Preventing and Responding to Pet Poisoning 0 of 25 Essential All
Pets · 25 steps, 7 essential
· sources checked 19 Oct 2026 · 9 of 11 · 11 sources
Preventing and Responding to Pet Poisoning Most pet poisonings happen in ordinary moments — a dropped pill, an open cabinet, a counter-surfing dog, a curious cat sniffing a lily. This checklist helps you poison-proof your home and know exactly what to do, in the right order, if you ever suspect your pet got into something they shouldn't have.
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Lock up all medications, human and veterinary Over-the-counter and human prescription medications were the top two reasons pet parents called the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) for help in 2019. Keep bottles in a closed cabinet, not a nightstand or a bag on the floor. Keep chocolate, xylitol, grapes, onions, and alcohol out of reach Xylitol is used in some peanut butters, along with grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, protein bars, and chocolate — all common causes of accidental poisoning. Secure cleaning products behind child-safety latches If you store things like bleach, drain cleaner, or detergent in low kitchen or bathroom cabinets, consider using child safety locks to keep curious pets out. Store rodenticides where pets truly can't reach them if if you use rodenticides Rodenticides are edible bait products designed to kill mice and rats that can also easily kill larger animals, causing death via internal bleeding, high calcium levels, brain swelling, or poison gas production in the stomach. Non-chemical rodent control is safer around pets. Check houseplants and cut flowers before bringing them inside if especially for cat owners Certain lilies like daylilies and tiger lilies are highly toxic to cats — even ingesting pollen from these lilies can cause kidney failure. Keep pets off treated lawns until they're dry Fertilizers can contain poisonous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, herbicides and pesticides. Store veterinary chewable medications like a locked-away human med if if you have chewable vet meds These are flavored to taste like treats, and dogs have been known to eat a whole bottle in one go. Fence pools and ponds, supervise pets outdoors Especially dogs that dig, roam, or explore unfamiliar yards where a neighbor may have set out bait. Save poison control numbers in your phone now ASPCA Poison Control is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 is also available 24/7. Both charge a consultation fee.
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If you suspect poisoning: act fast, but don't guess
Move your pet away from the source right now Remove your pet from the area and prevent further exposure. Check every pet in the home, not just the one you saw If you have multiple pets in your home, make sure to check each one, even if you don't think they were involved. Look at how your pet is doing Check to see how your pet is doing. Are they acting normal? Is there any evidence of vomiting or diarrhea? Don't give any home remedy or antidote Do NOT give any home antidotes. Do NOT induce vomiting without consulting a vet or Pet Poison Helpline. Never make your pet vomit without professional guidance first Some pets can't safely bring things back up — dogs with flat faces can have breathing issues that may prevent instructing you to make your pet vomit at home. Corrosive substances and sharp objects are also never safe to vomit. Gather the evidence: packaging, label, plant, or substance Having as much information on what your pet was exposed to as possible is incredibly helpful, including the product's strength and how much your pet may have gotten into. Note the time and estimated amount ingested This changes the treatment plan and how urgent the case is. If exposure is on skin or fur, rinse it off before it's licked if chemical spill on skin or fur For chemical spills, if the label instructs you to wash your hands with soap and water if you're exposed, then wash your pet's skin with soap and water, but don't get any into its eyes, mouth or nose. That’s everything. Nice work.
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