Dog poisoning: what to do right now

Signs that something is wrong

Poisoning signs depend on the substance, but common ones include:

• vomiting or diarrhea, sometimes with blood;
• drooling, foaming or pawing at the mouth;
• trembling, wobbling, seizures;
• unusual excitement or, the opposite, weakness and lethargy;
• pale gums, trouble breathing or collapse;
• bleeding from the nose or gums, or blood in urine or stool.

The Merck Veterinary Manual lists poisoning among the situations that need emergency veterinary care. Some poisons cause no signs for hours, so do not wait for symptoms if you know or suspect your pet ate something toxic.

What to do, step by step

1. Remove the source. Move your pet away and keep other pets and children away from the substance.
2. Call for advice. Call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, open 24/7 (a fee may apply).
3. Collect information. Keep the package or label, or a sample in a sealed bag. Note what, how much and when.
4. Do not treat at home. No vomiting, milk, oil, salt or activated charcoal unless a professional tells you to.
5. Go to the clinic with the package, even if your pet seems normal.

Why not induce vomiting yourself

It is the most common reaction and it can be dangerous. The AVMA advises against inducing vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Corrosive products and petroleum-based substances do more damage on the way back up, and the animal can inhale them into the lungs. Salt and hydrogen peroxide used at home can cause their own problems, and some animals, like cats, should not be given hydrogen peroxide at all.

What poison control will ask

Have this ready before you call:

Information	Example
Species, breed, age and weight	25 lb mixed-breed dog, 4 years
What was eaten	Product name and active ingredient from the label
How much	“Half of a 3.5 oz dark chocolate bar”
When	“About 40 minutes ago”
Signs so far	Vomited once, restless
Health conditions and medications	Takes medication for epilepsy

Common poisons around the home

The ASPCA groups the most frequent sources:

• Human medicines: painkillers such as ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen, antidepressants, ADHD drugs. Acetaminophen is especially dangerous for cats.
• Foods: chocolate, xylitol, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic — see toxic foods for dogs and cats.
• Rodent and insect baits: some cause internal bleeding days later.
• Household products: cleaners, antifreeze, fertilizers.
• Plants: lilies are extremely toxic to cats; sago palms are dangerous to dogs.
• Veterinary products used wrongly: dog flea products containing permethrin can be deadly to cats.

Skin and eye exposure

If a product got on the coat, prevent licking and call for advice; you may be told to wash the area with mild dish soap and lukewarm water. For eye exposure, a professional may advise flushing with plenty of saline or clean water. Wear gloves to protect yourself.

What not to do

Don’t	Why
Wait for symptoms	Many poisons act late
Induce vomiting on your own	Can cause more damage or aspiration
Give milk or oil	Does not neutralize most poisons and may speed absorption
Give human medicines	Many are toxic to pets
Throw away the package	It tells the vet exactly what they are treating

Prevention

• Store medicines, cleaners and baits in closed cabinets.
• Keep bags and purses off the floor; gum and pills are common culprits.
• Check plants before bringing them home, especially lilies if you have a cat.
• Never medicate your pet without veterinary advice.

Related: dog choking: what to do and heatstroke in dogs.