Poisoning in Dogs and Cats: Emergency Response & First Aid 2025 🧪🚨🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

Pets can be poisoned by everyday items—plants, medications, cleaning products, or even food. Poisoning can happen quickly and quietly, so knowing what to do (and what NOT to do) can make all the difference. 🧪🐶🐱

🚨 What to Do If You Suspect Poisoning

• 📞 Call your veterinarian or a 24/7 animal poison hotline immediately
• 📦 Bring the label or packaging of the suspected toxin to the clinic
• 🛍️ Save any vomit in a plastic bag for your vet to examine

📱 Pet Poison Hotlines (24/7)

• 📞 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435
• 📞 Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661

💳 Note: A consultation fee may apply. You’ll receive a case number for your vet to coordinate treatment with the toxicology team.

⛔ What NOT to Do

• 🚱 Do not give liquids (water, milk, oil)—they may accelerate toxin absorption
• 🚫 Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by your vet
• 💤 If your pet is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or unsteady—go directly to the vet

🧪 Common Poisoning Sources

• 🍫 Foods (chocolate, xylitol, grapes, garlic)
• 💊 Medications (OTC and prescription, both human and pet)
• 🧴 Cleaning products, bleach, essential oils
• 🪵 Plants (lilies, mushrooms, etc.)
• 🧪 Rat bait, antifreeze, expandable glue

🩺 What Your Vet Will Do

• 🩻 Run diagnostics (blood tests, X-rays)
• 🧼 Decontaminate (induce vomiting, activated charcoal, gastric lavage if safe)
• 💉 Administer antidotes, IV fluids, or medications as needed

⏱️ Act fast—early treatment greatly improves outcomes.

🛡️ How to Prevent Pet Poisoning

• 🔒 Store all meds, cleaners, and foods out of reach
• 📦 Don’t leave items like gum, meds, or chocolate unattended
• 📱 Save emergency contacts to your phone

📱 Ask A Vet Can Help

Not sure if something your pet ate is toxic? We’re here to help. 🐾

📲 Download the Ask A Vet app to connect with licensed vets 24/7 for poison advice, emergency triage, and peace of mind. 📱🩺

✅ Poisoning Emergency Checklist

• ✔ Call your vet or poison hotline immediately
• ✔ Save vomit sample if available
• ✔ Bring packaging to the clinic
• ✔ Never give liquids or induce vomiting without instruction
• ✔ Seek urgent care for unconscious or distressed pets

With the right steps and quick action, you can protect your pet and save their life. 🐶🐱❤️

Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to be prepared before you ever need help. 🧪📱