Poisoned Pet? Here's What to Do

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, the most important thing could well be what you don’t do. Above all, don’t panic. Your ability to stay calm and collected could ultimately be the most important factor in your pet’s treatment and recovery.

First, take 30 to 60 seconds to collect any of the material you suspect as poisonous. This is an important aid to your vet or animal toxicologists when they attempt to find out which poison or poisons might be involved. If you need to take your pet to a local veterinarian, make sure to take the product’s container with you if you can locate it. Also place any material the pet might have chewed or vomited in a sealable plastic bag and take it as well.

If you see your dog or cat swallowing or chewing anything you even suspect might be toxic, seek emergency help right away. This is important even if the animal shows no effects at the time. It can take up to several hours or even days before the effects of some types of poisoning appear.

Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. They will charge a consultation fee, currently $55.00. Have a credit card ready. You should also have at hand your pet’s species, breed, age, sex, weight, and the number of animals involved in the incident. Be prepared to describe the symptoms and furnish information on the substance in question, the amount ingested or chewed, the circumstances under which you found your pet, and the amount of time since the animal was exposed.

If your pet is having seizures, has lost consciousness or is in the process or doing so, or is having trouble breathing, take him or her immediately to your family vet or an emergency veterinary clinic. It might also be necessary for these practitioners to call the Animal Poison Control Center for assistance.