Discovering your pet has eaten something that might be dangerous is terrifying. You may even panic and not remember what to do. Should you call someone? Rush to the vet? Search online?
Although we all hope this will never happen, it helps to learn the right steps in advance. That way you won’t waste any time because you’ll know what to do—and what not to do—the moment your pet gets into something dangerous.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Act Quickly
Panic is understandable, but your pet needs you focused. Take a breath and move through the next steps as efficiently as you can. Time matters with toxins, but rushing without thinking can lead to mistakes that make things worse.
Step 2: Remove Your Pet from the Source
If your pet is still near the toxic substance, calmly move them away from it. This prevents further ingestion and keeps you from accidentally exposing yourself, especially if the substance is something like a pesticide or chemical cleaner.
Step 3: Identify What They Ate—and How Much
- What the substance is (grab the packaging if possible)
- How much they may have consumed
- When it was ingested (even an estimate helps)
- Your pet’s weight — dosage matters a lot with toxins
Don’t throw away the packaging. Bring it with you to the clinic or read the ingredients to the vet over the phone. This information can help ensure your pet gets the right treatment as quickly as possible.
Step 4: Call Before You Come
Before you head out the door, make a quick call to either your emergency vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Note that these hotlines may charge a small consultation fee, but the guidance they provide is invaluable.
A quick call allows veterinary professionals to advise you on urgency, tell you what to watch for on the way in, and prepare so treatment can begin as soon as you arrive.
Step 5: Do NOT Induce Vomiting Unless Told To
This is one of the most important things to remember. Many people assume that making a pet vomit is always the right move. But it can actually cause serious additional harm depending on what was ingested. Caustic substances like bleach or batteries can burn the esophagus a second time when they come back up. Only induce vomiting if a veterinary professional has specifically instructed you to do so.
Step 6: Watch for These Symptoms
Keep an eye on your pet during transport and note any changes:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling or foaming
- Tremors or seizures
- Pale or bluish gums
- Weakness or collapse
- Difficulty breathing
Report everything you observe to the veterinary team when you arrive.
Common Household Toxins
A few of the most frequent culprits we see in the emergency room:
- Foods: grapes, raisins, xylitol (in sugar-free gum and peanut butter), chocolate, onions, garlic
- Medications: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antidepressants
- Plants: lilies (especially toxic to cats), sago palm, azalea, and more
- Household chemicals: rodenticides, antifreeze, certain cleaning products
Be Prepared Before an Emergency Happens
The best time to think about toxic ingestion is before it happens. Save the poison control numbers in your phone today, know your pet’s weight, and do a quick sweep of your home for common hazards.
We hope you never need this information—but if you do, we’re here.
Our emergency team is available Monday – Friday: 7 PM to 8 AM, 1 PM Saturday – 8 AM Monday, and most holidays. Never hesitate to call us if you think your pet ingested a toxic substance: (708) 326-4800
