help for pet poisoning: what to do right now

If your dog or cat may have been poisoned, call your veterinarian, the nearest emergency animal hospital, or an animal poison control service right away.

Have the product, packaging, label, or medication bottle available if possible. Do not induce vomiting or give your pet a home remedy unless a veterinarian or animal poison control professional tells you to. The wrong treatment can cause more harm, and some toxins can cause serious problems even before your pet shows signs.

Acting quickly gives your veterinary team or poison control professionals more information and more options for helping your pet.

What to do immediately

If you think your pet has been poisoned, follow these steps:

1. Remove your pet from the source. Move your pet away from the substance or area so they cannot be exposed again.
2. Do not let your pet eat more. Remove food or the substance from your pet's reach.
3. Save the product or packaging. Keep the container, label, medication bottle, plant, or other material involved. If you cannot safely save it, take clear photos of it.
4. Estimate how much was involved. Note how much your pet may have eaten, licked, inhaled, or otherwise been exposed to.
5. Note when the exposure happened. An approximate time is helpful if you do not know the exact time.
6. Call for guidance. Contact your veterinarian, the nearest emergency animal hospital, or animal poison control. Find a Banfield near you
7. Follow the instructions you receive. Do not give your pet anything by mouth or attempt to treat the poisoning yourself unless a veterinary professional specifically directs you to.
8. If the substance is on your pet's skin or in their eyes, tell the veterinarian or poison control professional exactly what happened. They can advise you on the safest way to remove the substance.

Who to call

Animal poison control services can help assess a potential toxic exposure and provide guidance to you and your veterinarian. They can use information about the substance, amount, timing, and your pet's health to determine what steps are appropriate.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435 — available 24/7, 365 days a year. (fee applies)

Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 — available 24/7. (fee applies)

You can also call your regular veterinarian during business hours. If your pet needs immediate treatment or your veterinarian is unavailable, contact the nearest emergency animal hospital.

For pets already showing severe signs, do not delay emergency veterinary care while trying to reach poison control. Go to the nearest emergency animal hospital and call ahead when possible.

The risk depends on the substance, the amount, your pet's species and size, and other factors. A substance that is safe for people or one type of pet may be dangerous to another.

Learn more about common pet poisons

Signs of poisoning to watch for

Signs of poisoning vary depending on the substance and the amount of exposure. Possible signs include:

• vomiting or diarrhea
• excessive drooling
• loss of appetite
• weakness or unusual tiredness
• tremors or shaking
• seizures
• trouble breathing
• changes in heart rate
• abnormal behavior or confusion
• pale gums
• collapse or loss of consciousness

Do not wait for these signs before calling. Some toxic exposures can cause delayed symptoms, and early treatment or guidance may be important even when your pet appears normal.

If your pet develops trouble breathing, seizures, collapse, severe weakness, or another life-threatening sign, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Why not to induce vomiting on your own

Do not make your pet vomit unless directed by a veterinarian or animal poison control professional. Vomiting should ideally be done under professional veterinary care or supervision.

Whether vomiting is appropriate depends on what your pet was exposed to, how much was involved, when the exposure happened, and your pet's current condition. Some substances can cause additional injury if they come back up, including certain corrosive substances and petroleum products. There can also be risks if a pet vomits and then inhales the material into the lungs.

The method used to induce vomiting also matters. A home remedy that is sometimes discussed online may be ineffective or dangerous for your pet.

The safest answer to “How do I make my dog or cat throw up?” is to call a veterinary professional or animal poison control service first. Follow their instructions rather than trying to treat the exposure on your own.

The same applies to questions about flushing poison out of a pet. Do not try to flush, dilute, neutralize, or otherwise treat a suspected poisoning unless a veterinary professional specifically directs you to do so.

What poison control will ask you

Have as much of the following information ready as possible when you call:

• your pet's species
• your pet's weight
• your pet's age
• the product or substance involved
• the product's ingredients, if available
• how much your pet may have been exposed to
• when the exposure happened
• how your pet was exposed, such as eating, licking, inhaling, or skin contact
• any signs your pet is showing
• your pet's medical conditions
• your pet's current medications

Keep the original container, package, label, medication bottle, or plant available when possible. A photo of the product and its ingredient list can also be helpful if you cannot safely bring the item with you.

The more specific information you can provide, the more accurately poison control or your veterinarian can assess the exposure and recommend next steps.

Pet poisoning FAQs

Important Notice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet's health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.