Help! My Pet Ate Something Toxic!
- posted: Mar. 15, 2025
Help! My Pet Ate Something Toxic!
Swallowing a toxic substance is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the vet. But what can you do if your pet has eaten something he shouldn’t have? We will discuss some common dos and don’ts in the event of a toxin exposure.
First, what are some potential toxic substances that may be harmful to your pet? Common toxins include: antifreeze, rat poison, chocolate, plants, marijuana and both human and pet medications. Pet proof your home by making sure your pet does not have access to detergents, cleaning solutions, drugs or antifreeze and know which foods (like chocolate and grapes) or plants (lilies, tulip bulbs) are a no-go for your pet.
What do you do if you’ve seen your pet ingest something potentially harmful? First, don’t panic! Accidental exposure to poisons is fairly common in the veterinary world. If you have witnessed your pet eating something poisonous, chances are we can help her. Next, consider calling a Pet Poison Control hotline. While there is a fee for accessing these call centers (usually around $50-$70), they provide vital information about toxic or lethal doses, symptoms, and treatment. This information is especially useful if your pet has had exposure to a human drug as many vets do not have easy access to treating accidental exposure or overdose of these medications.
Two commonly used helplines are the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 and the ASPCA Poison Control Line (888) 426-4435.
Next, if the toxin your pet has ingested is not caustic (i.e. likely to cause chemical burns such as bleach) and if he or she swallowed it within the past hour, you may be instructed to induce vomiting. Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a home remedy to induce vomiting in dogs, but should NEVER be used in cats except in the most dire of emergencies. Peroxide causes damage to the lining of cats’ stomachs and can cause the lining to bleed and actually slough or detach. To repeat—DO NOT GIVE PEROXIDE TO CATS! Vets have access to drugs to induce vomiting in both cats and dogs, so, when in doubt, take your pet immediately to the vet. Early decontamination provides the best outcome with drug or toxin exposure. If your pet has ingested a caustic substance like toilet bowl cleaner, try to get your pet to drink milk or water to dilute the agent and reduce damage to the lining of the esophagus and stomach.
If your pet is non-responsive, rapidly deteriorating, already vomiting, having seizures or tremors, having trouble breathing, etc. DON’T DELAY! Take your pet to his vet or to a veterinary emergency hospital immediately!
Pets may also need supportive care such as IV fluids, additional decontamination with products such as activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of toxins and, if available, your pet may be given a specific antidote. Your pet may also have blood tests done and may need to return for lab work days or weeks later as some toxins can cause delayed damage to organs like the liver or kidneys.
When in doubt don’t delay: take your pet to the vet! If you don’t know what the toxin was, or when it was eaten, there may still be treatment available. If you do know what the pet ate, bring the drug, plant, etc. and/or any packaging with you. If your pet has ingested marijuana or an illegal drug, tell your vet! Vets need to know what your pet ingested in order to help him and are under no obligation to report drug use (unless intentional poisoning is suspected which would be animal cruelty). We just want to help your pet get better! Again, the earlier a toxin is recognized and treated, and the more information we have, the better the chance of recovery.
This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/poisoning-in-dogs/
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners
Location
Patton Veterinary Hospital
425 E Broadway
Red Lion, PA 17356
