Pet Poisoning: What to Do

Poisoning is a race against the clock

Pets are curious, and many of the ordinary things in a home are dangerous to them. Poisoning can happen in seconds — a dropped tablet, a baited trap, a sweetened drink — and the effects are sometimes delayed by hours. The single most important thing you can do is act calmly and quickly, rather than waiting to see whether your pet becomes unwell.

At Mecco we are here to guide you through the first minutes, so please call us as soon as you suspect your pet has eaten or touched something harmful. Even if you are not certain, advice costs nothing and a delay can cost a great deal.

Common household poisons

The list below covers the substances we are asked about most often, but it is not exhaustive. If something is not here and you are worried, treat it as a potential poison and call us.

• Chocolate, especially dark or cooking chocolate, and cocoa products
• Grapes, raisins, sultanas, onions, garlic and xylitol sweetener
• Human medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and some antidepressants
• Rat and mouse baits, snail pellets, insecticides and fertilisers
• Certain garden and household plants, including lilies for cats
• Antifreeze, paraffin, drain cleaners and other corrosive chemicals
• Mouldy food, compost and alcohol

Warning signs to watch for

Signs vary with the poison and may appear gradually. Any of the following after possible exposure warrants an immediate call.

• Vomiting, diarrhoea or drooling
• Twitching, tremors, staggering or seizures
• Weakness, collapse or difficulty breathing
• Pale, blue or unusually bright gums
• Burns, redness or irritation around the mouth, paws or skin
• Restlessness, confusion or unusual vocalisation
• Bleeding that will not stop, or blood in vomit or stool

What to do right away

Things you should never do

Do not induce vomiting unless we tell you to. Do not give food, milk, oil or home remedies in an attempt to “absorb” or “neutralise” the poison. Do not give human medicines — several common painkillers are seriously toxic to pets. Do not try to work out the dose yourself, and do not wait to see if symptoms settle.

If the substance touched the skin or eyes, rinse gently with plenty of clean, cool water and contact us for advice. If it was inhaled, move your pet into fresh air immediately while keeping them calm and warm.

What to tell us when you call

When you ring the clinic, try to have the following ready: the name of the product or plant; the amount you believe was eaten; the time it happened; your pet’s weight, age and any ongoing medication; and the symptoms you have seen. A photograph of the packaging can be sent to us if that is easier.

This information is not a formality — it shapes which tests and treatments we prepare before you even arrive.

Prevention and when to call immediately

Store medicines, cleaning products and pesticides in closed, high cupboards well out of reach. Keep bins secure, check your garden for toxic plants, and never leave a pet alone with a baited area. Teach children not to share food with pets.

Call us immediately — day or night — for any suspected poisoning, and always before trying to treat it at home. A pet that seems perfectly well now may still be in serious danger, because many poisons take hours to show themselves.