Pet Poisoning

What to do in a pet poison emergency

Oregon Poison Center is a service for human poison emergencies but we know pets are valued members of your family. They are quick and curious and gain access to poisonous substances in an instant. If you think your pet has come into contact with a poison, contact your veterinarian or call one of these animal poison hotlines:

ASPCA Poison Control Hotline | 1-888-426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline | 1-855-764-7661

When you call one of these hotlines, stay calm and be ready to provide the following information:

  • Your name and phone number
  • Name of the product your pet was exposed to
  • Pet information
  • Symptoms your pet is experiencing
  • Details about the exposure

Common poisons that can harm your pets

Kitchen

Food such as grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure or death in dogs. Many people know that chocolate and the sugar substitute xylitol can be deadly if eaten by a dog. However, did you know that yeast containing dough, alcoholic beverages, avocado, and macadamia nuts could also be harmful to dogs?

Bathroom

Pain relieving drugs can be deadly for your pet. Cats should never be given acetaminophen-containing drugs, such as Tylenol®. Never give any supplements or drugs to your pet without talking with your veterinarian first. What may work well for humans could be deadly to pets.

Bedroom

Mothballs can cause deadly problems for your family pet. They can cause vomiting, seizures and death for dogs.

Living room

Household plants or flowers within a table arrangement can cause health risks for your dog or cat. Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and day lilies can cause kidney failure in cats.

Garage or yard

Antifreeze car coolants can cause renal failure and death in animals. Watch out for any liquids leaking from your car or truck. These chemicals can taste sweet and therefore enticing to any pet. Antifreeze can be deadly in very small amounts.

Your pets can be attracted to pesticides like ant baits, slug or snail baits. Many of these products are sweet smelling and tasting. Some even have ingredients like peanut butter, which many dogs cannot resist.

Dog in Home
siamese cat on a bed
Green parrot with blue background