Pet symptom guide
My Dog Ate Something They Shouldn't Have — What Do I Do?
Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or run triage immediately. Time is critical with toxin ingestion.
Time-sensitive emergency risk
Not sure if this is serious?
Check your dog's symptoms nowWhat this symptom can mean
When a dog eats something toxic, fast action is often the difference between simple treatment and life-threatening complications. Many common items in homes are risky, including human medications, xylitol gum, rodenticides, grapes/raisins, cannabis products, cleaning agents, and some plants. Symptoms may start mild and worsen over hours.
Do not wait for severe signs. Contact poison support and your veterinarian right away with product details and estimated amount. Never induce vomiting unless a professional instructs you, because some substances can cause more injury coming back up. Use triage now to decide if emergency transport is needed immediately.
- •Educational only—not a diagnosis. Signs can change fast, especially overnight.
- •Watch energy, breathing, hydration, and gum color together—clusters of warning signs raise urgency.
- •If you're torn, the checker below helps you brief a vet in under a minute.
Common causes
- • Human foods (xylitol products, grapes/raisins, onions, chocolate)
- • Human medications and supplements
- • Rodenticides, cleaners, and household chemicals
- • Cannabis and nicotine products
- • Toxic plants and lawn/garden products
Emergency — act on these
When it IS an emergency
- • Seizure, collapse, severe tremors, or breathing difficulty
- • Persistent vomiting/diarrhea or altered mental status
- • Known ingestion of high-risk toxins (xylitol, rodenticide, meds)
Safer to monitor — not immediate ER
When it may be okay to wait briefly
- • Only if poison experts advise home monitoring after risk review
- • No symptoms plus low-risk exposure confirmed by professional guidance
What you can do at home while monitoring
- • Remove remaining toxin source from your dog's reach
- • Keep packaging/photo for exact ingredient and dose details
- • Call poison control and your vet immediately
- • Use triage while preparing for transport if advised
Related symptom guides
Overlapping signs on our emergency hub—then use the hub or checker for a structured pass.
FAQ
Should I make my dog vomit right away?
Not unless a veterinary professional tells you to. Some substances make induced vomiting dangerous.
What number should I call first?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435, plus your local veterinarian.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If you believe your dog is in immediate danger, contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.