If your dog or cat has eaten something toxic, act fast and do not wait for signs. Take away any remaining product, note what and how much was eaten, and call your veterinarian or an emergency hospital right away for guidance. Do not make your pet vomit unless a professional tells you to, since that is not always safe.
Why quick action matters with poisoning
Many poisonings are far easier to treat early, before a toxin is fully absorbed or has time to cause damage. That is why the safest response when your pet may have swallowed something harmful is to call for advice immediately, rather than waiting to see whether your pet becomes sick. With some toxins, waiting for symptoms means waiting too long.
Our emergency care team is available around the clock, so there is always someone to help you decide what to do, whether it is the middle of the night or early morning. When you call, it helps to know what your pet ate, roughly how much, and when, so keep any packaging or a photo of the product to read from.
Common toxic foods
Several everyday foods are dangerous to pets. Chocolate, especially dark and baking chocolate, is a well known hazard for dogs. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney problems in dogs, and onions, garlic, and chives are toxic to both dogs and cats. Xylitol, a sweetener found in sugar free gum, candy, and some peanut butters, is extremely dangerous.
Other risky foods include macadamia nuts, unbaked yeast dough, and anything containing alcohol or a lot of caffeine. Because a food that is fine for people can seriously harm a pet, it is safest to keep human treats out of reach and skip sharing table scraps.
Household and outdoor dangers
Toxins are not limited to the kitchen. Many human medicines are dangerous to pets, so keep all pills secured. Common household products such as cleaners, antifreeze, and rodent and snail baits are also serious hazards, and some are very appealing to animals by taste or smell.
Certain plants are toxic too. Lilies deserve special mention because they are extremely dangerous to cats, and even small exposures can cause serious harm. Knowing which items in and around your home are risky, and storing them safely, prevents most poisonings before they happen.
Warning signs of poisoning
Signs vary widely depending on what was eaten, but common ones include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, tremors or twitching, unsteadiness, seizures, laboured breathing, or sudden changes in behaviour. Some pets collapse or become very quiet, while others seem agitated.
It is important to know that a pet can be seriously poisoned before any symptoms show, so the absence of signs does not mean all is well. If you know or suspect your pet ate something toxic, treat it as urgent even if they currently look fine.
What to do right away
Stay calm and act quickly. Safely move your pet away from the toxin and take away anything they are still eating. Gather the packaging or a sample of the plant or product so the team knows exactly what is involved, and note how much and when.
Then call your veterinarian, an emergency hospital, or a pet poison control helpline for guidance right away. Do not try to make your pet vomit or give any home remedy unless a professional tells you to, because for some toxins that can make things worse. Fast, guided action gives the best outcome.
How an emergency team treats poisoning
Treatment depends on the toxin, how much was taken, and how long ago. The team may take steps to limit further absorption, give specific treatments where they exist, and provide supportive care such as fluids and monitoring while your pet recovers. Testing through our diagnostics helps assess how your pet has been affected.
Because some toxins affect the body hours later, your pet may be watched for a period even if they seem stable, using our medical services and critical care. Getting help quickly gives the team the best chance to act before serious damage occurs.
Frequently asked questions
Should I make my pet vomit if they ate something toxic?
Not unless a veterinarian or poison control professional tells you to. For some toxins, vomiting is unsafe and can cause more harm. Call for guidance right away instead.
My pet ate something toxic but seems fine. Do I still call?
Yes. Pets can be seriously poisoned before any symptoms appear, so looking fine does not mean they are safe. Treat any known or suspected toxin exposure as urgent.
What information should I have ready when I call?
What your pet ate, roughly how much, and when, plus your pet’s weight if you know it. Keep the packaging or a sample of the plant or product to read details from.
Which foods are most dangerous to pets?
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol in sugar free products, macadamia nuts, and anything with alcohol are common culprits. Keep human treats out of reach.
Why are lilies such a concern for cats?
Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, and even small exposures can cause severe kidney injury. If a cat has any contact with a lily, treat it as an emergency and seek care immediately.