Pet Poisoning: Common Toxins, Symptoms and What to Do

By Dr Duncan Houston.

Pets explore with their noses and mouths, which means medications, food, plants and household products can quickly become serious hazards. Some toxins cause symptoms within minutes, while others may not produce visible illness until significant organ damage has occurred.

Knowing what to secure and what to do following an exposure could save your pet’s life.

Quick Answer: What Should You Do If Your Pet May Have Been Poisoned?

If you think your pet has swallowed, inhaled or contacted something toxic:

Remove your pet from the source without exposing yourself.
Check whether they are conscious and breathing normally.
Collect the packaging, ingredient list or a photograph of the substance.
Contact your veterinarian, an emergency veterinary clinic or an animal poison service immediately.
Follow their instructions and prepare to travel to a veterinary clinic.
Do not induce vomiting or give food, milk, oil, salt or another home remedy unless specifically instructed.

Do not wait for symptoms. Early treatment is often safer, simpler and more effective.

When Is Suspected Poisoning an Emergency?

Any suspected poisoning should be discussed with a veterinarian or animal poison service promptly.

Go directly to an emergency veterinary clinic if your pet has:

Difficulty breathing
Collapsed or become unresponsive
Seizures
Tremors or severe twitching
Loss of coordination
Extreme agitation or disorientation
Persistent vomiting
Pale, blue, grey or brown gums
Facial or throat swelling
Severe drooling or difficulty swallowing
Bleeding from the mouth, nose or other area
Blood in vomit, urine or faeces
Sudden weakness
An abnormal heart rate
Severe abdominal pain
Suspected exposure to a highly dangerous toxin

Call the clinic while travelling so the veterinary team can prepare.

Contact an Animal Poison Service

Keep the appropriate number saved in your phone before an emergency occurs.

Australia

Animal Poisons Helpline: 1300 869 738

New Zealand

Animal Poisons Helpline: 0800 869 738

United States

ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Consultation fees may apply. If you live elsewhere, contact your nearest veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic for the appropriate local service.

What Information Will the Veterinarian Need?

Be ready to provide:

Your pet’s species, breed, age and weight
The product or substance involved
The active ingredients and concentration
The estimated amount involved
When the exposure occurred
Whether it was swallowed, inhaled or contacted the skin or eyes
Any symptoms you have noticed
Your pet’s current medications and medical conditions

Bring the original packaging to the clinic. Never transfer rodenticide, insecticide or medication into an unlabelled container.

The Most Common Pet Poisoning Hazards

The latest ASPCA Poison Control data recorded more than 376,000 potentially toxic items involved in exposures during 2025.

The leading categories were:

Over-the-counter medications and supplements
Human food and drinks
Prescription medications
Chocolate
Veterinary products
Plants and fungi
Rodenticides
Household products
Insecticides
Recreational drugs

Common does not mean harmless. The danger depends on the substance, dose, species, body weight and time since exposure.

Human Medications and Supplements

Medication exposure is one of the most frequent causes of pet poisoning.

Common hazards include:

Ibuprofen
Naproxen
Paracetamol or acetaminophen
Cold and flu medication
Antidepressants
ADHD medication
Heart and blood pressure medication
Sleeping tablets
Vitamins and supplements
Topical pain creams
Skincare products
Nicotine products

Cats are particularly sensitive to paracetamol and many anti-inflammatory medications. Even small exposures can be life-threatening.

Store medications in closed cabinets, not on bedside tables, kitchen benches or inside handbags left on the floor.

Never give a pet medication prescribed for a person or another animal unless your veterinarian has specifically directed you to do so.

Dangerous Foods and Drinks

Foods that may poison pets include:

Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants
Xylitol-containing gum, sweets, baked goods or medications
Chocolate and cocoa
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
Alcohol
Coffee, tea and caffeine products
Macadamia nuts
Raw yeast dough
Mouldy food and compost
Excessively salty food or homemade playdough

The amount required to cause poisoning varies considerably. For some toxins, including grapes and raisins in dogs, a reliably safe dose cannot be assumed.

Check ingredient lists carefully. Xylitol may also appear in toothpaste, vitamins, supplements, nasal products and some nut butters.

Chocolate Poisoning

Chocolate contains methylxanthines, including theobromine and caffeine.

The risk depends on:

The type of chocolate
The amount consumed
Your pet’s weight
Whether other ingredients were present

Cocoa powder and dark cooking chocolate are generally more concentrated than milk chocolate. White chocolate contains little theobromine but may still cause gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis because of its fat content.

Possible signs include:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Restlessness
Panting
Increased thirst
Rapid heart rate
Tremors
Seizures

Keep the wrapper and determine the chocolate type and package size before calling your veterinarian.

Veterinary Medications and Supplements

Flavoured veterinary products are designed to taste appealing, which can lead pets to eat an entire container.

Common examples include:

Anti-inflammatory medication
Heartworm prevention
Flea and tick treatments
Joint supplements
Calming chews
Vitamins
Prescription diets or supplements containing active ingredients

Child-resistant packaging is not necessarily pet-resistant. Store veterinary products in a closed cabinet and administer them separately in multi-pet households.

If one pet steals another pet’s medication, contact your veterinarian even when the medicine is normally used in animals.

Plants and Fungi

Plant toxicity varies between species, and common names can be misleading.

Important hazards include:

True lilies and daylilies, which can cause fatal kidney injury in cats
Cycads or sago palms
Oleander
Autumn crocus
Azaleas and rhododendrons
Castor bean
Foxglove
Certain mushrooms
Plants containing insoluble oxalate crystals

For cats, exposure to lily petals, leaves, pollen or vase water requires immediate veterinary attention. Do not wait for vomiting or lethargy to develop.

Use the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant database or consult a local veterinary source before bringing a plant into your home or garden.

Wild mushrooms can be difficult to identify. Photograph the mushroom in its environment, collect a sample safely if instructed and contact a poison service.

Rodenticides, Snail Bait and Garden Products

Different rodenticides contain different active ingredients and require different treatments.

They may cause:

Internal bleeding
Kidney failure
Brain swelling
Tremors or seizures
Dangerous changes in calcium levels

Symptoms may be delayed for several days.

Snail and slug baits can also cause severe neurological signs. Fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides and compost may create additional risks.

Always bring the product packaging. Colour or shape alone cannot reliably identify the active ingredient.

Flea, Tick and Insecticide Products

Use parasite products only for the species, weight and age listed on the label.

Permethrin-containing dog products can be extremely dangerous to cats. Exposure may occur when:

A dog product is accidentally applied to a cat
A cat grooms a recently treated dog
The animals sleep together before the product has dried

Signs may include drooling, twitching, tremors, seizures and difficulty walking.

If a product is applied incorrectly, contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.

Recreational Drugs and Nicotine

Potentially dangerous exposures include:

Cannabis and cannabis edibles
Psychedelic mushrooms
Cocaine
Amphetamines
Opioids
Kratom
Nicotine gum
Cigarettes
Vaping liquid and cartridges

Edibles may contain additional toxins such as chocolate or xylitol.

Tell your veterinarian exactly what your pet may have accessed. Veterinary teams need accurate information to provide appropriate treatment, not a dramatic backstory.

Household and Garage Hazards

Common hazards include:

Cleaning products
Paints and solvents
Antifreeze
Batteries
Essential oils
Reed diffusers
Laundry capsules
Dishwasher tablets
Pool chemicals
Fuel
Glue
Oxygen absorber packets containing iron
Lead-containing objects

Silica gel packets are generally considered low in chemical toxicity, but their packaging may still create a choking or obstruction risk. Oxygen absorber packets are different and may contain potentially dangerous iron.

Keep pets away while using concentrated cleaners, paints, solvents or pest-control products. Follow ventilation and drying instructions carefully.

Signs of Poisoning in Dogs and Cats

Symptoms depend on the toxin and may include:

Vomiting or diarrhoea
Drooling
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Restlessness or agitation
Tremors
Seizures
Weakness or collapse
Difficulty walking
Abnormal breathing
Pale, yellow, blue or brown gums
Increased thirst or urination
Reduced urine production
Abnormal heart rate
Bleeding or bruising
Burns around the mouth
Changes in pupil size
Disorientation
Coma

Some poisoned pets initially appear completely normal. A lack of symptoms does not mean an exposure is safe.

What Not to Do Following a Suspected Poisoning

Do not:

Wait for symptoms before calling
Induce vomiting without professional direction
Give hydrogen peroxide unless specifically instructed
Give salt to make your pet vomit
Give milk, oil, charcoal, food or water as an antidote
Give human medication
Force anything into an unconscious or seizuring animal’s mouth
Handle contaminated material without protecting yourself
Rely on an online dose calculator instead of professional assessment
Assume a product is safe because it is natural

Inducing vomiting can be dangerous after exposure to corrosive chemicals, petroleum products, batteries or sharp objects. It is also unsafe in animals that are drowsy, seizuring, struggling to breathe or unable to swallow normally.

The Pet Poison Helpline specifically advises against home antidotes or inducing vomiting before consulting a veterinarian or poison specialist.

If the Substance Is on the Skin or Fur

Prevent your pet from licking the area and contact a veterinarian or poison service.

You may be instructed to:

Wear gloves
Remove a contaminated collar or harness
Rinse or wash the coat
Use a particular detergent
Keep the pet warm after bathing

The correct approach depends on the chemical. Powders, oils, corrosive products and concentrated insecticides may require different handling, so obtain professional instructions first whenever possible.

If the Substance Is in the Eyes

Contact a veterinarian immediately.

If safe to do so, you may be instructed to flush the eye with clean lukewarm water or sterile saline while arranging veterinary care. Chemical eye injuries can worsen rapidly and require examination even if the eye initially appears normal.

How Veterinarians Treat Poisoning

Treatment depends on the toxin, route of exposure, dose and time elapsed.

It may include:

Safely inducing vomiting
Activated charcoal
Washing contaminated skin or fur
Intravenous fluids
Antidotes
Anti-seizure medication
Oxygen therapy
Heart and blood-pressure monitoring
Blood and urine testing
Kidney or liver monitoring
Blood products
Intensive supportive care

There is no universal antidote. Fast identification of the substance helps the veterinary team select the safest treatment.

How to Poison-Proof Your Home

Kitchen

Store chocolate, grapes and xylitol products in closed cupboards
Use bins with locking lids
Keep food away from bench edges
Clear leftovers immediately
Keep pets away from compost

Bathroom and Bedroom

Store medications in closed cabinets
Keep skincare products out of reach
Do not leave tablets in bags or beside the bed
Pick up dropped medication immediately

Laundry and Cleaning Areas

Secure detergents and cleaning concentrates
Keep pets away while products are being used
Store laundry capsules inside closed cupboards
Allow cleaned surfaces to dry as directed

Garden, Shed and Garage

Lock away rodenticides, pesticides and fertilisers
Clean antifreeze spills immediately
Check plants before purchasing them
Remove suspicious mushrooms
Keep batteries, paint and automotive products secured

Visitors and Handbags

Guests may carry medication, gum, nicotine products or food inside handbags and backpacks. Provide a high shelf or closed room for personal belongings.

Preventing Poisoning on Walks

Dogs that scavenge may benefit from:

A well-fitted basket muzzle
Lead supervision
Reward-based “leave it” training
A reliable “drop it” cue
Trading found objects for high-value food
Avoiding areas with mushrooms, bait or dumped rubbish

A basket muzzle should allow panting, drinking and treat delivery. Introduce it gradually and positively rather than placing it on immediately before a stressful walk.

High-Risk Times of Year

Poison exposures commonly increase around:

Easter
Christmas and other holidays
Parties
Gardening season
Pest-control treatments
House renovations
Moving home
Guest visits
Medication changes

During gatherings, secure rubbish, leftovers, alcohol, handbags and medications before guests arrive.

Common Poison-Prevention Mistakes

Leaving medication inside a handbag on the floor
Assuming child-resistant containers are pet-resistant
Keeping flavoured veterinary medication beside pet food
Using dog flea products on cats
Placing rodenticide where pets can reach poisoned rodents or bait
Keeping toxic plants in supposedly inaccessible locations
Assuming vomiting removes the entire toxin
Waiting because the pet appears normal
Treating with a home remedy
Throwing away the packaging before calling the vet

Prevention often comes down to one simple rule: if a pet could climb, chew, knock over or open it, secure it properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I make my pet vomit after they eat something toxic?

Not unless a veterinarian or poison specialist specifically directs you. Vomiting is inappropriate or dangerous in many situations.

My pet looks normal. Do I still need to call?

Yes. Kidney failure, liver injury, internal bleeding and other complications may develop hours or days later.

Is a small amount always safe?

No. The risk depends on the toxin, concentration, species and your pet’s weight. Some substances are dangerous in extremely small quantities.

Can cats and dogs eat the same toxic dose?

No. Species process chemicals differently. A product tolerated by a dog may be fatal to a cat.

Should I bring the package to the vet?

Yes. Bring the container, label, receipt or a clear photograph showing the active ingredients and concentration.

Can ASK A VET™ replace an animal poison service?

No. ASK A VET™ can provide general veterinary guidance and help organise your pet’s information, but suspected poisoning requires immediate contact with a veterinarian, emergency clinic or specialist animal poison service.

Get Additional Support Through ASK A VET™

The ASK A VET™ app can help you improve everyday poison prevention by allowing you to:

Ask veterinary questions about household hazards
Store your pet’s weight, health conditions and medication list
Record potential exposures and symptoms
Share photographs of plants or product labels
Organise veterinary documents
Create reminders for medication and parasite treatments
Build a personalised home-safety checklist

ASK A VET™ should not delay emergency treatment. If poisoning is suspected, contact an emergency veterinarian or animal poison service immediately.

Visit AskAVet.com or download the ASK A VET™ app for ongoing veterinary guidance and pet-safety support.

Final Thoughts

Pet poisoning can happen in seconds, but preparation makes a tremendous difference.

Secure medications, food, chemicals and plants before your pet reaches them. Save the appropriate poison-service number in your phone and keep your nearest emergency clinic’s details readily available.

If an exposure occurs, stay calm, collect the packaging and seek professional advice immediately. When poison is involved, acting early is always safer than waiting for symptoms.

Know how they are, wherever they are

The ASK A VET™ Tracker logs live location and activity trends, so a change in routine never goes unnoticed.

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About the author

Dr Duncan Houston

Veterinarian · Founder of ASK A VET

Every ASK A VET article is written and reviewed by qualified veterinarians.

About Dr. Duncan →drduncanthevet

Pet Poisoning: Common Toxins, Symptoms and What to Do