Pet toxicity FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about pet toxicity, poison control, and what to do in an emergency.
What should I do if my pet eats something toxic?+
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear - many serious toxins have a delayed onset. Bring the product packaging if you can. Tell them your pet's species, weight, what was eaten, how much, and when. They will advise on whether you need to go to an emergency vet.
Should I make my dog vomit after eating something toxic?+
Only under veterinary direction. For some toxins, inducing vomiting within 1-2 hours of ingestion can be life-saving. For others - corrosive chemicals, sharp objects, and certain substances - vomiting causes additional damage. Always call ASPCA Poison Control or your vet before attempting to induce vomiting.
What is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control number?+
888-426-4435. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center operates 24/7/365. There is a consultation fee of approximately $100 (2026), which covers follow-up calls for the same case. They have the largest veterinary toxicology database in the world.
What is the difference between ASPCA Poison Control and Pet Poison Helpline?+
Both operate 24/7 with board-certified veterinary toxicologists. ASPCA (888-426-4435) charges approximately $100; Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) charges approximately $85. Both include follow-up calls in the case fee. ASPCA has a larger historical database. For UK callers, use Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000).
Are grapes really that dangerous for dogs?+
Yes - any amount can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, and there is no established safe dose. The exact toxic mechanism was unknown for decades; recent research suggests tartaric acid as the likely culprit. Some dogs have eaten large quantities with no apparent effects, while others have developed kidney failure after a single grape. The unpredictability of individual responses makes any ingestion a vet call.
Are lilies toxic to dogs the same way they are to cats?+
No. True lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) cause acute kidney failure in cats from even minimal contact - including pollen that falls on fur and is groomed off. In dogs, the same lilies typically cause mild to moderate GI upset but rarely cause kidney failure. The risk profile is completely different between the two species. Peace lily and calla lily cause different (milder) problems and affect both species similarly.
Is chocolate really toxic to dogs or is the danger exaggerated?+
Chocolate is genuinely toxic to dogs. Theobromine (and caffeine) in chocolate cause cardiac arrhythmias, tremors, seizures, and in serious cases, death. The danger is dose-dependent - a large dog who steals one chocolate chip is in a very different situation from a small dog who eats a bar of baking chocolate. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain far higher theobromine concentrations than milk chocolate. Any chocolate ingestion in a small dog, or significant ingestion in any dog, warrants a call to ASPCA Poison Control.
Is xylitol dangerous if my dog eats a small amount?+
Yes. Xylitol causes a rapid insulin release in dogs leading to life-threatening hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). At higher doses, acute liver failure follows. The toxic dose starts at approximately 100mg/kg for hypoglycaemia. A single piece of xylitol-containing gum can contain 0.3-0.5g of xylitol, which is a dangerous dose for a small dog. Always check sugar-free products for xylitol.
Can cats eat human food?+
Some human foods are safe for cats in small quantities - plain cooked chicken, cooked fish, plain cooked eggs, and some vegetables. Many human foods are toxic or problematic: onion and garlic, grapes and raisins, raw fish (thiamine deficiency risk), chocolate, and anything containing xylitol. Cats are obligate carnivores and do not need plant-based foods. When in doubt, stick to cat-formulated food.
How do I know if my pet has been poisoned?+
Common signs of poisoning include sudden vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, weakness, wobbling, tremors or seizures, pale or white gums, collapse, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing. However, many serious toxins have a delayed onset - a pet can appear fine for hours before deteriorating rapidly. If you have any reason to suspect ingestion, call ASPCA Poison Control without waiting for symptoms.
Is it safe to use essential oil diffusers around cats?+
With significant caution. Cats groom constantly, meaning oil mist that settles on surfaces and fur is ingested. Tea tree, pennyroyal, wintergreen, clove, and cinnamon oils are known to cause liver damage and neurological effects in cats. Even many products marketed as 'pet-safe' contain problematic concentrations. In rooms where cats sleep or spend significant time, unscented alternatives are the safest choice.
My cat ate a lily petal. Is this a real emergency?+
Yes - rush to an emergency vet immediately. Any part of true lilies (Lilium species including tiger lily, Easter lily, Asiatic lily, stargazer lily, day lily) is capable of causing acute kidney failure in cats. Even pollen that falls onto the coat and is groomed off has caused fatalities. There is no antidote; treatment is supportive care and must begin within hours to have any chance of preventing permanent kidney damage. Do not wait.
Does pet insurance cover toxin emergencies?+
Most comprehensive pet insurance policies cover accidental ingestion and poisoning as an unexpected illness or accident. Emergency vet visits for toxin ingestion can cost $500-2,500+ depending on treatment required. If you have pets and do not have insurance, an emergency involving antifreeze, xylitol, or rodenticide can be devastating financially as well as emotionally.
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