Pet Emergency Guide
If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, act quickly.
Poison Control Hotlines
When to Call Immediately
- Your pet ate chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, or macadamia nuts
- Your pet is vomiting repeatedly, having seizures, or difficulty breathing
- You suspect poisoning but are not sure what was ingested
- Your pet is lethargic, unresponsive, or in obvious pain
Steps to Take
- Stay calm and remove your pet from the source.
- Check the packaging or take a photo of what was eaten.
- Estimate how much was consumed and when.
- Call the ASPCA Poison Control Center or your vet immediately.
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
Common Toxic Foods
Grapes
Highly toxic. Even small amounts can cause acute kidney failure in some dogs.
Chocolate
Toxic. Theobromine and caffeine can cause serious illness.
Onions
Toxic. Damages red blood cells and can cause life-threatening anemia.
Garlic
Toxic. More potent than onions and can cause anemia.
Xylitol
Extremely toxic. Can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure.
Avocado
Can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The large pit is a choking and obstruction hazard.
Macadamia Nuts
Toxic to dogs; can cause weakness, vomiting, and hyperthermia.
Alcohol
Alcohol is rapidly absorbed and can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature.
Coffee
Coffee contains caffeine, which can cause life-threatening heart and nervous system stimulation.
Raw Bread Dough
Dangerous. Yeast ferments in the stomach, producing alcohol and causing bloat.