My Pet May Have Eaten Something Poisonous – What Now?!
It's every pet owner's worst nightmare: you turn your back for a second, and suddenly Fido is munching on something he shouldn't. Whether it's a dropped medication, a curious sniff of a toxic plant, or a raiding of the pantry, accidental poisonings happen, and they can be incredibly frightening. As your dedicated veterinarian team at Orange Grove Animal Hospital in Tucson, AZ, we want to equip you with the crucial steps to take if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous.
If you are unsure what you pet has ingested is toxic to them, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control IMMEDIATELY.
This is the absolute first thing you should do, even before calling us. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your lifeline in these situations.
Here's why they are your first call, and how it benefits your pet and us:
Direct Expertise: The APCC (reachable at 888-426-4435) is staffed 24/7 by veterinary toxicologists. These are specialists who deal only with animal poisonings. They have an unparalleled database of toxic substances and their effects on pets.
Open a Case: When you call, you'll open a case with them. This is vital! They will guide you through immediate first aid steps, tell you exactly what to look for, and advise whether you need to rush to an emergency vet.
Crucial Information Sharing: Once you have a case number with the APCC, bring your pet directly to us or the nearest emergency clinic. We then call the APCC directly, reference your case number, and get all the detailed information and treatment recommendations they've provided. This saves critical time and ensures we are working with the most accurate and up-to-date information for your pet's specific situation. It prevents redundant information gathering and allows us to focus immediately on treatment.
Peace of Mind (as much as possible): Having a professional guiding you through those initial, terrifying moments can make all the difference.
What Information Should You Have Ready When You Call APCC?
Your pet's species, breed, age, sex, and weight.
The substance ingested: Be as specific as possible (e.g., "three ibuprofen 200mg pills," "a handful of azalea leaves," "ant bait trap").
The amount ingested (best estimate).
When the ingestion occurred (best estimate).
Any symptoms your pet is currently showing.
Common Household Toxins to Watch Out For:
While the APCC can advise on anything, here are some common culprits we encounter:
Human Medications: Even common over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, acetaminophen (for cats), and cold medicines are highly toxic to your pets. Keep ALL medications securely stored.
Food Items: Chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products), grapes/raisins, onions, garlic, and avocado (pits/skin for some breeds) are dangerous.
Household Products: Cleaning supplies, antifreeze (highly appealing to pets due to its sweet taste!), pest control products (rodenticides, insecticides), and even some fertilizers can be deadly.
Spotlight: Toxic Plants in Arizona
Arizona's unique desert ecosystem means it has some very specific toxic plants. Some well-known plants that are toxic to dogs are:
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta): Although not a true palm, this plant is frequently used in landscaping. All parts of the sago palm are toxic, with the seeds and nuts being the most dangerous. Ingestion can lead to severe liver failure.
Oleander: A common and highly toxic ornamental shrub with white, pink, or red flowers. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and even a small amount can cause severe heart problems.
Desert Rose: Also known as the Mock Azalea, this plant is highly poisonous to dogs due to its toxic sap. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurological issues.
