Pet Poison Emergency Guide

If your dog or cat has eaten something potentially toxic, follow these steps immediately.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control

(888) 426-4435

Available 24/7 ยท A consultation fee may apply

Pet Poison Helpline

(855) 764-7661

Available 24/7 ยท A per-incident fee applies

What To Do Right Now

1

Stay Calm

Panicking won't help your pet. Take a breath and act quickly but deliberately. Note the time you discovered the ingestion.

2

Identify What They Ate

Gather the packaging, plant, or product. Note approximately how much they consumed and when. Take a photo of the label if possible โ€” this helps the vet enormously.

3

Call Poison Control or Your Vet

Call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. If your pet is unconscious or having seizures, go directly to the nearest emergency vet.

4

Do NOT Induce Vomiting Unless Told To

Some substances cause more damage coming back up (acids, alkalis, sharp objects, petroleum products). Only induce vomiting if specifically instructed by a veterinary professional.

5

Follow Professional Instructions

The poison control operator will give you specific steps based on what your pet ate, their size, and how long ago it happened. Follow their guidance exactly.

6

Monitor and Document

Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Note the timeline of any symptoms โ€” your vet will need this information.

Most Dangerous Items for Pets

These are the most common and most dangerous toxins. Tap any item for detailed symptoms and guidance.

Chocolate
Toxic
Sweets
Vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures, heart failure
Grapes
Toxic
Fruits
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, kidney failure
Xylitol
Toxic
Sweeteners
Vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, liver failure
Onions
Toxic
Vegetables
Lethargy, weakness, pale gums, red or brown urine
Garlic
Toxic
Vegetables
Drooling, nausea, abdominal pain, elevated heart rate, anemia
Lilies (True)
Toxic
Houseplants
Kidney failure (cats), mild GI upset (dogs)
Antifreeze
Toxic
Automotive
Vomiting, wobbling, seizures, kidney failure, death
Ibuprofen
Toxic
Medications
Vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, stomach ulcers
Sago Palm
Toxic
Houseplants
Vomiting, liver failure, seizures, death
Acetaminophen
Toxic
Medications
Liver damage, facial swelling, brown/blue gums, death (especially cats)
Bleach
Toxic
Household Cleaners
Drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, chemical burns, breathing difficulty
Marijuana / Cannabis
Toxic
Household
Incoordination, drooling, vomiting, tremors, seizures, coma
Alcohol
Toxic
Beverages
Vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, coma, death
Macadamia Nuts
Toxic
Nuts & Seeds
Weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, inability to walk

When to Go Straight to the ER

Go to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately if your pet shows any of these signs: seizures or tremors, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, profuse bleeding, extreme swelling of the face or throat, collapse or inability to stand, or suspected ingestion of a highly toxic substance like antifreeze, rat poison, or xylitol. Do not wait for symptoms to develop with these substances โ€” minutes matter.

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