Pet Poison Hotlines

According to the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline, top sources of poisoning include:

• Human Medications: Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), antidepressants, and cold meds.
• Human Foods: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, xylitol (a sugar substitute).
• Household Items: Cleaning products, rodenticides, insecticides, antifreeze.
• Plants: Lilies (especially dangerous for cats), sago palms, azaleas, and tulips.

See a full list on Pet Poison Helpline’s searchable database or ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant guide.

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
•  Lethargy or unsteady movement
• Tremors or seizures
• Pale or yellow gums
• Unusual behavior or collapse

If you see any of these signs, contact a poison hotline or your veterinarian immediately.

No. Never induce vomiting or give home remedies unless instructed by a veterinarian or poison control expert. Some substances can cause more harm if vomited. Always consult a poison hotline before taking action.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and AAHA recommend:

• Store all medications and chemicals in secure, pet-proof cabinets.
• Never give human food without checking its safety for pets.
• Keep pet-safe plants and remove known toxic varieties.
• Watch pets closely indoors and out—many dangers are easily missed.

More safety tips:

• AVMA Household Hazards 
• AAHA: Poison Prevention 

Call a poison control center or our office immediately. Rat poison can be extremely dangerous—even a small amount may cause severe or life-threatening effects. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Treatment varies dramatically depending on the ingredient—so it’s essential to know exactly what your pet was exposed to.

Why this is urgent:
There are several types of rodenticides, and each contains a different active ingredient. These include:

• Anticoagulants (cause internal bleeding)
• Bromethalin (affects the brain)
• Cholecalciferol (causes kidney failure)
• Zinc or aluminum phosphide (can release toxic gas in the stomach)

What to do:

• Keep the packaging of the product, even if it’s empty
• Bring the packaging with you to the hospital
• Share the product name, active ingredient, and any timing details with your vet or the poison hotline

Contact right away:

• Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435

Fast, informed action can be the difference between recovery and serious harm.

Don’t wait—call a poison control center or your vet right away. Medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antidepressants, ADHD meds, and even supplements can be extremely harmful to pets.

Important:

• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed
• Have the name and dosage of the medication ready
• Know your pet’s approximate weight

Many pet poisonings involve common medications that seem harmless to humans but can cause serious or life-threatening effects in animals.

Some human foods can be dangerous or even deadly to pets. Avoid feeding your pet the following:

• Chocolate (contains theobromine, toxic to dogs and cats)
• Grapes & raisins (can cause kidney failure in dogs)
• Onions & garlic (damage red blood cells)
• Xylitol (sugar substitute found in gum, candy, some peanut butters, some human medications—can cause liver failure or low blood sugar)
• Alcohol and caffeine (both are highly toxic)
• Raw bread dough, macadamia nuts, and bones from cooked meat are also hazardous

See full lists from AVMA, ASPCA, or Pet Poison Helpline.

Both the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and Pet Poison Helpline operate with dedicated veterinary toxicology teams available 24/7. The consultation fees help support:

• Round-the-clock access to licensed veterinarians and board-certified toxicologists
• Detailed case management and follow-up for ongoing care
• Continuously updated databases of toxins and treatment protocols

This service is often less expensive—and much faster—than an emergency visit, and it provides your veterinarian with expert guidance for treatment.