to. Some substances cause more harm coming back up, and the wrong home method can hurt your dog.
Is pet poison control free?
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center may charge a consultation fee, and Pet Poison Helpline charges $99 per incident. Both are available 24 hours a day.
How long after eating something toxic will a pet show symptoms?
It can range from minutes to several days depending on the toxin. That's why it's important to call right away instead of waiting for symptoms.