What are the symptoms of pet poisoning and how should I respond?

Pet Poisoning: Symptoms and Emergency Response

If your pet shows signs of poisoning such as sleepiness, seizures, difficulty breathing, or vomiting, immediately call a poison control center (800-222-1222 in the US) or emergency veterinary services and seek immediate veterinary care. 1

Common Symptoms of Pet Poisoning

Symptoms vary depending on the type of poison and can include:

General Symptoms

• Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
• Increased thirst (polydipsia)
• Lethargy or sleepiness
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

Neurological Symptoms

• Hyperexcitability
• Hyperirritability
• Ataxia (loss of coordination)
• Muscle twitching
• Confusion
• Seizures 1

Cardiovascular/Respiratory Symptoms

• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Excessive panting
• Cardiac arrhythmias 1

Emergency Response Algorithm

Step 1: Assess Severity

If your pet shows any life-threatening symptoms (difficulty breathing, seizures, unconsciousness, severe vomiting):

• Immediately transport to emergency veterinary care
• Call ahead if possible to alert the clinic

Step 2: Contact Poison Control

• Call the Pet Poison Helpline (800-222-1222 in the US) 1
• Have ready:
  • The suspected poison's name/product
  • When exposure occurred
  • Amount of substance involved
  • Pet's weight, age, and current symptoms

Step 3: Follow Professional Guidance

Important: Do NOT attempt home treatments without professional advice

• DO NOT administer:
  • Milk or water to dilute the poison 1
  • Activated charcoal without veterinary direction 1
  • Syrup of ipecac (harmful and ineffective) 1

Step 4: Specific Poison Scenarios

For Chemical Exposure on Skin/Fur:

• Brush off powdered chemicals with gloved hand or cloth
• Remove contaminated clothing/collars
• Rinse affected area with copious amounts of water 1

For Eye Exposure:

• Rinse eyes immediately with copious amounts of water 1

For Chocolate Poisoning (Dogs):

Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs. Symptoms appear within 2-24 hours and may include:

• Vomiting, haematemesis, increased thirst
• Hyperexcitability, tachycardia, excessive panting
• Can progress to cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and death 1

Common Pet Poisons to Be Aware Of

1. Medications: Human and veterinary drugs, especially NSAIDs 2
2. Pesticides/Rodenticides: Highly toxic to pets 2
3. Household products: Cleaning supplies, antifreeze
4. Plants: Many common houseplants (like Dieffenbachia/dumb cane) 3
5. Foods: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic
6. Garden products: Fertilizers, insecticides

Prevention Tips

• Store medications, cleaning products, and chemicals out of reach
• Research plants before bringing them into a home with pets
• Keep trash secured
• Be aware of seasonal hazards (holiday plants, antifreeze in winter)
• Know which human foods are toxic to pets

Remember that rapid response is critical in poisoning cases. The prognosis improves significantly with prompt and appropriate medical intervention. Always err on the side of caution and seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has been poisoned.