Pet Poison Emergency: What to Do Right Now
If your dog or cat has swallowed something that might be toxic, these are the steps vets and poison lines ask owners to follow, in order.
Emergency signs, go to the nearest emergency vet now: seizures, collapse, trouble breathing, pale or blue gums, a swollen face, repeated vomiting, or a swollen, hard belly.
Steps
Move your pet away from the source
Pick up wrappers, pill bottles, plants or spilled product, and keep other pets away. Keep the packaging: the label tells the vet exactly what and how strong.
Work out what, how much and when
Count missing tablets or pieces, weigh leftover food if you can, and note the time. Know your pet's weight. Our calculators turn this into a dose per kilogram, which is what the vet will ask for.
Call before you do anything else
Your vet, an emergency clinic, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Poison lines charge a consultation fee but give your vet a case number and treatment protocol.
Do not make your pet vomit unless told to
Vomiting is dangerous after caustic products, batteries, sharp objects or petroleum, or if your pet is drowsy or seizing. Hydrogen peroxide can inflame the stomach and should never be used in cats. Salt, mustard and fingers down the throat are unsafe.
Don't give milk, oil, food or "antidotes"
They don't neutralise poisons and can make some worse. Wait for professional advice.
Travel safely
Bring the packaging, a sample of vomit if there is any, and your pet's medication list. Call the clinic so they are ready when you arrive.
Calculators to use while you're on hold
The most common pet poisons
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's yearly reports consistently rank over-the-counter and prescription human medicines as the top category of calls, followed by human foods (chocolate, xylitol, grapes and raisins, onion and garlic), rodenticides, plants such as lilies (which cause kidney failure in cats), and household cleaners. Most exposures happen at home, so storing pill organisers, handbags and sugar-free gum out of reach prevents a large share of emergencies.
Questions owners ask
What is the pet poison helpline number?
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. Both are staffed 24/7 by veterinary toxicology professionals in North America; a consultation fee applies.
Should I give my dog hydrogen peroxide to make it vomit?
Only if a veterinarian or poison line specifically tells you to, and only in dogs. It is unsafe for cats and can cause stomach inflammation even in dogs.
Is there a free pet poison hotline?
The two 24/7 animal poison lines charge a fee. Your own vet or an emergency clinic can advise too. Human poison centres are free but are not trained in animal toxicology.