What to Do if Your Pet Eats Something Toxic: A Step-by-Step Guide for Canadians
Originally published 3/10/2022. Revised 9/3/2025
Pet poison control in Canada is more than a hotline, it’s a lifeline. If your dog or cat eats something toxic, every minute matters. Knowing what to do (and what not to do) can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a life-threatening emergency.
TL;DR: Quick Action Steps
Stay calm, act fast.
Do not automatically induce vomiting. It can sometimes make things worse.
Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline immediately (1-855-764-7661 for a fee)
Have details ready: what your pet ate, how much, and when.
Pets Plus Us members get 24/7 access to Pet Poison Helpline support.
Step 1: Assess the Situation Immediately
If you suspect your pet ate something harmful, don’t wait for symptoms. Toxic substances—from chocolate to antifreeze—can damage organs before your pet even looks sick.
Start by checking the environment. Packaging left on the floor, spilled bait, or a half-eaten plant are all red flags. Write down the time you noticed the problem and estimate how much your pet may have consumed. This information is critical for your vet or poison control team.
When it comes to accidental ingestion, it’s better to overestimate than underestimate. “Assuming the worst allows for the most aggressive and safest approach to treatment,” says medical director and PPU spokesperson Dr. Sperry, DVM. “For example, if your dog gets into an open bottle of pills, act as though they swallowed the entire full bottle.”
Step 2: Know When to Induce Vomiting (and When Not To)
The big question many pet parents ask is: when should I induce vomiting in my dog? To start, you should never induce vomiting without professional guidance.
Safe situations (only under vet instruction):
Your vet has confirmed the substance is one where vomiting helps.
Your pet is alert, conscious, and not at risk of choking.
Dangerous situations (never induce vomiting):
If your pet swallowed sharp objects, corrosives (like bleach), or oily substances (like gasoline).
If your pet is unconscious, having seizures, or struggling to breathe.
Bottom line: Always check with your vet or a pet poison control Canada resource before acting.
Step 3: Contact Emergency Resources
Call your veterinarian, an emergency vet, the Pet Poison Control Hotline 1-855-764-7661 (fees may apply) or the ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline 1-888-426-4435 (fees may apply) immediately.
If you’re a Pets Plus Us member, you can use your Blue Ribbon Benefits to contact the Pet Poison Helpline®: A 24/7 animal poison-control service that provides assistance with treating a potentially poisoned pet. Pet Poison Helpline is staffed with veterinary and toxicology professionals.
Provide details: substance, quantity, time, weight of your pet.
Follow instructions carefully—they may guide you through first aid at home or direct you to an emergency clinic.
If your pet is exhibiting unusual behaviours, you may want to take a video to show your vet.
Pro tip: Save these numbers in your phone now. Emergencies are not the time to start Googling.
Step 4: Prevention Is the Best Medicine
Dogs are curious and explore their world with their mouths. Many poisons—including prescription medications, pest baits, and antifreeze—might smell or taste appealing to them. Prevention is the safest and most cost-effective way to manage poisoning risks.
Simple pet poisoning prevention steps:
Safe storage: Store medications, de-wormers, and household chemicals in sealed, chew-proof containers.
Limit access: Keep dogs out of garages, shops, and sheds where toxins are stored.
Pest prevention: Avoid using rodenticides, pesticides, and toxic plants in your home or yard.
Teach “drop it”: One simple command could be the difference between a poison control visit and a false alarm.
Smoke safety: Dispose of cigarette butts properly and keep cannabis products far out of reach.
Pet proof: Many tamper-resistant bottles and packages are still accessible to pets with sharp teeth. Keep anything toxic to your dog or cat tightly locked away.
Farm pets: Be aware of livestock deworming schedules and prevent access to manure from recently dewormed animals.
Follow directions: Use over-the-counter meds, supplements, and remedies only as directed for dogs, and always under veterinary advice.
Crate train: When in doubt, crate train young or curious pets who might get into trouble when your back is turned.
First aid: Have a fully stocked pet first aid kit for those ‘just in case’ moments.
For more details, you can explore the Pet Poison Helpline’s list of common household poisons.
Step 5: Recognize the Signs of Poisoning
Sometimes you’ll discover the evidence first—chewed packaging or residue on your pet’s fur. Other times, the first clue is a sudden change in their behaviour. The signs depend on the toxin, but common symptoms of poisoning include:
Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Appetite loss
Sedation or, conversely, hyperactivity
Tremors, twitches, or seizures
Incoordination
Panting and/or excessive drooling
Changes in drinking or urination habits, or incontinence
Pale, bright red, or yellow gums
Bruising or unexplained bleeding
Key point: Even mild or delayed symptoms can signal serious internal damage. Always call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline right away if you suspect poisoning.
Step 6: Treating Toxin Exposure in Pets
Treatment depends entirely on the toxin. What works for one exposure can be the worst approach for another. That’s why professional guidance is essential.
What you can do safely:
Remove any remaining toxic material from your pet’s mouth or environment.
Wash off substances on fur, skin, or paws with dish soap (only if your pet is alert and stable).
Take the packaging, sample, or a photo of the toxin with you to the vet.
What not to do:
Don’t induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian familiar with the case.
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
Don’t give home remedies unless cleared by a professional.
Common Household Poisons: A Reference Guide for Pet Parents
Many of the biggest risks to dogs and cats come from everyday items in our homes and yards. Here’s a breakdown of the most common categories:
Foods
Chocolate: The darker the chocolate, the more toxic.
Grapes and raisins: Even small amounts can trigger kidney failure in dogs.
Onions, garlic, chives: Damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Xylitol: Found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and baked goods — can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and liver failure.
Alcohol and caffeine: Both affect the nervous system and heart.
Plants
Lilies (cats): All varieties of true lilies (Easter, tiger, daylily) can cause kidney failure.
Sago palm: Extremely toxic to dogs and cats, affecting the liver.
Azaleas, tulips, oleander: Cause vomiting, drooling, and in severe cases, organ failure.
Human Medications
Pain relievers: Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are especially dangerous.
Antidepressants and ADHD medications: Can cause tremors, seizures, and heart issues.
Cold and flu meds: Many contain pseudoephedrine or acetaminophen, both toxic to pets.
Chemicals & Household Products
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol): Sweet tasting but highly lethal.
Rodenticides and insect baits: Designed to be tasty, but deadly to pets.
Household cleaners: Bleach, disinfectants, and detergents can cause burns or poisoning.
Essential oils: Tea tree, peppermint, citrus, eucalyptus, and others can cause liver damage or neurological issues, especially in cats.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Sock or Other Object
Not every emergency involves toxic foods or chemicals. Dogs are notorious for swallowing things they shouldn’t — socks, toys, corn cobs, bones, or even entire shoes. These foreign objects can cause dangerous blockages or internal injuries if not treated quickly.
Why it’s serious:
Objects can get stuck in the stomach or intestines, causing an obstruction.
Blockages prevent food and water from moving through, leading to severe pain and vomiting.
Sharp or rigid items (like skewers, sticks, or splintered bones) can puncture the digestive tract.
What you should do:
Do not induce vomiting unless a vet specifically instructs you to. Sharp or bulky objects can cause more harm coming back up.
Call your veterinarian immediately. X-rays or ultrasounds are often needed to confirm where the object is.
Watch for symptoms: repeated vomiting, restlessness, whining, bloating, or straining without producing stool.
Treatment for dog foreign body ingestion:
Some small, smooth items may pass naturally — but always under veterinary supervision.
Surgery or endoscopy may be required to remove larger or hazardous objects safely.
Pro tip: If you think your pet swallowed something non-food, treat it as an emergency until proven otherwise. Waiting can turn a manageable situation into a life-threatening one.
What to Do if Your Cat Eats String, Ribbon, or Other Objects
Cats may be more selective eaters than dogs, but they’re still at risk of swallowing objects that can cause life-threatening blockages. Common culprits include string, hair ties, dental floss, sewing thread, and ribbon. These are especially dangerous because they can act like “linear foreign bodies,” pulling and cutting through the intestines.
Why it’s serious:
Long, thin items can get caught internally and cut into tissue.
Blockages may lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration.
Perforations of the intestine can cause severe infection (peritonitis).
What you should do:
Do not pull on visible string hanging from the mouth or anus. You could cause more internal damage.
Call your veterinarian right away. Imaging (X-rays or ultrasound) may be required.
Watch for symptoms: sudden vomiting, loss of appetite, hiding, lethargy, or painful belly when touched.
Treatment for cat foreign body ingestion:
Surgery is often required to remove string or ribbon safely.
Early intervention can significantly improve recovery chances.
Pro tip: Cats are often drawn to dangling items, so keep sewing supplies, hair elastics, and gift wrap materials securely stored. Prevention is much easier than treatment.
FAQs
Q: What foods and chemicals are most toxic to dogs and cats?
A: For dogs: chocolate, grapes, onions, xylitol, and antifreeze. For cats: lilies, canine or over the counter flea/tick medication, and certain human medications.
Q: Can cats also be treated for poisoning the same way as dogs?
A: Not always. Cats may metabolize toxins differently and can often be more sensitive. Never use dog-safe remedies on cats unless recommended by a professional. Always call poison control or your vet.
Q: How fast do symptoms show up?
A: Some toxins act within minutes while others may take hours or days. Never wait for symptoms if you suspect a toxin has been ingested.
Q: Does hydrogen peroxide work to make pets vomit?
A: Only under veterinary instruction. Misuse can cause ulcers, aspiration, or worse. Plus, veterinary prescription drugs are faster, safer, and more effective at inducing vomiting"
Key Takeaways
Act fast, don’t wait.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed.
Pet poison control and your vet are your first calls.
Prevention matters: store meds and chemicals safely and avoid household poisons.
Recognize symptoms early—anything unusual warrants a call.
Pets Plus Us helps keep you covered with 24/7 poison control access and emergency support through our Blue Ribbon Benefits, which include PetHelpFone™, the Pet Poison Helpline®, and bereavement counselling.