Dogs are curious, fast, and sometimes surprisingly good at getting into things they should not.
Chocolate left on the counter. A dropped medication. Grapes from a lunchbox. THC products. Rodenticide. Household chemicals.
When a possible toxic ingestion happens, the most important thing is to act quickly and avoid guessing.
As a veterinarian, these are the first steps I recommend pet owners take.
1. Remove Access to the Substance
If your dog is still eating or licking the substance, safely remove it and move your pet away from the area.
If there is product remaining, keep the packaging, bottle, wrapper, medication label, or plant sample. Your veterinarian may need this information to determine exactly what your dog was exposed to.
2. Figure Out What Your Dog Ate
Try to gather as much information as possible:
- What substance was involved?
- Approximately how much was eaten?
- What time did the ingestion occur?
- How much does your dog weigh?
- Is your dog showing any symptoms?
- Is your dog taking any medications or does your dog have any medical conditions?
Even an estimate is useful.
3. Call Your Veterinarian or Pet Poison Control
Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Some toxic substances can cause serious problems before obvious signs develop, and early treatment may be much more effective.
Contact your veterinarian, emergency veterinary hospital, or a pet poison-control service and tell them exactly what happened.
They can help determine whether your dog needs:
- Home monitoring
- Veterinary examination
- Induction of vomiting
- Activated charcoal
- Bloodwork
- IV fluids
- Medication
- Hospitalization
4. Do Not Automatically Make Your Dog Vomit
Inducing vomiting can be helpful in certain situations, but it is not appropriate for every ingestion.
Vomiting may be unsafe if your dog swallowed:
- Caustic chemicals
- Petroleum products
- Sharp objects
- Certain household cleaners
It can also be dangerous in dogs that are already weak, sedated, having seizures, or having difficulty swallowing.
Always get veterinary guidance before attempting to induce vomiting.
5. Activated Charcoal May Be Recommended for Certain Toxins
Activated charcoal works by adsorbing certain substances in the gastrointestinal tract, which can help reduce the amount available for absorption into the body.
It may be recommended for some exposures involving:
- Chocolate
- THC/cannabis
- Ibuprofen and naproxen
- Acetaminophen
- Certain prescription medications
- Bromethalin rodenticide
- Some pesticides and chemicals
Activated charcoal does not work for every toxin, so it should be used when appropriate for the specific ingestion.
PetVet Medic® Activated Charcoal
PetVet Medic® Activated Charcoal is veterinarian formulated for dogs and cats and designed to be kept on hand as part of your pet emergency supplies.
Our formula contains 220 mg/mL activated charcoal and uses simple weight-based dosing:
Dose: 1 mL per lb of body weight
It is available in both a bottle and a convenient prefilled oral syringe with a dial-to-weight design.
PetVet Medic® Activated Charcoal is:
- Veterinarian formulated
- Made in the USA
- Manufactured in an FDA-registered facility
- Independently batch tested
- Beef flavored for easier administration
- Designed with a 2-year shelf life
6. Watch for Warning Signs
Signs of poisoning vary depending on the substance involved.
Possible symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Collapse
- Abnormal heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale gums
- Agitation
- Extreme sleepiness
- Loss of coordination
Do not wait for these signs to develop before seeking advice if you already know your dog has ingested something potentially toxic.
7. Bring the Packaging With You
If your dog needs veterinary care, bring the original packaging whenever possible.
Medication bottles, food wrappers, pesticide containers, supplement labels, and household product containers can provide important information about:
- Ingredients
- Concentration
- Strength
- Quantity
- Product formulation
A photo of the label can also be helpful.
Common Household Toxins for Dogs
Some of the most common accidental ingestions include:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Xylitol
- Human medications
- THC products
- Rodenticides
- Nicotine products
- Certain plants
- Household cleaners
- Antifreeze
- Insecticides and pesticides
Even substances that seem harmless to people can be dangerous to pets.
Be Prepared Before It Happens
Pet emergencies are much easier to manage when you already have the basic information and supplies you need.
Keep the following easily accessible:
- Your veterinarian’s phone number
- The closest emergency veterinary hospital
- A pet poison-control contact
- Your pet’s current weight
- A pet first aid kit
- Activated charcoal for appropriate emergency use
- Basic wound-care supplies
Preparation cannot prevent every emergency, but it can make those first few minutes much less stressful.
The Most Important Rule
If your dog eats something potentially toxic, do not wait to see what happens.
Identify the substance, estimate how much was ingested, and contact your veterinarian or pet poison-control service as soon as possible.
Early action can make a major difference.
Dr. Leah Hill, DVM
Founder, Pet Vet Products
Veterinarian-designed first aid and emergency preparedness for pets.
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