If your dog has eaten something you suspect is toxic, staying calm and acting quickly is essential. Here’s what you should do.
1. Don’t panic, but act fast
Time matters when it comes to poisoning. The sooner your dog receives treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be.
2. Identify what they ate
Try to work out exactly what your dog ate, how much, and when. If possible, keep the packaging or a sample — your vet will need this information.
3. Contact your vet immediately
Call your vet or an emergency out-of-hours vet straight away. Give them as much detail as you can about what your dog has eaten. They’ll advise whether you need to bring your dog in or can monitor at home.
If you can’t reach your vet, try a pet poison helpline in your country — many operate around the clock and can advise over the phone.
4. Do NOT try to make your dog sick
Unless specifically instructed by a vet, do not try to induce vomiting. Some substances can cause more damage on the way back up, and the wrong technique can be dangerous.
5. Watch for these warning signs
Common symptoms of poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Tremors or seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale or yellow gums
Symptoms can appear within minutes or take several hours, depending on the substance.
6. Common toxic foods for dogs
Some of the most dangerous foods for dogs include:
- Chocolate — contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolise
- Grapes and raisins — can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts
- Xylitol (birch sugar) — found in sugar-free products, extremely toxic to dogs
- Onions and garlic — damage red blood cells and can cause anaemia
- Macadamia nuts — cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors
Prevention is better than cure
Keep toxic foods out of reach, secure bin lids, and educate everyone in your household about which foods are dangerous. Use our food checker to quickly look up whether something is safe before sharing it with your dog.