March 2026 guide Urgent care
Updated
How Your Vet Can Help If Your Pet Ingests Something Toxic
If you think your pet swallowed something harmful, call for professional advice right away. Waiting for symptoms can lose valuable time, even when your pet currently seems normal.
Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service. ASPCA Animal Poison Control is available 24 hours a day at (888) 426-4435; a consultation fee may apply. If your pet has trouble breathing, is unconscious, or is having seizures, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Prevent more exposure
Move your pet away from the substance if you can do so safely, and keep other pets out of the area. Save the container, label, or packaging to help identify what was involved.
Give the team a clear picture
Be ready to describe the substance, the possible amount, the time of exposure, your pet's weight, and any symptoms. Your veterinarian and poison-control professionals use these details to assess the risk and decide what care is needed.
Follow the treatment instructions
Do not induce vomiting or give medication or a home remedy unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional specifically directs you. An action that helps with one toxin can be dangerous with another.
Your veterinary team can advise whether immediate examination is necessary and coordinate the next steps with poison control. Follow any instructions about transport, monitoring, and follow-up. If our hospital is closed or you cannot reach us promptly, contact an emergency veterinary service or poison control directly.
Further reading
Educational resources from veterinary and animal-care organizations:
This guide offers general pet-care information. Your veterinarian can recommend care for your pet's individual needs.
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