My pet ate something toxic
Poisoning is one of the most common emergencies in dogs and cats. Many everyday substances are dangerous: human medicines, cleaning products, antifreeze, rat poison, insecticides, some plants and several foods that are harmless to us. Acting fast and with the right information makes all the difference.
Common toxins at home
Some of the most frequent ones and their rough danger level:
| Substance | Where it is | Danger |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate, cocoa | Foods | High (depends on type and weight) |
| Grapes and raisins | Foods | High (kidney damage in dogs) |
| Onion, garlic, leek | Foods | Medium-high (anaemia) |
| Xylitol (sweetener) | Gum, sugar-free sweets | Very high in dogs |
| Paracetamol, ibuprofen | Human medicines | Very high, especially in cats |
| Antifreeze | Garage, car | Very high (sweet and deadly) |
| Rat poison | Home, garden | Very high (bleeding) |
| Lilies | Plants and flowers | Very high in cats (kidney failure) |
| Cleaning products, bleach | Home | High (corrosive) |
Symptoms of poisoning
They vary with the toxin, but the most common are:
- Vomiting, diarrhoea or excessive drooling.
- Tremors, seizures or lack of coordination.
- Weakness, lethargy or difficulty breathing.
- Pale or very red gums, bleeding.
- Drinking and urinating a lot (some kidney toxins).
Some signs take hours or even days to appear, which is why you should not wait to see them.
What to do step by step
- Move the animal away from the toxin and take the remains out of reach.
- Identify what it swallowed: keep the container or remains and note the amount and time.
- Call an emergency vet immediately or a poison-control service with that information.
- Follow their instructions and go as soon as possible; take the container with you.
- If there is contact with skin or eyes, rinse with plenty of water while you speak to the vet.
What NOT to do
- Don't induce vomiting without professional advice: with corrosives (bleach) or petroleum products it is dangerous and causes more harm.
- Don't give milk, oil, salt or home remedies.
- Don't wait for symptoms to appear.
- Don't give any human medicine on your own.
What the vet will do
Depending on the toxin and time elapsed, they may induce vomiting safely, give activated charcoal to reduce absorption, start fluid therapy and, in some cases, use a specific antidote (for example, for antifreeze or certain rat poisons). They will also monitor kidney, liver and clotting function.
How to prevent poisoning
- Keep medicines, cleaning products and chemicals in closed cupboards.
- Don't leave bags or side tables with pills within reach.
- Find out which house and garden plants are toxic, especially if you have a cat.
- Clean up antifreeze spills at once — its sweet taste is very attractive.
Frequently asked questions
Should you always induce vomiting?
No. With corrosive substances or petroleum products, vomiting causes more damage. It should only be done if a vet advises it and in the way they indicate.
What information does the vet need?
What product or food it ate, the approximate amount, the time, the animal's weight and the symptoms you observe. The product container helps a lot.
Are cats more sensitive?
To many toxins, yes. Paracetamol and lilies, for example, are especially dangerous for cats. Take extra care.
How long does a toxin take to act?
It depends on the substance: some cause symptoms within minutes and others (such as certain rat poisons or kidney toxins) take hours or days. That is why you should act without waiting for symptoms.
Can I give activated charcoal at home?
Only if a vet tells you to. The dose and timing matter, and with some toxins it is useless or even counterproductive.
What if I don't know what it ate?
Call the vet anyway and describe the symptoms and the surroundings (plants, products, accessible medicines). Any remains, stain or smell can help identify it.
This is first-aid guidance only and does not replace a vet's diagnosis. In any emergency, contact a professional.
