Your pet just ingested something - here is what to do
Do not wait for symptoms. Call one of these numbers immediately.
2-minute triage checklist
Gather this information before calling. Having it ready dramatically speeds up the assessment and improves outcomes.
- 1
What did they eat?
Exact name, brand if relevant, ingredients list. Photograph the packaging if you can.
- 2
How much?
Estimate as precisely as possible. Number of pieces, weight, volume. Even an estimate is better than nothing.
- 3
When did it happen?
Exact or approximate time. Minutes since ingestion affects treatment options significantly.
- 4
Your pet's weight
In pounds or kilograms. Most toxin doses are weight-dependent. Check your last vet visit records.
- 5
Current symptoms
Are they vomiting? Lethargic? Trembling? Drooling? Any symptoms visible so far?
What NOT to do
- X
Do not induce vomiting without vet guidance
For caustic substances, sharp objects, or some toxins, vomiting causes additional damage. Always call first.
- X
Do not give milk, bread, or activated charcoal without instruction
These are not universal antidotes. Charcoal is only effective for certain toxins within a specific time window and must be dosed correctly.
- X
Do not wait for symptoms to appear
Many serious toxins have a delay between ingestion and symptoms. With antifreeze, grapes, and xylitol, pets can appear fine for hours before crashing.
- X
Do not search for advice on social media
Well-meaning but incorrect advice can delay treatment. Call a qualified poison control line.
Which service should I call?
Emergency Vet
Go directly to an emergency vet if your pet is having seizures, is unconscious, struggling to breathe, or has been exposed to antifreeze, rat poison, or xylitol within the last hour.
ASPCA (888-426-4435)
Best for: confirmed toxic ingestion where your vet is closed, complex multi-substance cases, or when you need expert dose-calculation guidance. Fee: approx. $100.
Vetster Telehealth
For non-emergency "I'm worried but my pet is acting normally" situations. A licensed vet can assess via video and advise whether an in-person visit is needed.
Connect with a vet nowASPCA vs Pet Poison Helpline - what is the difference?
| ASPCA APCC | Pet Poison Helpline | |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 888-426-4435 | 855-764-7661 |
| Fee (2026) | ~$100 per case | ~$85 per case |
| Hours | 24/7/365 | 24/7/365 |
| Follow-up | Included in fee | Included in fee |
| Database | World's largest (50+ years) | Strong North American focus |
| UK/International | Limited | Limited |
Most common toxin emergencies
Emergency FAQ
How long do I have to act after my pet eats something toxic?+
It depends on the toxin. For most toxins, decontamination (inducing vomiting under vet guidance) is most effective within 1-2 hours. Antifreeze requires treatment within 3 hours in dogs and 1-2 hours in cats. Grape toxicity requires urgent care as soon as you discover ingestion. The answer is always: call immediately, do not wait.
Should I make my dog vomit if it ate something toxic?+
Only under veterinary guidance. For some toxins, vomiting is the right first step and can prevent serious illness. But for others - including corrosive chemicals, sharp objects, and certain toxins that cause more damage on the way back up - vomiting worsens the outcome. Always call first.
My vet is closed. What do I do?+
Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) - both are 24/7. They can advise on severity and guide you to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Most cities have at least one 24-hour emergency vet - search 'emergency vet near me' now so you have the address ready.
Are the poison control fees worth it?+
Yes. A call to ASPCA ($100) or Pet Poison Helpline ($85) that avoids an unnecessary emergency vet visit (typically $500-2000) pays for itself instantly. More importantly, a call that triggers an urgent visit and prevents a fatality is invaluable. Both services follow up throughout the case at no extra charge.