Dog Poisoning: What to Do, Common Toxins and Prevention

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Poisoning is one of the most common dog emergencies, and speed is crucial.

Act immediately

1. Remove your dog from the source and secure any remaining material.
2. Check that he is breathing and alert. If not, begin first aid. See dog CPR and rescue breathing.
3. Call your vet, an emergency clinic or a pet poison helpline. Services such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline charge a fee, but give rapid expert advice.
4. Collect information: the product, packaging, plant sample, amount eaten, time, your dog's weight and symptoms.
5. Follow instructions exactly.
6. Go to the clinic if advised, bringing the evidence.

Do not do these

• Do not induce vomiting without advice, since it is dangerous with corrosive substances, sharp objects, certain medicines, drowsy dogs and some breeds.
• Do not give milk, oil, salt or home remedies.
• Do not wait for signs.

Common poisons

• Chocolate and cocoa. See are chocolate and cocoa toxic to dogs
• Xylitol, found in gum, candy, baked goods and some peanut butters. See is xylitol toxic to dogs
• Grapes and raisins. See are grapes and raisins toxic to dogs
• Onions and garlic. See are onions and garlic toxic to dogs
• Human medications: painkillers, antidepressants, ADHD drugs. See why human painkillers are dangerous for dogs
• Rodenticides (rat poison)
• Antifreeze (ethylene glycol), which tastes sweet
• Household cleaners and chemicals
• Plants, such as sago palm, lilies (more for cats), azaleas and oleander
• Cannabis and edibles
• Alcohol and raw bread dough. See is raw bread dough dangerous for dogs
• Insecticides and flea products meant for other species
• Mushrooms and toads

Signs

Signs depend on the toxin and may include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, weakness, wobbliness, difficulty breathing, pale or yellow gums, increased thirst, bleeding or collapse. Some poisons cause no visible signs for hours or days.

What the vet may do

• Induce vomiting safely when appropriate
• Give activated charcoal
• Provide fluids, antidotes and medications
• Monitor blood tests, heart rhythm and organ function
• Hospitalize for observation

Prevention

• Keep medications, cleaners and chemicals locked away
• Secure garbage and compost
• Check plants and treats. See household items toxic to puppies
• Never feed unknown foods
• Store rodent bait safely, and avoid using poisons outdoors
• Wipe up antifreeze spills
• Supervise dogs outdoors

Poison-proofing your home

Walk through each room at dog level. Put medications in closed cabinets, secure bags and purses and keep chocolate and sweet foods out of reach. Check the car, garage and yard.

Questions to ask your vet

Ask which products in your home are most dangerous, what to keep in your first aid kit and which number to call after hours. Save the numbers in your phone. See dog first aid kit.

Common mistakes

• Waiting to see if he is okay
• Inducing vomiting inappropriately
• Failing to bring packaging
• Assuming small amounts are harmless

Troubleshooting

• I do not know what he ate: take photos of the scene and call.
• He seems fine: still call, as signs can be delayed.
• It happened hours ago: call anyway, since treatment may still help.

A simple plan

1. Remove the source.
2. Call for advice.
3. Follow instructions.
4. Go to the clinic with evidence.

Real-life examples

A lab eats a bar of dark chocolate, and early treatment prevents illness. A dog swallows rat poison and recovers after vitamin K treatment. A terrier licks antifreeze, and quick care saves him. Speed matters.

Be ready

Save the poison hotline and your emergency clinic number in your phone today.

The takeaway

Call for help immediately, avoid home remedies and bring evidence. Prevention is the best protection.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.