Pets are curious by nature, which sometimes leads them to eat things they should not. From chocolate to household cleaners, toxins are one of the most common reasons pet owners need urgent veterinary care. Knowing when to call poison control can make all the difference.

Common Pet Poisons

• Foods: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sugar substitute)
• Medications: Pain relievers, antidepressants, ADHD medication
• Household Products: Cleaning supplies, insecticides, rodenticides
• Plants: Lilies, azaleas, sago palm

Signs of Poisoning in Pets

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Weakness or collapse
• Seizures or tremors
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual behavior such as pacing or restlessness

What to Do if You Suspect Poisoning

1. Stay calm and remove your pet from the source.
2. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a professional. Some substances cause more harm coming back up.
3. Call your veterinarian or poison control immediately. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) is available 24/7.
4. Seek urgent veterinary care if your pet is showing symptoms.

When to Call Poison Control Right Away

• If your pet ate human medication
• If your pet got into chocolate, grapes, raisins, or xylitol
• If your pet chewed on toxic plants or ingested chemicals
• If you are unsure whether something is poisonous

At Westlake Veterinary Urgent Care, we treat poisoning cases often. Quick action is critical. If you suspect your pet ate something dangerous, do not wait for symptoms to get worse. Call poison control and head to urgent care. Your fast response can save your pet’s life.