If you suspect your pet ate something toxic, call right away, even if they seem fine. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to.
Call us at (905) 576-8885. If we are closed, contact the nearest emergency veterinary hospital or a pet poison hotline.
Discovering your pet may have gotten into something toxic is frightening, and knowing what to do in the first few minutes really does matter.
Many common household items, foods, plants, and medications are more dangerous to pets than most people realize. Acting quickly, and calmly, gives your pet the best chance at a good outcome.
At Wilson Road Vet Clinic, Dr. Yessa walks Oshawa pet owners through poisoning concerns regularly. Here’s what to know and do.
Common Household Toxins
- Certain human foods (chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol)
- Human medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers
- Rodenticides and insecticides
- Antifreeze
- Certain houseplants and garden plants
- Cleaning products
Signs of Possible Poisoning
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Drooling
- Tremors or seizures
- Weakness or collapse
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual behaviour or disorientation
Some toxins cause symptoms quickly, while others may take hours to appear.
What to Do Immediately
- Move your pet away from the suspected source
- Try to identify what was ingested, and how much, if possible
- Keep the packaging or a sample, if safe to do so, to show us
- Call us or an emergency veterinary hospital right away, even if your pet seems fine
- Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking guidance
What Not to Do
- Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian, since this isn’t safe for every substance
- Do not give any home remedy without professional guidance
- Do not assume “a little bit” is automatically safe
Information That Helps Us Help Your Pet
- What was ingested, including brand name or ingredients if known
- The approximate amount
- When it happened
- Your pet’s weight
- Any symptoms you’ve noticed so far
What Happens at the Visit
- Inducing vomiting, if appropriate and within a safe timeframe
- Activated charcoal, to help bind certain toxins
- Bloodwork, to monitor organ function
- Supportive care, such as IV fluids
- Close monitoring for delayed symptoms
How We Can Help
At Wilson Road Vet Clinic, we can help assess the urgency based on what your pet ingested and guide you through next steps quickly.
If our clinic is closed, please contact the nearest emergency veterinary hospital or a pet poison hotline right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if I think my pet ate something toxic?
Move them away from the source, identify what was ingested if possible, and call us or an emergency vet right away.
Should I make my pet vomit at home?
Not without guidance from a veterinarian first, since this isn’t safe or effective for every toxin.
How do I know if something is dangerous to my pet?
When in doubt, call us. Many common foods, plants, and household items are more toxic to pets than expected.
What if my pet seems completely fine after eating something toxic?
Some toxins cause delayed symptoms. Please call us anyway rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
Are houseplants a common source of pet poisoning?
Yes, several common houseplants are toxic to pets. We’re happy to discuss pet-safe plant options.
What information should I have ready when I call?
What was ingested, how much, when it happened, and your pet’s weight, if you have that information.
Is activated charcoal always used for poisoning cases?
Not always, it depends on the specific toxin and timing. We’ll determine the right approach for your pet’s situation.
What if this happens outside of your clinic hours?
Please contact the nearest emergency veterinary hospital or a pet poison hotline immediately.
Think Your Pet Ingested Something Toxic?
Dr. Yessa and the team at Wilson Road Vet Clinic are here to help.
Call (905) 576-8885
371 Wilson Road South, Oshawa, ON L1H 6C6
Call right away, don’t wait for symptoms. If our clinic is closed, contact the nearest emergency veterinary hospital or a pet poison hotline.