Common signs your dog may be poisoned
- Stomach and gut: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, refusing food
- Nervous system: tremors, wobbliness, seizures, unusual agitation or sleepiness, dilated pupils
- Heart and breathing: racing heart, panting, labored breathing
- Blood: pale or yellow gums, bruising, nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool
- Kidneys: drinking and peeing more, then peeing less or not at all
Signs by toxin
| Toxin | Typical signs | When |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Vomiting, hyperactivity, racing heart, tremors | 6 to 12 hours |
| Xylitol (sugar-free gum, some peanut butters) | Weakness, collapse and seizures from low blood sugar, then liver damage | 15 to 60 minutes |
| Grapes and raisins | Vomiting, lethargy, reduced urine | Hours to 3 days |
| Onions and garlic | Weakness, pale gums, dark urine | 1 to 5 days |
| Rat poison (anticoagulant) | Bleeding, bruising, weakness, coughing | 3 to 7 days |
| Ibuprofen and naproxen | Vomiting (possibly bloody), black stools, kidney damage | Hours to days |
| Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) | Seeming drunk, then kidney failure | 30 minutes, then 1 to 3 days |
| Cannabis (THC) | Wobbly, dribbling urine, dilated pupils, sensitive to noise | 30 minutes to 3 hours |
First aid: what to do
- Get your dog away from the source and keep the packaging.
- Call your vet, an emergency clinic, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Fees may apply.
- Do not make your dog vomit unless a professional tells you to. Some substances (caustics, petroleum products) do more harm coming back up.
- If your dog is seizing, collapsed or struggling to breathe, go straight to the nearest emergency vet.
Quick risk checks: chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion and garlic.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for a dog to show signs of poisoning?
Anywhere from minutes (xylitol, some insecticides) to several days (rat poison, onions, grapes). Never wait for signs if you know your dog ate something toxic.
Can I give milk to a poisoned dog?
No. Milk does not neutralize poisons and can make vomiting worse. Call a vet or poison line for advice.