It happens fast. One second your dog is lying quietly on the floor, and the next they’ve snagged a piece of chocolate off the coffee table. Or you come home to find your cat has knocked a plant off the counter and chewed on the leaves. Or you realize, mid-dinner, that the grapes you set on the edge of the plate are gone.
In moments like these, panic is natural. But knowing exactly what to do — and what not to do — can make the difference between a scary but manageable situation and a genuine emergency.
This guide walks you through the critical first steps if your pet eats something toxic, the most common culprits to be aware of, and how to be prepared before an emergency ever happens.
Step One: Stay Calm and Assess
Your first instinct might be to panic, but a calm response leads to better outcomes. Take a moment to figure out what your pet ate, how much, and when.
Gather any remaining packaging, wrappers, or pieces of the substance. If your pet chewed on a plant, try to identify it (taking a photo with your phone is helpful). Check the floor and surrounding area for evidence of how much was consumed. Note the time as accurately as you can — this information is critical for veterinary treatment.
Your pet’s weight also matters. A square of dark chocolate is far more dangerous for a 10-pound Chihuahua than for a 90-pound Labrador. Having your pet’s approximate weight in mind helps professionals assess the situation quickly.
Step Two: Call for Professional Help
Do not try to handle a potential poisoning on your own. Two 24/7 resources exist specifically for this purpose:
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 is staffed by veterinary toxicologists and has handled millions of cases. There’s a consultation fee (typically around $75), but this buys you expert, case-specific guidance. They’ll tell you exactly what to watch for, whether your pet needs emergency care, and what treatments the vet should consider.
The Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 is another 24/7 option staffed by veterinarians and toxicology experts.
Your regular veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital should also be called. If it’s after hours, most vet offices have an after-hours emergency number or can direct you to the closest emergency facility.
Step Three: Do NOT Induce Vomiting Without Instructions
This is one of the most important things to know: do not make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian or poison control specifically tells you to. For some toxins — particularly caustic or corrosive substances — vomiting can cause additional damage to the esophagus on the way back up.
Hydrogen peroxide is sometimes recommended to induce vomiting in dogs, but the dose and timing matter, and it should never be used in cats. Only administer it when directed by a professional, and follow their dosing instructions exactly.
Never use salt, mustard, or any other home remedy to induce vomiting. These can cause additional toxicity or complications.
The Most Common Household Toxins
Knowing the most frequent offenders helps you prevent emergencies before they happen.
Foods that top the list include chocolate (especially dark and baking chocolate), grapes and raisins, xylitol (an artificial sweetener in sugar-free products and some peanut butters), onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, and caffeine.
Plants are a major category, particularly for cats. Lilies (including tiger, Easter, and stargazer varieties) can cause fatal kidney failure in cats even in small amounts. Sago palms are extremely toxic to dogs, with the seeds being the most dangerous part. Pothos, oleander, and autumn crocus are other common household plants that pose serious risks.
Household chemicals including antifreeze (ethylene glycol), rodent poisons, certain cleaning products, and some human medications round out the list. Even a small amount of antifreeze is potentially fatal, and it has a sweet taste that attracts pets.
What Happens at the Vet
If your pet needs emergency care, here’s what to expect. The vet will likely start with a physical exam and may ask for the case number from poison control if you’ve already called.
Depending on what was ingested and how recently, treatment might include induced vomiting (done with professional-grade medications), activated charcoal to bind remaining toxins in the digestive tract, IV fluids to support kidney function and flush toxins from the system, blood work to assess organ function, and monitoring for developing symptoms.
Some toxins have specific antidotes, while others require supportive care until the substance works its way out of the system. Treatment time can range from a few hours of observation to several days of hospitalization for serious cases.
The Cost Factor
Emergency vet visits are expensive. An after-hours poisoning case can easily range from $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the toxin, the severity of symptoms, and the length of hospitalization.
This is where preparation pays off. Pet insurance plans that cover emergency and illness visits typically reimburse 70 to 90 percent of costs after the deductible. If your pet doesn’t have insurance, many emergency clinics offer payment plans or accept veterinary financing through services like CareCredit.
The ASPCA notes that their poison control consultation fee may be partially or fully covered by certain pet insurance providers — it’s worth checking your policy in advance.
Building a Pet Emergency Kit
Being prepared before an emergency makes a stressful situation much more manageable. Consider keeping the following on hand:
A card or phone note with poison control numbers, your vet’s after-hours line, and the address of the nearest emergency animal hospital. A basic pet first-aid kit with gauze, medical tape, and a digital thermometer. Your pet’s medical records, including weight, medications, and any known allergies — many vet clinics have online portals where this information is stored.
A recent photo of your pet can help identify them if they’re ever lost during a health crisis, and a list of their current medications ensures the emergency vet has complete information.
Prevention Is Everything
Most pet poisonings are preventable. Store toxic foods in closed cabinets or on high shelves. Research every houseplant before bringing it into your home — the ASPCA’s toxic plant database is a free, searchable resource. Secure trash cans with lids that pets can’t open. Read labels on peanut butter, gum, and baked goods for xylitol. Keep all medications — human and pet — in a secure location.
If you’re ever unsure whether something is safe, err on the side of caution. A quick search or a call to your vet is always preferable to an emergency room visit.
The best emergency is the one that never happens. But if it does, knowing what to do means you can act fast, stay focused, and give your pet the best possible chance at a quick recovery.